We return to the Savage Land in X-Men ’97 Season 2 episode 7.
The X-Men return to the Savage Land in X-Men ’97 Season 2 episode 7, where they confront a new mutant group on the rise. Charles forms a “new” team to honor Magnus’ memory, while Graydon Creed makes his move as he pushes his mutant-hating agenda.
Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers about the episode. Read at your own risk.
X-Men ’97 Season 2 Episode 7: “Strange Land, Savage Heart”
At the end of last week’s episode, Charles rebrands his X-Men team as “X-Corp.” Their main goal is to protect mutants around the world, but the team’s formation quickly sparks controversy, particularly with Val Cooper, as they come into conflict with her X-Factor team.
Meanwhile, we get a flashback to Colossus. During the attack on Genosha, we see him and his sister, Magik, save other mutants from the onslaught. The siblings do everything they can to protect the others, but as we already know, their efforts are not enough. Colossus survives the attack, but Magik perishes.
The Acolytes of Magneto
Back in the present, Graydon Creed addresses his mutant-hating supporters that he is running for president. Specifically, he vows to put an end to the freedom of mutants to avoid an attack similar to Genosha. But, he gets interrupted as Colossus, together with a band of mutants ambush Creed’s speech and hold him hostage. They introduce themselves as “The Acolytes of Mganeto”, lead by Exodus. They kidnap Creed and leave.
Meanwhile, back at the X-Corp. tower, Charles and Val debate on this new threat. Charles is already ahead of Val as he sends his team to The Savage lands to save Creed.
The Land of Savage
The X-Corp. go to the Savage lands, while arriving they trigger the security measures of the island and they crash-land. Additionally, their powers are put on hold as the Acolytes rebooted the tower of the island that suppresses their powers. They are welcomed by Colossus, but directly tells them that they are not giving Creed to them.
A character highlight of this episode is Nightcrawler. Specifically, his complicated relationship with Creed as he shares that they are half-brothers, both share the same mother in Mystique. Clearly, he still wants his brother spared. Despite all the wrongdoings Creed did. Nightcrawler, on his Catholic ways, wants to save his brother. As he believes, all should have a chance at redemption.
The trial of Graydon Creed
Exodus, Colossus, and the other Acolytes want Creed gone. But, Nightcrawler believes that Creed deserves a trial for his crimes against mutants. If Exodus wins, he will join the Acolytes. AS to who will judge the trial? Nightcrawler proposes Colossus, to which he agrees.
The trial commences, Exodus confidently shares his argument to which he receives almost unanimous support. Next, Nightcrawler asks his half-brother why he hates mutants. Basically, his hatred roots from his mutant parents in Sabretooth and Mystique. Always sees himself as a failure to his parents’ eyes, he vows to hate mutants with all his heart. Exodus is not having it as he rushes Colossus to make a decision. As the conflict arises, the tower that suppresses mutant powers is destroyed by Bishop and Polaris. A fight ensues between X-Corp. and the Acolytes.
During the battle, Creed sees a chance and fatally shoots Exodus in the chest. Nightcrawler, teleports with his brother to the arctic. He reminds Creed that he will never be a mutant, but very much his parents’ son. Lastly, he spares and leaves him there. Val informs Charles that Creed is apprehended by the X-Factor.
Final thoughts
Another good episode, glad to see the quality and consistency of the season is still high. We see the beginning conflict Val’s X-Factor and Charles’ X-Corp., similarly to the rivalry with X-Force. Specifically, those teams serve the same purpose, but vary in execution.
Good to see Nightcrawler and Colossus take the stage in this episode. We are nearing at the end, how will they solve the Apocalypse problem? Surprisingly, things take a turn and we cannot wait for next week!
X-Men ’97 season 2 episode 7 is now available to stream on Disney+.
