'X-Men '97' Episode 4 Takeaway: Forge's revelation leaves Storm devastated yet again, but is forgiveness on the table?
Contains spoilers for 'X-Men '97'
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Disney+ just dropped the latest episode of 'X-Men '97' titled 'Motendo/Lifedeath - Part 1,' keeping fans hooked as weekly episodes unfold.
In Episode 2, Storm left the X-Men due to the loss of her powers caused by an anti-mutant weapon. She decided it was best for her to quit the X-Men as she became a mere mortal with no powers.
Towards the end of episode 3, a new character called Forge was introduced. He told Storm that he was an old friend of Professor Xavier and that he wished to help her.
In 'X-Men '97' Episode 4, Forge takes Storm in and provides her with a place to stay. As Storm grapples with her past and attempts to move forward, she finds solace in Forge's support.
While staying at his place, she discovers numerous blueprints for various machines, including one that Forge claims could potentially restore her powers.
However, in a shocking turn of events, Forge admits to Storm the unsettling truth behind how she lost her powers, shattering her newfound sense of acceptance and leaving her emotionally crushed once again.
Forge reveals he is the creator of the anti-mutant weapons
As the episode unfolds, Storm becomes intrigued by Forge's mutant abilities. He later explains that his intelligence far surpasses that of others, allowing him to create advanced technology. Among his creations is his own bionic arm, which he constructed after losing his original in a war.
Forge later explains that despite his remarkable intellect, he lacked the resources to bring all his ideas to life after the war. The Defense Department offered to assist him on the condition that he designed devices to neutralize dangerous mutants.
However, Forge eventually left the project unfinished, and the Defense Department still utilized his early designs to create the anti-mutant weapons now in use. This was the weapon that was used on Storm to render her powerless.
Forge's shocking revelation leaves Storm devastated
After hearing Forge's revelation, Storm was not only shocked but also filled with anger towards him for being responsible for her loss of power. She experienced a whirlwind of emotions (no pun intended), including disbelief and inner conflict about whether to trust him further.
Her self-esteem hit an all-time low as she struggled to cope with living with the person responsible for such a traumatic event in her life.
Despite Forge's attempts to reassure her and offer his assistance, Storm remains discontented with him.
Will Storm forgive Forge and join him?
It's premature to draw conclusions about Storm and Forge's relationship. She's just learned that he, indirectly, played a significant role in her current situation. Just as it took time for Storm to accept the loss of her powers, it may also take time for her to reconcile with what happened and with Forge.
Regardless, this resolution may not come as soon as the next episode. Episode 6, titled 'Life Death Part 2,' may continue Storm's character arc in 'X-Men '97', mirroring a similar storyline from the comic of the same name where Storm loses and regains her powers.
With Episode 6 sharing the comic's title, we may find answers to whether Storm will forgive Forge and accept his help or choose to remain in solitude.
Four episodes of 'X-Men '97' are available to stream on Disney+
