X-Men ’97 Season 2 Review: An Ambitious, Action-Packed, Apocalyptic Undertaking

Ever since X-Men ’97  Season 1 hit Disney+, not only did it create a larger community for the original series, but it also made us deeply connected with these characters. However, X-Men ’97 Season 2 goes all in with a slightly deeper thematic undertaking amidst all the explosive chaos.

Given Season 1’s cliffhanger, fans could see that the series was bound to utilize Apocalypse as Season 2’s big bad. Apocalypse is clearly one of the X-Men’s most dangerous villains, but unlike the original show, Season 2 offers to show a different perspective on things.

Rather than just plainly showing why Apocalypse is the main villain, X-Men ’97 Season 2 digs deeper into the choices that made him, and other characters, in the first place. This is because it manages to utilize the time travel elements very effectively through two specific characters.

X-Men ’97 Season 2’s specific focus on Apocalypse and Cable allows this intriguing parallel storyline to be made, showing two different sides of the same coin.

The show decides to take its time in presenting these two different eras the X-Men are stuck in. In the far future, the team led by Cyclops and Jean Grey are prioritizing a way home, but the two want to tell Nathan, who’s the younger Cable, about his heritage. Yet, Forge, wants to protect what’s inevitable.

This is all contained within Season 2 Episode 1 “Days of Past Future”, which succinctly lays the foundation for that thematic idea. Even though Scott and Jean know what’s coming, they want Nathan to ultimately have a better life.

The discussions and little debates they have on this episode deeply expands that divide that was formed in Season 1. They know what they want to do is right, but these external forces that surround the Summers want to keep things set in stone.

It’s almost inspirational to finally have that familial dialogue. Sure, the main thing that’s driving the emotion is the relationship between Scott, Jean, and Nathan. However, it’s also in those little conversations, like with Storm and Forge, that reinforce this theme nicely.

On the other end of X-Men ’97 Season 2, the conflict the other team faces is more harrowing than what Cyclops’ team faces.

What’s interesting is considering where Professor X and Magneto’s relationship is. Season 1 made them understand each other in wanting mutants to prosper, but still don’t see eye to eye. Here, their approach to preventing Apocalypse’s attack leads to perfectly heated moments.

Particularly, on Season 2 Episode 3 “Rise of Apocalypse, Part 1”, the idealisms of both mutant leaders conflict in such heartbreaking ways. Charles wants to prevent Apocalypse all together, but Magneto sees the potential that the villain can become. Although the other X-Men doubt their abilities, the duo’s perseverance will certainly pull on your emotions.

That said, there’s still heavy heartbreak that comes with this mission. There’s narrative and character-centric restraint shown with the trio, making you think it’s possible. Yet, the steps that lead to Apocalypse ultimately becoming who he is drives this untethered tension by Season 2 Episode 4.

Amidst all the time-travelling chaos of X-Men ’97 Season 2, it does take some time for classic X-Men action.

Specifically, Season 2 Episode 2, which revolves around Jubilee, Sunspot, and the new X-Force, captures that action-packed excitement. It’s somewhat of a fast-paced, cat-and-mouse chase between the duo and the new X-Factor, who’ve replaced the X-Men. Although there are still imprints of Season 2’s grand narrative, it feels much more contained, in terms of character involvement.

Speaking of X-Men ’97 Season 2’s narrative, it heavily digs into Apocalypse’s upbringing in Episodes 3 and 4. These two episodes essentially create a two-parter arc that integrates so many elements.

Some of these elements aren’t even necessarily mutant-related, which will certainly shock fans who’ve seen a specific MCU movie. Plus, the main “villain” of this arc is also quite a shocker, but also surprisingly fits the era this team is stuck in.

As for Season 2’s action, fans can expect so many explosive, colorful, bright sequences. It certainly feels like the animation has improved while still retaining that “classic” visual tone. In addition, because of how narratively darker Season 2 feels, the series is allowed to accentuate the more brutal sequences. No heads are rolling, but expect more blood to be spilled.

X-Men ’97 Season 2 confidently dives into the darkness of Apocalypse, offering a two-sided coin of what it means to take action. It’s another sensational showing from Marvel Animation, even if I’ve only seen four episodes so far.

Nonetheless, the future of X-Men ’97 looks bright (even though it’s darker!)

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X-Men ’97 Season 2 premieres on Wednesday, July 1, on Disney+.

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