In X-Men 97, the fight for mutant survival comes to the fore

In this before-and-after episode, ‘X-Men ’97’ takes us straight to the heart of the tragedy. The fifth episode of the season, titled “Remember”, takes place on the island of Genosha, an island promised to be a haven for mutants, but ends in one of the most brutal scenes of the series.

The spark that ignited the fire

The show begins with a festive atmosphere. Madelyne Pryor, Jean Gray’s clone, enjoys a night that promises to be unforgettable with her son in the future. However, what should have been a party turns out to be a disaster. A sudden explosion interrupts the fun and marks the beginning of a merciless attack by the Sentinels, resulting in an unprecedented genocide.

The hopeful leader Banshee tries to lead his friends to safety, but is set ablaze by one of the Sentinels in mid-flight. With him, Medulla, who seeks redemption and peace, shares his tragic fate. This attack is not only a physical injury, but also a serious injury to the spirit who dreams of the temple.

Victims of the silence of the night

Amidst the rubble and chaos, key figures such as Sebastian Shaw and Moira McTaggart fall without the camera focusing directly on them, underscoring the indiscriminate brutality of the attack. Their deaths, though not shown on screen, resonate with deep pain, reminding us of a time of peace in this universe.

In a final act of heroism, Magneto attempts to protect the Morlocks with a magnetic force field. However, even his powerful shield is not enough to stop the attack of “Godzilla’s Sentinel”, which disintegrates in an amazing situation. His fall marks the possible end of the dream of peaceful coexistence between humans and mutants.

Bravery in chaos

The episode concludes with Gambit, who in one last heroic effort tricks and destroys the “Godzilla Sentinel”. His sacrifice not only stopped the killing, but left Picara alone, pondering the consequences of the battle and the cost of the war.

‘X-Men’ 97 not only recreated the action and excitement of the original series, but also delved deeper into the emotional and moral complexities of the characters. With every death and every act of heroism, the series raises serious questions about justice, revenge and the value of well-being.

From optimism to despair

In past seasons, X-Men ’97 has attempted to balance elements of action and human drama, with characters ranging from almost mythical figures to deeply human and flawed beings. This episode is especially powerful because it focuses not only on tragedy, but also on perseverance and the ability to sacrifice. It’s a mirror of the moral dilemmas faced in its first incarnation in the 90s, but with a more raw and realistic approach. Fans old and new can see their own struggles reflected in these stories, making each episode not just a visual treat, but a deep reflection on conflict and survival.

In addition, X-Men 97’s narrative uses the richness of the Marvel Universe to connect its stories with events and characters from other series and films, enriching each new installment. When comparing this approach to other animated series, X-Men ’97 stands out for how it handles complex themes like loss and sacrifice without losing the dynamic and emotion that characterizes its comics. Not only does this keep the audience engaged, but it creates a strong emotional bond with the characters who, despite their powers, face incredible human challenges.

As fans recover from the intensity of this episode, it’s clear that the series is willing to explore the darker shades of the Marvel Universe, with more fun and perhaps more tragedy in the episodes to come.

X-Men 97 premieres a new episode every Wednesday on Disney+.