X-Men ’97 season 1 has been extremely tumultuous, posing many questions that will hopefully be answered in the season finale. Marvel’s X-Men ’97 is the triumphant revival of the iconic X-Men: The Animated Series from the 1990s. X-Men ’97 has not only managed to maintain the impressive legacy from the original series, but also elevate the narrative to a multi-episode story arc and an ever-changing line-up of heroes. As a result, there are numerous unresolved or undetermined features audiences are desperate to know.
X-Men ’97 has already proven itself to be one of Marvel’s greatest adaptations, with a second season already planned and a near-perfect Rotten Tomatoes score. The series has been characterized by its complex and compelling narratives, aimed at a more mature audience who watched the original as children during the 1990s. As such, X-Men ’97 has received similar treatment to the impressive entrants in the MCU timeline, posing numerous potential outcomes to a highly compelling storyline that has shaken the entire X-Men universe.
One of the biggest questions in X-Men ’97 is whether Gambit is really gone for good. Gambit died valiantly in episode 5, “Remember It,”sacrificing himself to protect the mutants on Genosha when the Wild Sentinels attacked. Gambit charged into battle heroically, and once pierced by the Sentinel, used his powers to charge the Sentinel with kinetic energy, exploding the murderous robot.
Death has never been a permanent feature in X-Men comics, numerous characters have died and returned repeatedly throughout its history – most notoriously Jean Grey. As such, there is a precedent for Gambit to be revived in some way in X-Men ’97. Magneto was also seemingly killed in “Remember It,” only to be revealed as alive. While Gambit’s death was different from Magneto’s, with his body recovered and buried at a funeral, there is still scope for Gambit to return. However, whether he will is another question.
Following Magneto’s reappearance and assault on Earth in X-Men ’97, “Tolerance Is Extinction – Part 2,” both Rogue and Sunspot defect to Magneto’s team. The X-Men team has been splintered throughout X-Men ’97 season 1, with Storm working to regain her powers while other characters face solo adventures. With Xavier’s return coinciding with Storm rejoining the team, it seemed that the X-Men team would finally be reunited after the tumultuous season.
However, with Rogue and Sunspot’s defection, the team is fractured once more. Whether the X-Men will reunite is unclear, though it may be the only way to defeat Bastion and the Prime Sentinels. Following Xavier’s return after his prolonged absence, X-Men ’97 episode 10 “Tolerance Is Extinction – Part 3” could be the first time the entire X-Men team appears together – provided they can reclaim Rogue and Sunspot’s support.
Bastion activated the Prime Sentinels in X-Men ’97, episode 7, “Tolerance Is Extinction – Part 1.” The humans-turned-cyborgs immediately wrought havoc on mutant society – attacking and burning down the Xavier mansion and imprisoning Jubilee and Sunspot. Magneto releases an EMP that causes a blackout around the world, which also shut down the Prime Sentinels. However, they can be seen in episode 9 “Tolerance Is Extinction – Part 2” frozen in place.
It seemed initially that Magneto’s EMP would have destroyed the Prime Sentinels. However, the reveal that they are simply locked in place suggests that they are still poised and ready to continue their murderous design. With Bastion distraught over his mother’s death, his efforts to destroy mutantkind will likely be doubled. Consequently, if Bastion can reactivate the Prime Sentinels, he likely will, with the terrible threat the Sentinels pose recommencing.
After Wolverine appears to fatally stab Magneto in X-Men ’97 episode 9 “Tolerance Is Extinction – Part 2,” Magneto responds by ripping the adamantium from Wolverine’s body. Wolverine’s skeleton is laced with unbreakable metal, which also coats his bone claws to give him his famed metal weapons. The episode ends on a cliffhanger, with Wolverine writhing in agony as the metal is drawn out of his body violently.
With X-Men ‘97’s rather cavalier attitude to killing central characters, it very well could mean the death of the famed X-Man. However, this gruesome removal of Wolverine’s adamantium skeleton did appear in X-Men comics, which Wolverine did, in fact, survive. With his impressive healing factor, Wolverine manages to endure the traumatic episode, regaining his metallic skeleton years later. Interestingly, Wolverine’s bone claws have not been depicted in the X-Men: TAS/X-Men ’97 continuity and could make for a fun development in the future. Though after the events of “Remember It,” anything could happen.
Upon seeing the destruction brought about by the Prime Sentinels in X-Men ’97 “Tolerance Is Extinction – Part 1,” Valerie Cooper frees Magneto from captivity, prompting him to fly to the North Pole and, hacking into the Earth’s magnetic fields, unleashes an electomagnetic pulse that causes a worldwide blackout. This is interpreted by many as Magneto declaring war on humanity, seemingly destroying all electronic technology on the planet.
Magneto’s EMP kills thousands around the world, plunging the planet into darkness. This seems like an impossible scenario for the X-Men to undo, though it is certainly within the mutant heroes’ remit. Depending on the potential outcome, this could constitute an apocalyptic timeline resolved through time travel – as seen frequently throughout X-Men: TAS. Certainly, technology will need to be restored for humanity to survive, but if or how this can be done is unclear.
Forge has had a central role in X-Men ’97, helping Storm to regain her powers and bringing his technological insight to plans to counter Bastion and in battles against Magneto in “Tolerance Is Extinction – Part 2.” As such, it appears that Forge may be on the verge of joining the team full-time. With other new additions and changes to the classic team throughout X-Men ‘97, it is certainly possible and would be a thrilling development.
Forge had scant appearances in X-Men: TAS, typically depicted in dystopian futures from which he sent Bishop into the past. Forge’s younger self appears in X-Men ’97, which reveals for the first time his association with the team before his post-apocalyptic timelines. Forge’s technology is central to the X-Men’s pending plan to defeat Bastion, so he will certainly appear in “Tolerance Is Extinction – Part 3.” However, more interestingly, Forge’s designs for his mechanical leg prosthetic were immune to Magneto’s EMP, so Forge could be vital in undoing the planet’s destruction.
Jean Grey and Scott Summers’ marriage has been notably strained since the clone Madelyne Pryor was revealed in X-Men ’97 episode 3 “Fire Made Flesh.” The couple have frequently fought, with Scott conflicted over his previous love for Madelyne and their shared child Nathan (AKA Cable). Jean has equally struggled with these emotions, obviously upset and jealous that she missed key elements of their relationship.
Jean Grey and Cyclops’s relationship is seemingly on the brink of collapse, though it should be noted that this has also happened on numerous occasions in Marvel Comics. Jean and Scott do normally manage to work out their problems and reunite in these instances, but there is little indication thus far in X-Men ’97. Jean’s telepathic call to Cyclops during her battle with Mister Sinister in “Tolerance Is Extinction – Part 2” is encouraging and evidently demonstrates their intense love for each other.
Following Gambit’s death in X-Men ’97 episode 5, “Remember It,” Nightcrawler joined the X-Men team and worked with them throughout as a main character. With only two highly popular appearances in X-Men: TAS, it seemed X-Men ’97 had swapped one fan-favorite for another. This was ostensibly confirmed by Nightcrawler earning his own introduction in the iconic opening credits. Since then, Nightcrawler has served as a vital member of the team, serving as a confidant to his sister Rogue during her grief.
The X-Men ’97 line-up has changed several times since episode 1, “To Me, My X-Men.” As such, little prediction over the team’s status can be made, regardless of an appearance in the opening credits. Bishop also appeared in the opening credits, only to be returned to his timeline in episode 3, “Fire Made Flesh.” Considering X-Men ‘97’s track record, Nightcrawler could be a permanent member, or he could be killed off in a surprising and harrowing manner at any moment.
One persistent quandary throughout X-Men ’97 season 1 has been when precisely Jean Grey was replaced by Mister Sinister’s clone, Madelyne Pryor. There has been little indication within the series, with Sinister taunting Jean with the information during their confrontation in “Tolerance Is Extinction.” There have been numerous theories swirling around the series since Madelyne’s reveal, which propose several opportunities during X-Men: The Animated Series in which Jean could have been replaced.
However, despite the evident fervor to determine the exact point of replacement, Jean herself seems fairly Stoic about the situation, even remarking to Sinister that Madelyne fights with her now. This recalls the comic book story in which the Phoenix Force merges Madelyne’s mind with Jean’s, meaning that Madelyne’s experiences and history become a part of Jean. While this wasn’t depicted in X-Men ’97, Jean’s resolve seemingly serves as a metaphor for this. This means that this question could go unresolved in X-Men ’97.