X-Men '97 continues to impress with its fourth episode, "Rise of Apocalypse: Part II," which offers a deeply humanized portrayal of the iconic villain and culminates in a powerful sacrifice from Magneto. This installment not only matches the series' high bar for action and character work but also ranks among its strongest episodes to date.
The decision to dedicate two episodes to the ancient Egyptian setting proves justified, as the series fully details Apocalypse's origin story and the X-Men's unwitting role in his rise. "Rise of Apocalypse: Part II" succeeds in transforming En Sabah Nur from a force of nature into a relatable figure, exploring the tragedies that shaped him into the monster he would become. This approach allows for a deeper understanding of his motivations and his embrace of evolution.
While most of the X-Men are background characters in this episode, Rogue is given moments to reflect on Gambit's death and the potential for his return. The limited runtime also means less focus on Rama-Tut, despite John de Lancie's strong performance. However, the episode expertly centers on the deteriorating relationships between En Sabah Nur, Magneto, and Professor Xavier, forming the emotional core of the two-part arc. The fallout from their fractured alliance is palpable, leaving viewers to question whether Magneto's hope of guiding Apocalypse toward a better future will inadvertently empower their greatest enemy.
As the conflict escalates, Erik Lehnsherr's journey appears to be one of atonement. His focus shifts from altering the future to rectifying past mistakes, protecting innocent lives from Apocalypse's destructive path, and ensuring his friends can return home. This arc culminates in a sendoff for Magneto that mirrors the emotional weight and scale of Gambit's sacrifice in the first season. His admission of serving as a "mutant devil" to drive his people toward Xavier's guidance adds a complex layer to his character.
Despite the profound impact of Magneto's sacrifice, there is a hope that this death will be permanent, avoiding a common trope where major characters are resurrected for Apocalypse's Horsemen. The introduction of Magneto's clone, Joseph, offers a potential avenue for exploring related storylines without undoing the original character's final moments.
The episode concludes with a confrontation between Apocalypse and Xavier in the desert, where Xavier's compassion finally breaks in the face of a seemingly irredeemable foe. This personalizes the conflict between the X-Men and Apocalypse, setting the stage for future encounters.
A post-credits scene teases a Wolverine-centric episode, paying homage to Jim Lee's Uncanny X-Men #268 cover and hinting at a deeper exploration of the Weapon X program. While this promises an exciting direction, there is a concern that the series might rush through Wolverine's post-adamantium struggles, a tendency noted in its rapid adaptation of classic Marvel Comics material.