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The nostalgic journey of X-Men ’97 is nearing its conclusion, at least for the first season. Since its debut, this continuation of the iconic X-Men: The Animated Series has captivated fans, bringing together old and new audiences alike. Serving as a spiritual season 6 of the beloved original series, X-Men ’97 updates the classic team of mutants for a new era. Set in the titular year, the series tackles contemporary issues through metaphorical storytelling, reflecting the challenges faced by Xavier’s squad against the backdrop of current events.
The season kicks off with a powerful episode depicting insurrectionists storming a government building, a storyline that strikingly echoes real-world events. As the series progresses, the stakes escalate, culminating in a devastating terrorist attack on the mutant haven of Genosha. This tragic event, reminiscent of real-life tragedies like the Pulse Nightclub shooting in Orlando, serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing struggle against bigotry and hate.
Former showrunner Beau DeMayo took to social media to provide context for the series’ exploration of dark themes, emphasizing the importance of addressing such issues within the narrative. The loss of fan-favorite characters like Gambit and Magneto due to prejudice and discrimination profoundly impacts Rogue, pushing her into uncharted emotional territory.
X-Men ’97 stays true to the spirit of the original comic series, using its superhero narrative to confront real-world prejudice and injustice. However, one notable change in the new season is its shorter episode count. Unlike previous seasons, which boasted a wealth of episodes, X-Men ’97 will conclude its first season with just 10 installments. Despite this, the series remains popular among fans, offering a compelling blend of nostalgia and contemporary relevance.
When does the X-Men ‘97 finale premiere?
Gone are the days when television seasons stretched out over a year, blending filler and serialized episodes. Nowadays, fans must come to terms with truncated seasons that hurtle towards their conclusions at a breakneck pace. The beginning of the X-Men ’97 finale is not heralded by the arrival of the Horseman of Apocalypse, but rather by the convergence of numerous storylines reaching their apex. Following the devastating attack on Genosha, Xavier realizes the need to return to Earth and rally his Children of the Atom. Meanwhile, Bastion’s nefarious schemes come to fruition, casting doubt on Magneto’s apparent demise. Additionally, Scott’s revelation about Cable’s true identity as his son promises an exhilarating finale.
The finale kicks off on May 1 with the first three parts, aptly titled “Tolerance Is Extinction.” As per usual, Disney Plus will release the episode at midnight PST and 3 AM EST. Subsequent parts will air weekly at the same time, with “Tolerance Is Extinction Part II” scheduled for May 8 and “Part III” for May 15. And thus, the curtain falls on X-Men ’97, at least for now. But fans can only hope for its return in the future.