X-Men '97 has successfully course-corrected after a less-than-stellar fifth episode, with Season 2, Episode 6, "Danger.exe," delivering a compelling narrative that draws heavily from early 21st-century comic storylines and establishes a significant new status quo for the mutant team. The episode's embrace of seminal runs like Grant Morrison and Frank Quitely's New X-Men and Joss Whedon and John Cassaday's Astonishing X-Men marks a notable shift for the series.
"Danger.exe" dedicates substantial runtime to exploring the Xavier Institute as a genuine school for young mutants, a facet often downplayed in previous iterations of the franchise. This influx of younger characters, pulled from various eras of X-Men lore, includes Quentin Quire, sporting his characteristic "Magneto Was Right" shirt, hinting at potential future adaptations of storylines like "Riot at Xavier's."
The episode also provides a focused character arc for Polaris, played by Carolina Ravassa. She fully transitions away from X-Factor, grappling with her inherited legacy and her resemblance to her father. Her developing relationship with Professor Xavier is explored, positioning her in a role reminiscent of Kitty Pryde's journey in the comics. While the addition of another prominent X-Man to an already large ensemble could be a concern, the execution in "Danger.exe" makes it a welcome development.
Furthermore, the episode delves into the aftermath of Professor X's ordeal in Egypt and his complicated relationship with Danger, a powerful tool that achieves sentience. Unlike some interpretations in the comics that painted Xavier in a more morally ambiguous light regarding Danger's enslavement, X-Men '97 opts for a less dark approach, though it does foreshadow the potential emergence of Onslaught.
The action culminates in a striking battle sequence within the ruins of Genosha, showcasing the series' high-quality animation. While Danger herself appears to be a singular threat for this episode, her defeat has significant ramifications. Xavier, in an effort to honor his past, reclaims Genosha for mutantkind and initiates X-Corp, a move reflecting the influence of the New X-Men era. The series effectively leverages the post-Operation: Zero Tolerance political climate, suggesting that if mutants are unwelcome in the United States, they will establish a new base of operations elsewhere.
This sets up a new dynamic for the X-Men, dividing them into distinct groups: one operating as teachers at the Institute and another conducting missions from Genosha, akin to a "Blue Team/Gold Team" division. This intriguing setup, however, raises concerns about the series' pacing and whether it is undertaking too many plot threads within its limited season structure.
Finally, a significant tease arrives with Apocalypse resurrecting Gambit. This scene reimagines Gambit's iconic imagery from playing cards to tarot cards, building anticipation for the character's future role and the impending "Death" reveal.