In its latest installment, the massively successful nostalgia trip X-Men ’97 continues to be a winner for Marvel Animation and its fans new and old – but is the animated series rushing through storylines too quickly?
Titled “Fire Made Flesh,” the third episode not only upholds the legacy of its 90s predecessor but also establishes itself as a standout project within the Marvel Studios lineup. However, it does so at the cost of a VERY condensed re-telling of the Inferno crossover in the X-Books from 1989.
Picking up directly from the events of the previous episode, where Magneto was exonerated and Storm left powerless, episode 3 introduces a riveting narrative twist: the emergence of a second Jean Grey at the X Mansion’s doorstep. This unexpected development sets the stage for a gripping exploration of identity and deception within the team.
Ngl, I wanted it to be 2 or 3 parts for this. One episode ain't enough for Inferno🤷♂️
— Nolan Grayson (@Omni_man96) March 28, 2024
As the episode’s plot unfolds, viewers are confronted with the dilemma faced by Cyclops, unsure of which Jean to trust. Through Beast’s scientific investigation, it is revealed that the newcomer is the original Jean Grey, while the Jean previously known to the team is a clone.
This revelation not only adds layers to the narrative but also propels the plot forward at a brisk pace. However, the drama feels subdued due to the limited time given to explore the repercussions. For instance, the “real” Jean Grey is quickly recovering her memories with Logan (aka Wolverine) opening his mind to her, all the while Clone Jean becomes jaded far too easily.
It is then that the episode takes a dark turn with the revelation of Mister Sinister’s involvement, as Clone Jean succumbs to his control, unleashing chaos within the X Mansion. What follows is a harrowing sequence reminiscent of a horror film, as the mutant stronghold is overrun by nightmarish manifestations of characters’ fears.
The eerie atmosphere and grotesque imagery elevate the episode beyond typical animated fare, delivering a truly immersive experience for viewers. Amidst the chaos, Clone Jean reveals herself as the villainous Goblin Queen, setting the stage for a climactic confrontation with the X-Men.
Despite their best efforts, the team finds themselves outmatched by her formidable psychic powers. However, it is the original Jean Grey who ultimately intervenes, engaging in a visually stunning showdown that also works as a way to expedite retelling the origins of Jean and how she discovered her powers and recruited by Professor X.
The episode also lays the groundwork for future story arcs, particularly with the introduction of Nathan Summers, who is revealed to be deliberately afflicted by a techno-organic virus. This subplot not only adds urgency to the narrative but also hints at the character’s future evolution into Cable, a beloved figure in X-Men lore.
One wrinkle is that Bishop is the one to take baby Cable into the future instead of the Askani, a militant and pseudo-religious order of mutants dedicated to fighting Apocalypse. This could have major repercussions for how the future storylines unfold.
At the conclusion of the X-Men ’97’s third episode, poignant farewells are exchanged, from the bittersweet parting of Cyclops and Jean Grey with their son to the departure of Madelyne Pryor, the episode deftly navigates themes of loss and redemption. It also sets up the next episode, which will focus on Storm and her potential recovery with the help of mutant technological genius Forge.
In its third outing, X-Men ’97 proves once again why it stands out as a must-watch series for fans of the franchise. Is it going too fast? Does it feel like it’s rushing toward the end to catch up to more recent storylines past the 1990s? Would you like more time dedicated to exploring key events like Inferno, Fatal Attractions, and more as the series progresses?
New episodes of X-Men ’97 stream every Wednesday until May 15 on Disney+.
