We have reached the penultimate episode in X-Men ‘97 Season 2.
The threat of Apocalypse continues in X-Men ’97 Season 2 episode 8, a familiar face returns. Rogue continues her yearning for Gambit, and the X-Force contacts the X-Men for some urgent news.
Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers about the episode. Read at your own risk.
X-Men ‘97 Season 2 Episode 8: “The Dead Man’s Hand”
Picking up from the last episode, the X-Force discover Apocalypse, seemingly dead. This definitely takes a very interesting turn. Moreover, they go to the X-Corp tower to deliver the body of Apocalypse. They inform Charles and the other X-Men of what happened.
Meanwhile, a revived Gambit, in his Horseman form has plans of his own. Charles pinpoints his location and the X-Men and X-Force go to stop Gambit.
“Death is evolution”
Gambit goes back to his roots, he sends an invite to his former guild members. Unknowingly, they take the invite and fall right for his trap, turning them into his goons. Meanwhile, the X-Men and X-Force are going when fall into an ambush by Gambit and the guild, a fight ensues.
The plan is to distance Rogue from them for Gambit to go to her. Unfortunately, the plan fails and Gambit puts her top sleep. Nightcrawler attempts to reason with Gambit, but is put under his control.
Gambit and the story of the X-Ternal
Rogue wakes up at the Guild’s place, and is greeted by Nightcrawler telling her that dinner is ready. She sees Gambit, and the two share a moment. Moreover, the guild prepare a ceremony for both, and Gambit tells Rogue that Apocalypse also felt love before.
He shares that Apocalypse gives a piece of his power to Candra the External. Candra is the deity that he and the guild believe in. Additionally, Gambit summons Candra, kills and takes the power Apocalypse gave her. Gambit will use this power to Rogue and promises immortality to the both of them.
The X-Men and X-Force interrupt and another fight ensues. The guild and Nightcrawler fight them, and we just want to say that this action sequence, specifically Nightcrawler taking out the X-Men and X-Force one by one is a highlight of the episode.
Possibly, the whole season, as it continues to showcase his unique power set. As the fight continues, Gambit uses the power from Candra and puts it inside Rogue, incapacitating her. Additionally, Charles uses his powers to also incapacitate him. Cable sees this as an advantage and attempts to take out Gambit, as he sees this as a way to finish Apocalypse. The X-force turn on the X-Men and they duel each other.
“I always survive”
Inside Gambit’s mind, Charles continues to reason to his darker persona. He puts up a good fight but Gambit has every answer to Charles’ attack. Moreover, a last ditch attempt, Charles communicates to whatever is left of the old Gambit, and it rises.
But, it is put to stop as Apocalypse appears, hiding inside Gambit’s body all along. Apocalypse continues to mock Charles, and assures him that he always survives. Whether it is his body or someone else’s.
Meanwhile, Rogue also appears and grabs Gambit with her strength and saves him. But, Apocalypse also comes with him. After the battle, the X-Men monitor Gambit. Beast mentions that his vitals are faint but his mind is not, and Charles tells them that in order to save Gambit, they must find a way to get Apocalypse out and stop him.
Final thoughts
With the season finale coming, this episode sets it up well. We finally see Gambit alive, but in his horseman form.
Also, there is a growing conflict between the X-Men and X-Force, specifically, Cable. As he continues the struggle of fulfilling his destiny of taking out Apocalypse. Again, the action scene of Nightcrawler, is a highlight. It is always a treat seeing him in action.
X-Men ’97 season 2 episode 8 is now available to stream on Disney+.
