In the X-Men 97 Season 2 finale, despite everything, they still have faith.
The past, present, and future are at the balance once again in X-Men 97 Season 2 finale. Apocalypse makes another attempt to teach Charles Xavier and his team of what will be his undoing.
Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers about the episode. Read at your own risk.
X-Men 97 Season 2 Episode 9: “Survival of the Fittest”
As we can see from the ending of last week’s episode, we see Val Cooper and her X-Factor propose a partnership to Cable and his X-Force to take down Charles’ X-Men. Specifically, finishing off Gambit, as he is still unconscious with Apocalypse hiding inside his mind.
Meanwhile, Rogue, Beast, and Nightcrawler go to Apocalypse’s “Ship”. They encounter a portal, and Rogue goes inside out of desperation to save Gambit. Moreover, inside the portal, she meets Eson the Celestial. Eson offers Rogue a chance to save Gambit. But, it comes with a sacrifice. She comes out with Celestial powers, giving Nightcrawler a hug.
X-Force/X-Factor v X-Men
As X-Factor and X-Force agree to join forces, they plan to attack the X-Corp building. The upcoming scenes make you feel as the viewer that this is the X-Men 97 season 2 finale. The sense of urgency here is executed good here. Additionally, we get a type Captain America: Civil War battle here, with the different X-teams going at each other.
Of course, these types of battles we get different fan services here. From the family drama of Cable, Cyclops, and Jean Grey. A tag team battle of Wolverine/Morph and Psylocke/Archangel. Moreover, a kind of underdog conflict here with Polaris/Bishop against the other X-Factor members. Lastly, a battle in the sky between Jubilee and Havok.
The battle comes to an end with Cable seeing an opening to shoot a recently awakened Gambit and pulls the trigger. In a state of shock, everyone stops to look at Gambit’s body. But, Apocalypse takes over Gambit’s body and re-introduces himself to everyone.
Gamb-ocalypse
A combination of Dark Gambit’s horseman form and Apocalypse appear before everyone in the building. Of course, he overpowers everyone, leaving Charles, another face off between the two. Moreover, Apocalypse reminds Charles that the teacher is going to learn the lesson. His care for everyone will be his undoing, Charles is surrounded with mind-controlled X-men, X-Factor, and X-Force members, ready to take him out.
Just as everything seems grim, Rogue returns and saves everyone from the control of Apocalypse. Charles gives his own lesson to Apocalypse, that Rogue is proof that this will not be his undoing. Additionally, Rogue stops Apocalypse and saves Gambit once again. Apocalypse gets trapped inside an orb-like object and gives it to Cable. Specifically, hinting him that his destiny is at his hands.
“I have faith”
After the battle, they regroup. They question Rogue how she got those powers that save Gambit, she mentions she offer Eson a deal. But, remember a sacrifice has to be made. Moreover, Beast also returns, but no Nightcrawler.
We find out that he is the one who made the sacrifice to Eson. He tells Eson that he hopes his sacrifice is the seed for everyone to be good. Lastly, he tells Eson that he has “faith” in everyone. A montage shows everyone finally getting a well-deserve peace and happiness.
Season 2 thoughts
Overall thoughts for the season, it is still pretty good. But to be honest, the season peak in the first-half. Specifically, the shock and dread we all feel that Apocalypse is a legit threat and him killing Magneto is one of the definite highlights of the season.
The second-half of the season is still good but it did not reach the height the first half did. With that said, watching the whole season is still a joy to watch. The fan service is still there, from the Wolverine-focused Brood episode, the X-Force and X-Factor heavy episode, and Polaris getting the spotlight she deserves!
The final scene of the finale shows Mystique coming back, and for that, we are excited to watch season 3 which comes next year!
All episodes of X-Men 97 season 2 are available to stream on Disney+!
