^{Credit: X-Men '97  (Disney+)}

The first season of X-Men ‘97 was everything we could’ve hoped for from a continuation of the Fox Kids staple. It honored the original while evolving almost every aspect, going further with the material than censors would’ve allowed thirty years ago. I feared that X-Men ‘97 might endure a sophomore slump, though, with Beau DeMayo being fired as head writer amid Season 2’s production. DeMayo is still credited on several Season 2 episodes, although his successor, Matthew Chauncey, would oversee script revisions. It’s hard to say exactly how this season would’ve turned out with DeMayo at the helm. In any case, X-Men ‘97 isn’t showing signs of dipping in quality, despite a few cracks beginning to show.

Season 2 again delivers the epic scale, strong character dynamics, and high emotional stakes, building upon where the first season left us. When we last saw the X-Men, they were spread across time with some in the past, others in the future, and the rest in the present (by which I mean the 1990s). All shared a common thread, however: Apocalypse. Whenever Apocalypse showed up in the original series, his presence cast such a wide shadow that it could rarely be contained to a single episode. This led to some of the show’s best multi-episode arcs. With X-Men ‘97 leaning even more into serialization, the spotlight belongs to Apocalypse in Season 2.

Technically, we’re given three Apocalypses: the enslaved mutant En Sabah Nur who has yet to become the monster we know, the future version who reigns supreme in 3960 A.D, and the present Apocalypse who has a new horseman in mind. Considering that one of this season’s episodes is titled “The Dead Man's Hand,” it shouldn’t come as a surprise that Gambit eventually returns, albeit not as his fellow X-Men remember him. As powerful as Gambit’s sacrifice was last season, Season 2 arguably brings us an even more shocking demise. Xavier and Magneto naturally find themselves at odds upon recounting En Sabah Nur in the past. Yet, their philosophies are somewhat turned around. 

Despite his tendency to see the best in mutants and humans alike, Xavier struggles to envision a future where Nur doesn’t become even worse than his oppressors. It’s Magneto who plays Devil’s advocate, believing Nur’s fate can be altered. In doing so, they can change history to benefit mutants. Magneto might’ve been right about some things, but not this. He pays with his life at Apocalypse’s hands. The look in Xavier’s eye as Magneto is vaporized says everything. For all the differences these two had, there was mutual respect, admiration, and love. Where Xavier sees a man wiped off the face of existence, Apocalypse merely sees an ant that he’s crushed.

As much as this season revolves around Apocalypse, X-Men ‘97 remains an ensemble piece. At times, the season runs the risk of becoming too crowded, as we jump between Cyclops and Jean reuniting with their son Nathan in the future, Jubilee and Sunspot joining up with Cable’s newly formed X-Factor, Xavier forming X-Corp on the ruins of Genosha, and Nightcrawler defending his estranged brother Graydon Creed as he stands trial. Admittedly, some are given more to do than others, with Beast, in particular, feeling underutilized. Even with an increasingly growing roster, though, Season 2 manages to maintain balance with generally gripping storylines.

If one episode felt underwhelming compared to the rest of the season, it would be the "Weapon X, Lies, and DVDs,” a sequel of sorts to “Weapon X, Lies, and Video Tape.” Even that’s not a bad episode per se, with some solid action and animation. Yet, it’s the only showcase for Wolverine this season, and it feels like he’s fighting for screen time with several others. With the live-action movies often focusing too much on Wolverine, I appreciate how X-Men ‘97 has designated him as a supporting player. After getting his adamantium ripped out last season, though, his road to recovery could’ve been fleshed out more. Wolverine regains his exoskeleton with little personal growth on his end, however. If anything, Morph receives more development here, and there still isn’t much to their arc beyond having unrequited feelings for Wolverine.

For all the subplots, I was impressed by how well the season juggled these character arcs throughout the finale, which centers on a newly resurrected Gambit. Serving as a host for Apocalypse, various teams are torn between protecting the X-Men and destroying him. The episode seems to be building towards another explosive finish like Season 1’s finale. This is where the season’s pacing issues become most apparent, however. The episode speed runs to a deus ex machina resolution, falling short of the build-up Apocalypse was given all season.

The finale does include a touching sacrifice I didn’t see coming. Even that comes off as rushed, however. Supposedly, DeMayo planned a ten-episode season, but it was reduced to nine after he was dismissed. Again, I’m not sure what DeMayo’s overarching vision for this season would’ve been. What I do know is that the season could’ve used an additional episode to let several revelations sink in. Even if the finale had been just ten minutes longer, I’d feel a lot more pumped for Season 3. That said, the Mystique tease ensures that I’ll be watching. She’s not the only season I’m excited for more.

While not as consistent as the last batch of episodes, Season 2 nonetheless offers some of the most high-quality animation and powerful character work we’ve seen from the series yet. In addition to several aforementioned names, other standouts this year include Rogue, Polaris, and Jubilee (of all characters). Pacing problems aside, it’s another riveting season of television. Season 3 may be the true test, though, as it will be the first without any involvement from DeMayo. I don’t want it to sound like I’m at all defending DeMayo’s alleged behavior that led to his termination, but you can sense the behind-the-scenes shakeups. Of course, the X-Men are a team who aren’t defined by one member. Here’s hoping Season 3 proves the same about this crew.  

Nick Spake is the Author of Bright & Shiny: A History of Animation at Award Shows Volumes 1, 2, and 3. Available Now!