X-Men '97 has returned with its first three Season 2 episodes, immediately plunging viewers into a new status quo shaped by the events of the previous season finale and the looming threat of Apocalypse. The season wisely opts to explore different factions of the X-Men and distinct timelines in separate installments, allowing each narrative thread sufficient space to develop.
The premiere, "Days of Past Future," looks toward a distant future where Cyclops and Jean Grey have allied with Mother Askani and her followers. This episode draws heavily from "The Adventures of Cyclops and Phoenix," focusing on the emotional reunion between Scott, Jean, and their time-displaced son, Nathan. The narrative also incorporates elements reminiscent of Rick Remender and Jerome Opena's "Uncanny X-Force" run with the introduction of the Final Horsemen, though their presence feels somewhat limited within the episode's scope.
Shifting to a more contemporary setting, "A Force to Be Reckoned With" sees an adult Cable assembling a new X-Force squad, recruiting Jubilee and Sunspot. This episode offers a change of pace, leaning into the over-the-top style of classic X-Force comics. The dynamic between the militant Cable and the idealistic Jubilee provides a central conflict, highlighting differing moral approaches in dire circumstances. The episode also effectively utilizes X-Factor, positioning them as government-sanctioned counterparts to X-Men and X-Force, with Polaris emerging as a standout character.
The third episode, "En Sabah Nur," travels back in time to explore the youth of Apocalypse. This installment presents a younger, less tyrannical version of the character, emphasizing his initial role as a freedom fighter. The primary focus is the compelling interaction between Magneto and the young En Sabah Nur, with Magneto aiming to shape the powerful mutant into a savior rather than an oppressor. The episode concludes on a cliffhanger, promising further development for this significant storyline.
Overall, the initial trio of episodes establishes a strong foundation for Season 2, delivering an engaging and nostalgia-rich experience that effectively navigates complex timelines and character dynamics.