'X-Men '97' Episode 4 Preview: Introduction of new character Forge raises questions about his role
Contains spoilers and speculations for 'X-Men '97'
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: 'X-Men '97' just released its third episode titled 'Fire Made Flesh' on Wednesday, March 27 and the fans are loving it. This highly anticipated series serves as a direct continuation of the beloved 'X-Men: The Animated Series' from 1994.
With 10 exciting episodes, 'X-Men '97' offers an action-packed animated journey, delving into the X-Men's story after the heartbreaking loss of their leader, Professor Xavier.
Featuring a remarkable cast of both familiar and new voice actors, this series aims to redefine animated television, showcasing excellence and setting a new benchmark for the genre.
When is 'X-Men '97' Episode 4 releasing?
Marvel has heightened anticipation among fans by dropping the first two episodes simultaneously. However, this won't be the pattern for the upcoming episodes.
Episode 3 of 'X-Men '97' dropped on Wednesday, March 27, and the next episode will air on Wednesday, April 3
Disney+ has revealed their plan to release one episode of 'X-Men '97' every Wednesday at approximately 3:00 am ET. Although the first 2 debut episodes had a 10-minute delay, the third episode dropped exactly as per schedule.
Don't have a Disney+ subscription? Don't worry, we got you!
The streaming service offers a basic package starting at $7.99 per month, featuring advertisements.
For an ad-free experience, viewers can opt for the premium plan priced at $13.99 per month or $139.99 per year.
What happened in 'X-Men '97' Episode 3?
In 'X-Men '97' Episode 3, the story picks up from the cliffhanger of the premiere, introducing new characters and plot points. At the end of Episode 2, a Jean Grey lookalike appears at the X-Mansion, revealed by Beast to be the real Jean, while the one living there is a clone.
Meanwhile, Mister Sinister kidnaps Scott and the cloned Jean's baby, Nathan, in an attempt to make him invincible. However, the X-Men intervene and ruin Mister Sinister's plans.
In the final scene of 'X-Men '97' Episode 3, Storm is seen continuing her journey alone after leaving the X-Mansion. Having lost her mutant abilities in episode 2, Storm finds herself in a bar in Dallas, Texas.
As she sits with a drink, a man named Forge approaches her. Claiming to be a friend of Charles Xavier, Forge offers to help Storm regain her lost powers before the episode ends abruptly.
What to expect from 'X-Men '97' Episode 4?
In the conclusion of 'X-Men '97' Episode 3, the introduction of Forge raises questions about his significance. In Marvel Comics, Forge is a mutant with Cheyenne Indian ancestry. His mutant power allows him to understand and manipulate technology instinctively, earning him his name.
Additionally, Forge possesses magical skills taught by Naze, the Cheyenne shaman. Later in life, Forge begins crafting weapons for the US Government. One such creation is a device capable of neutralizing superhuman abilities, including those of mutants like Storm.
This weapon inadvertently strips Storm of her powers, leading Forge to feel responsible and aid her in their recovery.
While 'X-Men '97' Episode 2 didn't identify the creator of the power-neutralizing device, episode 3 hints at Forge's involvement, retroactively introducing him into the storyline.
Towards the end of 'X-Men '97' Episode 3, one of the most significant questions revolves around Madelyne Pryor's fate.
In the episode, Madelyne succumbs to madness induced by Mister Sinister, transforming into the Goblin Queen, similar to her portrayal in Marvel Comics.
However, unlike in the comics where she becomes a recurring villain, 'X-Men '97' Episode 3 suggests a different path for Madelyne.
Although Madelyne breaks free from Mister Sinister's control, she decides to forge her own path. Feeling it unfair to coexist with Jean Grey, unsure of their shared memories, Madelyne seeks to create her own life separate from Jean.
This departure from her comic book origin hints at a potentially more heroic future for Madelyne Pryor in 'X-Men '97'.
Will Forge and Madelyne Pryor return in episode 4? Stay tuned to MEAWW to find out.
First 3 episodes of 'X-Men '97' are streaming on Disney+