X Men Animated Series Season 1 Episode 12

10-Men: The Animated Series . Few cartoon show from this era are held in as loftier regard. It was pretty much X-Men , Batman: The Animated Series , and Gargoyles . Everything else was only below them.

Picket everything Curiosity and more with a FREE Disney+ TRIAL , correct here!

Which is non to say X-Men didn't have its problems. In fact, when people remember information technology fondly, they're mostly remembering Seasons i-3, but thanks to the character designs available at the time the series was in development, X-Men fabricated the early on '90s relaunch and the designs made famous by Jim Lee the most iconic expect for the mutant heroes. Just watching these episodes takes me right back to inferior high and high school, when I was at the superlative of my love affair with the X-Men , and if you're interested in such a trip down retentivity lane by way of Hulu or your ain personal library, here is a handy guide to all the episodes you absolutely should not skip.

X-Men: The Animated Series Season 1, Episode 1

NIGHT OF THE SENTINELS, PART i

Flavour ane Episode 1

Because you should always watch the pilot, even it's terrible, which this episode is non.

Information technology introduces all our cardinal players, manages to arrive a lot of characterization without dropping tons of backstory (in fact, the ane scene where the characters hash out their pasts is very natural and endearing), establishes the dynamics between those characters, and sets up the major themes and conflicts of the series. While some moments are a piddling clunky, a few snippets of dialogue are forced or poorly washed, and Morph'southward laugh will make you lot desire to jab Wolverine'south claws into your ears, it'southward a solid debut with some fantastically wry humor. Nigh of it relating to Rogue, because she'south her own carve up category of awesome.

X-Men: The Animated Series Season 1, Episode 2

NIGHT OF THE SENTINELS, PART 2

Season i Episode ii

Sure, Morph was created just to die and he wasn't an overly likable character, just the betoken is that even if y'all didn't similar him, you could see why his friends did, and so yous cared when he died, not because you were grieving him but because his friends were. It besides gave immediate depth to Wolverine, who was established in Office i equally a gruff, pissy loner who didn't seem to similar anyone. Everything well-nigh Wolverine in this episode proved he was so much more that.

"Night of the Sentinels" established that, while nevertheless working within the constraints of Standards and Practices, this prove was going to depict the risks and consequences of battle, be information technology Morph'south death or Beast'south incarceration, as well equally an adult relationship between Scott and Jean. Non to mention that people who don't necessarily get along can exist on the same side. It'due south only the second episode of the testify, and it ends on such a bittersweet note with the noble, moralistic leader questioning his own command decisions in private (since he could never do information technology in front of his troops) and leaning on the adult female he loves in his moment of doubt, while a scared child finally finds a place to belong and learn about herself.

Non all pilots have rewatch value, merely this 1 does.

X-Men: The Animated Series Season 1, Episode 3

ENTER MAGNETO

Flavour i Episode 3

This one almost didn't make the list. Sure, it's the debut of Magneto, but I experience there's a much more interesting story told almost him in the following episode.

The reason this one qualifies is that information technology truly is a recreation of the X-Men's first mission from their 1963 debut. Details were plain inverse due to the characters involved, but the story of Magneto commandeering a military base to launch nuclear missiles on an unsuspecting human being population is pretty damn classic and certainly sets the tone. Aside from Wolverine's incredibly narmy "Mission achieved, buddy," to Cyclops, which he would never in a million years say to anyone, let alone ol' Cyke, this ep is pretty solid.

Deadly REUNIONS

Season 1 Episode 4

A feast, to be certain. The relationship and conflict between Magneto and Professor X is distilled so perfectly in this episode. It'southward but beautifully washed.

On top of that, you take that Sabretooth sub-plot where he plays Jubilee. And heed, anyone who'southward going to get down on a thirteen-yr-one-time for non being the best judge of character, particularly when the offender in question strongly reminds her of i of her new guardians who himself is a killer who managed to rehabilitate himself… like… don't pretend yous didn't do at least one incredibly stupid thing at that historic period. We all did. It'due south just nearly of us weren't in a position where our screw-up could endanger our lives.

Enjoy aFREE TRIAL of Disney+,courtesy of Den of Geek!

The other fantastic chip in this episode is Rogue administering CPR to Cyclops, probably a starting time in children's television. And her commentary during that entire scene is the all-time. "Come up on, pretty boy. Make a girl feel welcome." God. Rogue for president. The merely matter that kills the scene for me is that she tin can't command Cyclops' optic blasts when she absorbs them, which she should be able to exercise. His disability to shut his blasts off is non inherent to his power, it'due south a result of childhood brain damage. But that'south i tiny nitpick. Bated from that, this ane is solid gold.

CAPTIVE HEARTS

Season 1 Episode 5

The story itself is not bad: The Morlocks, introduced here, kidnap Cyclops as a prospective "companion" (read: baby daddy) for their leader, Callisto. The Morlocks themselves are an intriguing concept and a commentary on minority ghettoization. The Morlocks can't "pass" as 10-inactive humans. They look different, sound different, maybe even smell different (I hateful, definitely afterward hanging out in the sewers, but that'southward some other matter). And seeing Storm be a complete fucking badass is never a let-downwardly.

There are also groovy bits of characterization thrown in hither, like Storm'south claustrophobia, a recurring claiming she faces over the course of the serial. It's a subtle little annotate that trauma tin can be dealt with but in some cases not entirely overcome. The Scott/Jean/Logan dearest triangle, which will go a major sub-plot, is established here as well.

What really makes the episode stand out to in-the-know fans, still, is how well information technology adapts Uncanny X-Men #169-170. While "Enter Magneto" was the get-go episode to exercise a direct adaptation of a specific outcome of the comics, "Captive Hearts" was the first 1 to actually do it well. Subbing out Angel for Cyclops allowed for a whole new angle on the story by playing with the already existing love triangle, reaffirming the strength of Scott and Jean'south human relationship and driving abode but how shitty it makes Logan feel.

The one drawback is the replacement of Storm and Callisto's knife fight with some weird Dath Maul lightsaber duel, merely it's a minor trespass.

X-Men: The Animated Series Season 1, Episode 7

SLAVE ISLAND

Flavour 1 Episode vii

Latest TV reviews

We tin skip straight to this one, because I really don't think an episode about Wolverine's savior routine in an Inuit village is terribly compelling, and whatever set-up for this episode we got isn't super necessary. "Slave Isle", while a powerfully oversimplified depiction of the island nation of Genosha (seriously, that'south a three-parter, blank minimum), is a roller coaster to watch. The recurrence of Tempest'due south claustrophobia in a perfectly organic fashion, the question of Gambit's morality and loyalty, the cavalcade of cameos (Sunfire, Northstar, Aurora, Feral, Rictor, and then on), and "I am nevertheless plugged in!" Just marvelous. The episode also features the return of the Sentinels and the introduction of Chief Mold, establishing that they volition be a recurring threat for the season.

The simply chink in this episode'southward armor is Cable, whose graphic symbol made absolutely no sense. Flavour 1 Cablevision and Seasons two-4 Cable seem like completely different characters, and the latter is the one that gets information technology right. Hither? It'south like the showrunners knew they had to throw him in there for the salivating fanboys, simply just didn't have any style to do information technology, then… he's but some sometime mercenary in the Leader'southward army who sports an X-Men insignia for… some reason. Personally, I just like to pretend Season one Cable didn't happen and pretend he made his debut in Season ii's "Time Fugitives."

X-Men: The Animated Series Season 1, Episode 9

THE CURE

Flavor 1 Episode 9

The first Rogue-axial episode of the series doesn't disappoint at all, taking the pain and loneliness at the core of her grapheme and bringing it right to the forefront. And it also introduces Angel to set him up for the following episode, but let's talk Rogue.

The incident where her start kiss activated her powers and nearly killed her swain, first mentioned in the pilot, is seen here, providing a context for her hostility toward Gambit for his advances despite her obvious interest. We also go a subtle look at the different shades of privilege. It's easy for Cyclops to jump on the Mutant Pride rhetoric when his powers, however difficult to manage, won't continue him from human being contact for the remainder of his life. He can sideslip on some ruddy quartz goggles and rock Jean's world. And yes, Rogue eventually opts out of the treatment (never knowing, of class, that information technology was all a lie), but the point is that this was presented equally complicated consequence that affects anybody differently, and it was cracking that Xavier pointed out that it'due south a personal selection that every mutant would have to make for themselves.

"The Cure" likewise introduces some key villains in Apocalypse and Mystique. Upon my showtime viewing I establish information technology odd that Mystique was introduced in a Rogue-axial episode and that their relationship was never addressed, just seeing how it played out at the stop of the season cast everything in a whole new light. Just overall, this is a powerfully character-driven episode with some intense action and central earth building with the introduction of Muir Isle and Moira MacTaggert's mutant research eye. Good stuff.

Come THE APOCALYPSE

Season 1 Episode x

Angel's seeking of the cure delivers him right into Apocalypse's waiting hands. He is transformed into Expiry (afterwards, Archangel), 1 of Apocalypse'due south Four Horsemen, who fix out to cease the world as we know information technology so Apocalypse can build a new one according to his ain vision.

I mean, if that'due south not plenty for y'all… it doesn't have to be, because Rogue'south subplot from the previous episode carries over when she confronts "Dr. Adler" only to detect that he'southward actually Mystique! Not that they seem to recognize each other. What seems similar a plot hole turns out to be a plot betoken soon enough.

But overall, this episode is just hardcore.

DAYS OF Time to come PAST, PART ii

Season 1 Episode 12

Why did I skip Part ane? I'm non gonna prevarication. I've never really been a fan of Bishop equally a grapheme, certainly non the style he's depicted in the show. He's self-righteous, stubborn, and unwilling to let anyone get a fucking word in edgewise. Whenever he shows up, the entire plot seems to be predicated on him being a stupid, intractable asshole. Lives could be saved if he'd just shut upwards for like *five seconds*, hear someone out, and consider his options. Which is non in and of itself so bad – people like that certainly be – it'due south just he'due south never really called on it. Bishop has his moments, I'll grant him that, but most of the fourth dimension he is so utterly frustrating to watch that I can't even really appreciate them.

So, because "Days of Future Past, Part ane" is pretty much merely a love letter to Bishop, I don't see information technology as terribly necessary, specially when yous get all the backstory and characterization on him that y'all need in the first few minutes of Role 2, which is pretty great. It references the comic all the manner down to Mystique'south disguise. Gotta love that attention to detail. Information technology also explains why Rogue didn't recognize Mystique earlier (she'd but known her in i of her many disguises) and why Mystique would drop a multi-ton machine on her girl (she knows Rogue's powers very well and knew that she would be fine).

What'due south as well really strong nigh this episode is how it leads right into the finale with the abduction of Senator Kelly and the strong hint that it was Magneto'due south doing. This episode focuses on the legislation that would lead to Bishop's Sentinel-infested future, only not the Sentinels themselves. Of grade, the finale volition exist all about the Sentinels, who may become an even bigger trouble because Senator Kelly was kidnapped. Bravo.

THE Concluding DECISION

Season one Episode 13

When an episode opens with Magneto getting his ass kicked, y'all know you're in for a ride.

This isn't the concluding we see of Gyrich, Trask, and the Sentinels, but information technology'south the concluding we'll run across for a while, and it's one hell of a send-off. Yep, Magneto kidnapped Kelly, and aye, he was going to kill him, but the Sentinels got there first and now they want to replace his brain, and that of every prominent world leader on the planet, with computers. And so the X-Men get to stop them, and information technology is just… it's a lot of trashed robots.

There are so many strong action moments in "The Last Decision." Wolverine'southward blind fight in a darkened mine shaft with multiple Sentinels is simply seen in snippets whenever they burn their lasers. Visually brilliant. Magneto's eleventh hours aid and Xavier'due south ejector seat finishing blow. Simply awesome.

But this episode is chock full of bang-up character moments too. Rogue finally (sorta) kissing Gambit over her hand, Cyclops leading the charge in what could very well be a suicide mission, and Jubilee passionately rejecting being sidelined, insisting that she's i of the squad and knows what risks it entails. And Magneto, even later having fought the X-Men and spent decades going round with Xavier, pleads with them non to become and all the same respects the hell out of them for doing information technology. "You're all fools… heroic fools. The brave are always the first to dice." David Hemblen'south delivery still gives me chills 25 years later.

And lest nosotros forget, of form, the joy of Scott'southward proposal to Jean immediately crushed by foreshadowing of something… sinister.

TILL DEATH Practice US PART, Role 1

Season 2 Episode 1

Scott and Jean are getting married! And Fauna is abode! And he caught the bouquet! And there's manifestly an anti-mutant hate group that's sprung up and is totally manipulating the media to make mutants looks bad. And Magneto'due south in danger and needs Xavier's help? And Morph's alive! But he's evil. Ohhhh, shit.

How a single flavour premiere tin pack and so much in without feeling crowded is a testament to the writing. None of these elements experience inapplicable, clunky, or out of place. It's all just brilliantly woven together to set up the stage for every one of this flavour'due south storylines, and damn! There's even room for some character beats, like Morph'due south pointed resentment toward Jubilee for feeling that she replaced him, and Rogue'southward "serves him right" when Gambit blacks out from kissing her, which is both sincere and tinged with concern. Lenore Zann equally Rogue, as always, knocks it out of the park.

Such a skilful episode. Without contest, the best season premiere of the series.

TILL Decease Exercise US PART, Role 2

Season 2 Episode 2

So, Mr. Sinister has been hanging around, watching everyone since the airplane pilot, which is when he picked upwardly Morph'south dying if not dead body and healed it, just not without making his eye sockets look like he just got a bad nose job. Scott and Jean'due south honeymoon is cut brusk by the Nasty Boys, and can I only say it is Amazing that Hairbag was declared street legal in both the comics and the show. How did that pitch meeting go down? "Yeah, let's have a fuzzy, ape-like character similar Animal, only he's stupid and has toxic jiff. Oh, we should make him…Jamaican!" I just… how did that ever happen?

This episode is a satisfying wrap-up to the story started in Part i, especially because Morph isn't fine at the end. He runs off with his head still full of demons. And Xavier and Magneto encounter up in Antarctica but to be buried in an avalanche. Whaaaaat?!

X-Men: The Animated Series Season 2, Episode 5

REPO MAN

Season 2 Episode five

Permit's gear up aside that this episode volition exist mined for stock footage for the residuum of this series, mainly the aforementioned scene, which anyone should be able to recite give-and-take for word by the third fourth dimension they use it. This is it. This is the episode that deals with the Weapon Ten portion of Wolverine's backstory. It also guest stars Alpha Flight, which is a real treat, though the way they shoehorn every character'southward name into the dialogue so that the audience will know it is adequately awful. Like… nosotros don't need to know everyone's proper name in the first scene. And I'm pretty sure that after all that they skipped Aurora. Similar seriously, at that betoken, what was holding them back?

But it's a slap-up episode that really illuminates Wolverine'southward character, not merely in backstory, only in showing that he'south a complete homo. Even a feral killer with knives in his hands breaks down and cries when he stops to take a minute to think well-nigh the horrific nature of what was washed to him. That a '90s kids' show would have arguably it's toughest badass testify emotional vulnerability… respect.

X-Men: The Animated Series Season 2, Episode 7

Time FUGITIVES, PART 1

Season ii Episode 7

Aaaaaand Bishop's back and abrasive equally ever, but at least he seems to take a somewhat better handle on things.

We actually start with Cable – the Existent Cable – whose afar future is being erased. It turns out that Apocalypse, who is the biggest of all bads in Cable's time, tried to unleash some kind of plague, which Bishop has traveled back in fourth dimension to prevent. All the same, in doing so he gets the X-Men killed and the antibodies created to fight the plague and thus immunize humanity confronting future illnesses, are never created. It'due south a twist and a half, and it actually puts Cablevision in a tortured position: to relieve his world, he has to ensure the success of Apocalypse, to destroy a by world, no less.

X-Men: The Animated Series Season 2, Episode 8

TIME FUGITIVES, PART 2

Season ii Episode 8

Cable travels to the past (our present) to stop Bishop. The previous episode plays out once more, seen mostly from Cable's perspective and with his actions altering the events. In the end, he uses his knowledge of the Ten-Men to solve everything. He sees to it that Wolverine is infected with the plague and so that his mutant healing factor tin can generate the antibodies anybody volition need. Of course, Cable's success required him telling Bishop to simply pipe down and arctic out. A daze runs through no 1.

This episode is a lot of fun, peculiarly comparison it to Part one scene for scene. What could easily have come off equally lazy and repetitive turns out to be fascinating and massively enjoyable to watch.

X-Men: The Animated Series Season 2, Episode 9

A ROGUE'Southward TALE

Season 2 Episode nine

Rogue'southward backstory!

What could easilyhave been a flashback slideshow manages to influence the present by paralleling the origin of Rogue'due south flashier powers (the assault of Ms. Marvel) with the present twenty-four hour period consequences of that activity: Rogue absorbed Ms. Curiosity's consciousness to a degree she has with no other person, and at present that consciousness is fighting to take control of Rogue's body.

What makes "A Rogue's Tale" especially powerful is that in that location are no easy answers. Ms. Curiosity's life was stolen from her, and by all rights she deserves information technology back, but Rogue can't just put her back into her body. All she can do is seal Ms. Marvel abroad at the back of her mind to ensure her ain survival. Is it justice? Certainly not. Rogue has stolen this woman's life twice, and she has to live with that. What'south more, any ambivalence about her feelings regarding Mystique is demolished when she realizes that her foster female parent had manipulated and used her from the beginning. At to the lowest degree she has her new life with the X-Men, only homo, this episode is just 22 minutes of 1 emotional gut dial after the adjacent.

REUNION, Function 2

Season 2 Episode thirteen

I'm not going to pretend there are NO reasons to watch "Reunion, Function 1," merely unless yous're super interested in watching Xavier and Magneto trade barbs with Disbelieve Tarzan or truly absorbing just how much Mr. Sinister likes to employ annoying, cringeworthy henchmen or getting a taste of Morph's foray into local theater, it'southward probably best to simply skip to Part 2.

The Savage Land subplot that's been running through the whole season finally becomes the master plot as the X-Men head to Antarctica on a rescue mission for both the Professor and Jean, who was abducted by Sinister in Part 1. Of course, the X-Men end upwards getting captured with their powers neutralized.

Gambit admitting his dear for Rogue and kissing her likewise equally a forepart row seat to Sinister'south crazy are the real highlights of the episode. In addition, in that location's plenty of action, some hetero lifemate bonding betwixt Charlie and Erik, and of course, more characters than you can shake a stick at.

Information technology works, though. Non every bit thematically potent a finale as "The Final Decision," but all the same quite entertaining.

X-Men: The Animated Series Season 3, Episode 4

THE PHOENIX SAGA, PART two: THE DARK SHROUD

Season 3 Episode four

In that location'due south no existent demand to watch "Part 1: Cede" as it has no real function exterior of setting upwardly Role 2, throwing out some bullshit line most Jubilee always wanting to be an astronaut (what?), and giving the flooring to some of Jean'southward best psi-gasms in the serial.

Hell, Function 2 barely makes the cutting as it'due south pretty much but an episode about Xavier's dark side roaming around Manhattan and fucking with everybody. If information technology weren't for the iconic "I am Phoenix" scene, the delicious shade Xavier and Banshee throw at each other upon get-go meeting on Muir Island, and Lilandra'due south intro, I'd say skip information technology.

X-Men: The Animated Series Season 3, Episode 5

THE PHOENIX SAGA, PART iii: Cry OF THE BANSHEE

Flavor 3 Episode v

Banshee! And Black Tom! And the Juggernaut, bitch! Aye, this is the episode from which nearly of that meme was mined, but in all seriousness, it'south pretty good.

We're given a very interesting set piece in Cassidy Go along, a dynamic fight, the introduction of the Shi'Ar Regal Guard, and something for pretty much everyone to do. This is episode is where "The Phoenix Saga" really gets cooking.

X-Men: The Animated Series Season 3, Episode 6

THE PHOENIX SAGA, Part 4: THE STARJAMMERS

Flavor 3 Episode half dozen

Oh, the subtext! Every scene between Cyclops and Corsair is such a tease in the best manner. "I'd know my older boy. He had his mother'due south eyes." Well, irony, why don't you simply punch me correct in the balls?

This is as well when nosotros starting time to really encounter Phoenix in all her glory, Jean grappling with her new calling as the guardian of a catholic antiquity. Slap on some Shi'Ar political intrigue between Lilandra and D'Ken and you've got quite an episode on your hands. Especially since our heroes essentially neglect when D'Ken gets his easily on the One thousand'Kraan Crystal and breaches it.

X-Men: The Animated Series Season 3, Episode 7

THE PHOENIX SAGA, Office five: Child OF Calorie-free

Flavour iii Episode 7

There have been some emotional moments in the serial up to this point, but "Child of Light" is the commencement time the bear witness ever really broke my heart.

Fifty-fifty being a huge 10-Men fan and knowing that Jean would come back (because, permit'southward face it, that'south kind of her thing), I found myself wiping my eyes when she flew the K'Kraan Crystal into the heart of the lord's day to go on it safe. Her goodbye to Scott, her thanks to all her friends for the dissimilar kinds of forcefulness they've given her… I must have watched that scene a hundred times in my life, and I even so get goosebumps. Xavier's words to Scott at the end, an attempt to console the inconsolable, just bury themselves in your eye equally ol' Cyke looks out to the horizon, but beginning to grieve.

Close up! I'm not crying. You lot're crying!

OBSESSION

Season iii Episode 10

Revisiting Archangel is ever a practiced motion, and the series actually captures his bitterness toward Apocalypse.

In the comics, Affections and Archangel are both Warren Worthington III, merely they're very different characters. Angel was a carefree trust fund playboy who looked the part of a beautiful, divine being. Archangel was a spiritually broken monster who cursed his fate on an hourly footing. And oh boy, did he HATE Apocalypse.

"Obsession" could easily accept simply been a grudge match, but it's really about how Archangel's acrimony and obsession is ruining him. In his undeterred drive to destroy Apocalypse, he's simply destroying himself.

We besides get to see Beast bond with Ship. D'aww…

THE Night PHOENIX, Part ane: DAZZLED

Flavor 3 Episode 11

So, uh… Jean's back. This confused the fuck out of many of usa during the first run of this episode, because the episode where Jean returns to Earth alive wouldn't air until the 5th and terminal season. Bang-up job, guys. But nosotros get the picture.

Besides, this episode is fun considering Dazzler! What I don't get is why the animators felt the need for her auburn dye-job. This show isn't exactly teeming with blondes, and when they did that probably not-approved cameo of her back in "Mojovision," her hair was the right colour. Eh, whatever.

This episode sets the stage for Jean's descent into madness at the hands of Mastermind while establishing that the Phoenix Force has been altered, one might say corrupted, past its time in Jean's body. Information technology'southward smart and weird, and hey, if anyone knows where I can get a re-create of that vocal, "Trunk Rut," let me know in the comments.

THE Night PHOENIX, Role 2: THE INNER CIRCLE

Season 3 Episode 12

Jean is seduced right into the artillery of Mastermind and the Hellfire Society. Oh, I'k sorry. "The Circle Club" because Really, FOX KIDS? "Hellfire" was merely fine in the comics. It would be the title of a vocal in a Disney movie a year later. Shit, Sleeping Beauty dropped that bomb in the 1959. The Circumvolve Lodge? Really?

Grab a Gratuitous TRIAL of Disney+ , on us, right hither!

Aside from existence a fascinating study in brainwashing, manipulation, and ambition, this episode bears the honor of existence ane of the nearly faithful adaptations of a comic volume to date, even more and then than "Captive Hearts" and "Days of Hereafter Past, Part 2." This episode and the two that follow recreate Uncanny X-Men #132-137 with as few alterations as possible, and it totally works. The Hellfire Social club are instantly menacing, and the venom they spew at one some other is so cutthroat.

I'm curious as to why the Jean as the Blackness Queen needed those tights while they were content to let Emma Frost, the White Queen rock out in her full Victoria's Secret glory, but whatever.

THE Dark PHOENIX, PART 3: THE DARK PHOENIX

Season 3 Episode thirteen

I feel similar even trying to describe this episode would diminish information technology, but simply put, the Dark Phoenix is loose, and she gives the X-Men a run for their money. They just survive because she's not threatened enough past them to experience the need to destroy them. Later that, she goes on a little trip, EATS A FUCKING STAR, and heads home.

Seeing Jean regress to a teenager in her childhood bedroom (anyone else notice she had a piddling stuffed cyclops? Awwww…) was weird and uncomfortable, as was her friend trying to effigy out means to have her down. Ultimately, she seems to exist okay for the moment when the Shi'Ar prove up, insisting she be executed.

THE DARK PHOENIX, PART 4: THE FATE OF PHOENIX

Season 3 Episode 14

Xavier's relationship with an alien empress is certainly put to the test when pretty much every spacefaring race back Lilandra upwardly in insisting on the Phoenix's execution. Xavier jacks some Shi'Ar legal loopholes from Lilandra's brain and demands a trail by combat. The 10-Men fight the Imperial Baby-sit on the moon to decide Jean'due south fate, just in the end Jean insists that she must die, because she tin can't command the Phoenix. Her plea to Scott… you can hear that desperation in her vocalization, and props to Catherine Disher for a job well washed.

Unlike in the comics, Jean's resurrection is immediate, accomplished past the Phoenix, now freed from the effect of Jean'southward emotions, channeling a portion of each X-Human being'south life strength into Jean to restore her. It's not the downer ending from the comics, but then once more in the comics, in that location was no time afterward the M'Kraan Crystal situation Jean was thought to exist dead. Then, it appears her little time out was only moved. And information technology still works.

Common cold COMFORT

Season 3 Episode 15

Yay! Iceman! This episode is as much well-nigh introducing 10-Factor as information technology is about Iceman and his backstory with the X-Men, which seems more volatile than information technology was in the comics. It's an interesting angle. Bobby Drake didn't desire to salve the world. He wanted to become a life and live information technology happily with the woman he loved, who in the cease just wanted to save the world. It's non the kickoff time this series has taken a fairly adult look at relationships, none of this will they/won't they bullshit, just two people who care almost each other and take personalities that come into disharmonize. Tasty! Not to mention we get a little foreshadowing that never really pays off in Cyclops and Havok'south imperviousness to each other'due south powers, because they're brothers.

Too, fans of the DiC dub of Sailor Moon are in for a special treat if they listen closely. Denis Akiyama, who voices Bobby Drake/Iceman hither is the vox of Malachite, and Terri Hawkes, who voices Lorna Dane/Polaris, was none other than Sailor Moon herself!

NIGHTCRAWLER

Flavor three Episode 18

I love me some Nightcrawler, then I was ready and willing to have every weird curve ball this episode threw at me. Similar… why are just three X-Men on vacation, and why is Wolverine along with Rogue and Gambit? Explain to me how that happens?

This episode was famously controversial for its direct address of religion, specifically Christianity, and for having the nerve to air the morning of my brother'south Bar Mitzvah, forcing me to expect SEVERAL HOURS to see it.

It's a proficient, solid ep, fifty-fifty with all the ridiculous shit thrown in like Wolverine going to church and reading out of the Bible. I know what they were going for, and I could encounter why Wolverine would be a tempting character to try information technology with, but I just didn't purchase it. Now if it had been Rogue or Gambit, that I'd have bought.

X-Men: The Animated Series Season 4, Episode 1

ONE MAN'South WORTH, Part ane

Flavor 4 Episode 1

We were teased with an adaptation of The Historic period of Apocalypse , simply there'south no real way to do information technology justice in a simple ii-parter. What this episode really ends up being is a companion piece to "Days of Time to come Past" (thematically) and "Time Fugitives" (structurally).

As with all time travel episodes, Bishop features front and eye, and he's actually a lot easier to take hither. This might exist because he has his sister, Shard, effectually to take the edge off. Bishop, Shard, and an alternate Wolverine and Storm in her Grace Jones-inspired punk expect, travel all the style back to 1959 to salvage a immature Xavier from an assassination endeavour on the part of Chief Mold's forces.

Age of Apocalypse was about showing the widespread and profound event of Xavier's absenteeism from history. This episode gives u.s.a. very piddling of that and is focuses instead on the solution, but it's however a fun watch. Wolverine and Storm's bizarro romance kind of makes sense in context and becomes the emotional throughline of both parts. Having these characters bargain with literal racism, a marvelous opportunity given the fourth dimension period and the fact that three of our band of fourth dimension travelers are Black, was refreshing in a series that mainly trades in allegory. In Storm'southward words, it's so pathetic it'south almost quaint.

X-Men: The Animated Series Season 4, Episode 2

Ane Homo'S WORTH, Function 2

Season four Episode ii

To be honest, I'thousand not sure why this was actually a two-parter, every bit part two is a whole lot of wheel-spinning. Nothing actually new happens. Fitzroy turns out to be a rather ineffectual villain whose defeat is then easily accomplished it makes ane wonder what the conflict actually was.

My all-time judge is this: in that location are 2 moments in this episode that go far worth it: Forge and Shard's cede and the tearful goodbye of a desperately in love alt-Storm and alt-Wolverine. The first draft of this script was probably too long for one episode, just couldn't stand to lose whatever of that stuff, and so they foiled the rescue attempt, took the last few scenes, and padded information technology out to a full episode in club to make a two-parter.

Exercise I heed? Non really. It makes for the rare occasion where a Part ii is inferior to a Function 1, simply whatever.

I do wish Age of Apocalypse had gotten the proper treatment. Y'all could piece of work an unabridged season or at least a Phoenix Saga-length multi-parter out of it. But that'due south okay. Like I said, the "what could have been" factor of the alt-Wolverine/alt-Tempest romance is pretty trippy, and I believed information technology simply enough that I establish the erasure of that honey from existence a true sacrifice.

X-Men: The Animated Series Season 4, Episode 6

SANCTUARY, Role 1

Flavor 4 Episode six

Hands the most baldly political episode of the series, we find Magneto finally throwing in the towel on his goal of mutant domination of the Earth, opting instead to but create a refuge for his people, a homeland of their own on Asteroid M, a sanctuary of his ain creation set in orbit around the Earth. Naturally, this raises some suspicion on the part of the authorities, so Xavier and a few Ten-Men caput up to Asteroid Yard (conflated hither with Avalon, the '90s counterpart on which it is based) to see what information technology's all about, and it turns out Magneto… is completely sincere nearly this relatively peaceful solution. Information technology seems Charles has rubbed off on him a little in that he'southward no longer seeking a state of war with humanity. He merely wants to be left alone.

Of class, his newest kiss-ass, Fabian Cortez, is still craving some of the quondam militant Magneto and is disappointed when his idol tells him to chill the fuck out, which leads to some Grade A betrayal.

X-Men: The Animated Series Season 4, Episode 7

SANCTUARY, Part 2

Flavor 4 Episode 7

Under Cortez'south new doucheocracy, Asteroid Thou'due south defensive missiles are a nuclear holocaust waiting to happen, so the X-Men – a surprisingly minor number of them; where is everyone else? – head back up into space to deal with it. Magneto, thought dead, manages to pull himself together once the Earth'southward electromagnetic field heals him, and he takes it upon himself to impale his own dying dream of a mutant homeland.

There'due south likewise a overnice subplot running through both these episodes of all the same some other one of Xavier's ex-girlfriends, Amelia Voght, a story that was toned down and fabricated considerably less rapey for the series. It'southward interesting, though, to see a pattern in Xavier's past of forsaking his own personal life for the sake of his dream and his students. As well, we all know he loves Magneto the near.

Oh, and as if that weren't enough, the button on the finish of this episode shows u.s.a. that Apocalypse is still around and up to no skilful.

X-Men: The Animated Series Season 4, Episode 8

BEYOND GOOD AND EVIL, Part 1: THE Terminate OF Fourth dimension

Season iv Episode eight

In the distant future, Apocalypse has an existential crisis, wondering if he'south doomed to fight mutantkind but never win for all time. And so he ditches linear fourth dimension and makes for the Axis of Time. Meanwhile, on his way dwelling house from 1959 in "One Man'south Worth," Bishop gets thrown off course and ends up at the Axis of Time, dealing with Bender, a greatly abrasive Robin Williams/Jim Carrey pastiche of manic "humor." Likewise, Scott and Jean try to go married again, and Mr. Sinister manages to fuck information technology up AGAIN, this fourth dimension directly by having the Nasty Boys attack and kidnap Jean. That's… that's a lot.

Okay, breakdown? I give Bishop a lot of flack, most of it deserved, only I tin't assistance merely admire how well his arc for the serial is written. Every time nosotros revisit him, nosotros pick up more than or less where nosotros left off, and we get to see how his journeys through fourth dimension modify the timeline, leading ultimately to this episode where I find myself totally on Bishop's side in dealing with Bender. I but desire him to clobber that wacky little fuck. Shoot him, Bishop. Shoot him with my blessing.

X-Men: The Animated Series Season 4, Episode 9

BEYOND Skilful AND EVIL, Part 2: THE PROMISE OF APOCALYPSE

Flavour iv Episode 9

With the X-Men, Apocalypse, Cable, Bishop, and Mr. Sinister & the Nasty Boys already in play, this episode brings Magneto, Sabretooth, Mystique, Archangel, Psylocke, Shard, and the freakin' Shi'Ar Empire into the mix merely to make sure we've got all our bases covered.

The plot to capture the near strong psychics in existence continues. Meanwhile, in the future, Cable and Tyler seek to prevent all of this past commandeering the last working fourth dimension travel device from the regime and travelling dorsum far plenty to destroy Apocalypse's Lazarus Sleeping accommodation at its point of origin. Showtime they've merely got to get to information technology.

BEYOND Good AND EVIL, Role three: LAZARUS CHAMBER

Season 4 Episode 10

Cablevision hijacks Graymalkin (which totally looks like a behemothic Metroid, am I right?) to travel dorsum in fourth dimension, but Apocalypse knocks him off course somehow. Information technology seems to backfire every bit information technology sends Cable right onto the Ten-Mansion's front lawn in the present day. Cable finds that his interests and the 10-Men's align, and subsequently Wolverine beats some information out of Sabretooth, a programme is formed and put into movement. The team heads to Egypt to bosom into the Lazarus Sleeping accommodation, but they're met my Apocalypse'southward new 4 Horsemen. Great designs on those guys. What appeared to be a rash activity backfiring in Apocalypse'due south confront turns out to be part of his plan all along, as it led Xavier right to him.

BEYOND GOOD AND EVIL, PART 4: END AND Starting time

Season iv Episode xi

Everything comes to a head every bit it's Apocalypse versus… pretty much everyone. Alliances are forged in the heat of battle that take the characters past as much surprise every bit the audience. Wolverine and Magneto saving each other'due south asses? What?

Besides, Bishop earns my respect when he blasts Apocalypse out of frame only to close him upward. This was originally intended to be the series finale, just I'm kind of glad it wasn't. For one, X-Men stories should not end on a scene with Cable, and two, it'south non the nearly emotionally resonant victory and doesn't actually tap into whatsoever of the series' major themes or grapheme arcs. That doesn't make it any less fun, though.

It'southward a groovy episode to sentry. If nothing else, for Apocalypse'due south little sashay down the aisle of telepaths.

Family unit TIES

Season iv Episode 17

Nosotros finally go the blanks in Magneto'southward backstory filled in. He already had our sympathy for losing his family, merely actually learning the details… it's but horrifying. No wonder he went off the deep end.

This episode besides reveals the Link between the master of magnetism and the twins Quicksilver and Scarlet Witch (yay! Red Witch!). To put information technology simply… who'southward your daddy? That'southward right, Mags learns that he has not ane but two kids, and they don't like him very much. And there's also some apathetic plot nigh the High Evolutionary. Whatever. Magneto and his children are the heart of this episode, and they're what make it worth watching.

X-Men: The Animated Series Season 5, Episode 4

NO MUTANT IS AN Island

Season five Episode four

This episode actually takes identify directly subsequently The Phoenix Saga, simply for some production reasons got pushed dorsum to Flavor five. It'southward a shame really, considering it actually gives Scott some infinite to grieve for Jean and explore his backstory when he goes back to the orphanage he grew up in. The Mr. Sinister connection is curiously glossed over, and instead we're treated to a former appearance by someone Jessica Jones fans volition know very well, the Purple Man himself, Kilgrave.

While this episode does kind of stick out like a sore thumb, it is nice to see a graphic symbol actually going through the complicated feelings that surround loss, and consider how little actually adept material Cyclops gets considering Wolverine is such a fucking diva, this was a really squeamish opportunity to give him the spotlight and actually get to know him amend. Information technology's also bad it came then late in the run that practically nobody saw information technology.

BLOODLINES

Season 5 Episode 6

Nightcrawler discovers what nosotros already knew, that Mystique is his mother, which makes Rogue his foster sister.

But expect! There's more! In her extensive career as a spy, assassinator, and terrorist, Mystique managed to accept a tumble with Sabretooth at some point (I would love to know more about the circumstances surrounding that little tryst), which also makes the female parent of… wait for it… Graydon Creed, the former leader of the Friends of Humanity, who's setting all this up to get back into their good graces at present that movement has outgrown him. And, you lot know, he did sort of abandon his position to spend some time in a mental hospital.

As 1 tin imagine, in that location's more than than plenty venom to go effectually betwixt all parties involved, and tensions run high. Family unit drama, am I right?

All that would be good enough, simply what really elevates this episode is the moment where Mystique within the span of a few sentences, goes from telling Nightcrawler that she'due south a terrible person for abandoning him to grudgingly revealing that she regrets it and is haunted by what she did, and yet doesn't believe she deserves to be forgiven. Easily 1 of my favorite episodes of the series.

DESCENT

Season 5 Episode thirteen

Nosotros're taking a break from your regularly scheduled mutant adventures to explore the origins of Mr. Sinister in Victorian England, where he was simply Nathaniel Essex, and how his encounters with an ancestor of Charles Xavier played a part in the man he became.

Why this episode is coming here, rather than the season that was all about Sinister is across me, but the fact that the writers went balls out and decided to do a completely isolated menstruation piece is kinda beauteous. Even if we've passed the threshold beyond which the blitheness for the bear witness went sharply downhill. This episode isn't specially well written nor animated, but the sheer novelty factor of information technology, the spectacle, makes it worth a lookout.

GRADUATION DAY

Flavour v Episode 14

There'due south a hint of 1992's 10-Cutioner's Song here with an attack on Xavier (hither an attack that proved life-threatening, rather than a deliberate assassination attempt), but a briefly features Sunfire makes a valid signal. Xavier was about was privileged equally a mutant can get. He was famous, rich, and could easily laissez passer for human, and he was notwithstanding attacked out in the open on a live, global broadcast. It give Magneto the perfect excuse to finally offset his war on humans. In honor of Xavier, the X-Men prepare out to cease Magneto, but discover he may hold the key to saving Xavier'southward life.

What'southward truly astonishing about this episode is how the writers managed to bring so many characters back for the finale, and making every appearance seem completely natural. Someone needs to impersonate Xavier to give a message to the media? Morph steps in. We need the foremost good on mutant biology to assist Xavier? Telephone call Moira on Muir Island. When human being medicine fails, and we need something more advanced? Lilandra and the medical technology of the Shi'Ar Empire. Can't contact her without boost to Jean's telepathic powers? Magneto can aid with that. Magneto, who nearly flies into a rage when Jean asks how much he loves Charles Xavier. "He was my only equal. I owe him my life!"

It would have been enough for Charles to go closure with each of his Ten-Men, but acknowledging his lifelong bond with Magneto, completing the arc Morph began in the very first episode, honoring the ii most important women in his life, Moira and Lilandra… it was and then much more than anyone asked for, and information technology was brilliant. This was i hell of an episode and one hell of a finale. The only thing it lacked was another one-half-60 minutes and a better animation budget. This is the perfect way to end an X-Men rewatch.