'X-Men '97' Episode 5: From Gambit to Sebastian Shaw, 6 MAJOR deaths that shook fans
Contains spoilers for 'X-Men '97'
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: In the latest episode of 'X-Men '97', titled 'Remember It', which aired on Disney+ on Wednesday, April 10, the plot took an unexpected turn from the focus on Storm and Forge to delve into the world of Magneto, Rogue, and Gambit overseeing Genosha's UN induction. Meanwhile, the remaining members of the team hosted a press tour at the X-Mansion.
'X-Men '97' Episode 5 initially brimmed with optimism and hope, but tragedy struck when a sudden Sentinel attack devastated the island nation of Genosha.
Hints at potential culprits behind the attack emerged, with Cable, the mutant son of Madelyne Pryor, warning of the impending danger. However, regardless of who was behind it, the attack led to significant losses among beloved characters, with some of them losing their lives as well.
Here are 6 major characters who died in 'X-Men '97 Episode 5.
1. Magneto
Rogue's anger towards the towering Sentinel ultimately led to a tragic turn in 'X-Men '97' Episode 5. What makes this even more heartbreaking for Rogue is that it was Magneto's apparent death that ignited her fury.
Just before the climax, Magneto is seen valiantly defending the Morlocks. Being an Omega-level mutant, Magneto becomes the main target of the Sentinel, putting the Morlocks in jeopardy. Despite his efforts to repel the Sentinel's blast, Magneto is overwhelmed, muttering reassuring words in German before the Sentinel breaches his defenses, resulting in a devastating explosion.
Magneto, the new leader of the X-Men, is not seen again in the episode, and the Sentinel declares that the Omega-level threat has been neutralized, implying Magneto's death. This loss is likely to have significant consequences for the story of 'X-Men '97' Season 1, as Magneto can no longer lead the X-Men.
This could potentially lead to Cyclops reassuming a leadership role or pave the way for a storyline where Magneto is resurrected to carry on Charles Xavier's mission.
2. Gambit
In the intense climax of 'X-Men '97' Episode 5, Rogue becomes consumed by rage as she confronts the massive Sentinel attacking Genosha. To protect her, Gambit intervenes, using his motorcycle to intercept her before bravely charging towards the Sentinel himself. Despite being stabbed by the Sentinel's metal arm, Gambit manages to smile as he infuses it - and the Sentinel - with his kinetic energy.
Gambit's sacrificial act successfully destroys the giant Sentinel, putting an end to the attack on Genosha. However, in the aftermath, Rogue discovers Gambit's lifeless body, expressing her inability to sense him.
This strongly suggests Gambit's death by the end of 'X-Men '97' episode 5. The possibility of Gambit's death is further supported by a Marvel Comics storyline where he is killed before being resurrected as one of Apocalypse's Four Horsemen.
Cable's appearance hints at Apocalypse's sinister plans, raising the possibility of Gambit's return in the future. However, by the conclusion of 'X-Men '97' Episode 5, Rogue confirms Gambit's death, adding a poignant layer to the tragic events unfolding.
3) Madelyne Pryor
Though her body is not shown in 'X-Men '97' Episode 5, Madelyne Pryor's fate has been confirmed following the episode's airing.
Beau DeMayo responded to questions from X-Men fans on X, on April 11, stating that she was vaporized as the Wild Sentinels attacked, shortly after receiving Cable's tragic warning.
Given her significant role in the early storylines of 'X-Men '97', her untimely death comes as a shock, especially before the resolution of the love triangle involving Jean, Cyclops, and herself.
Callisto
Apart from the deaths of Gambit, Magneto, and the Morlocks, another significant loss was Callisto. As the X-Men regroup after the initial attack, Callisto is seen lying on a stretcher.
While this initially suggests she's only injured, there's a moment focusing on her face, particularly her eye. The shot lingers, showing her pupil constricting, a common visual cue used in animations to signify a character's death.
It appears that this visual cue also applies to Callisto, as she isn't seen alive after this scene in 'X-Men '97'. Her death adds to the tragedy of the mutant lives lost in the Genosha massacre, especially for fans familiar with 'X-Men: The Animated Series'.
Callisto was a minor but sympathetic character in the original show, making her fate in 'X-Men '97' even more impactful.
Leech
As mentioned earlier, Magneto's sacrifice in 'X-Men '97' Episode 5 is closely tied to the Morlocks. The Morlocks have been a recurring presence in the animated X-Men universe, appearing in 'X-Men: The Animated Series' and continuing in 'X-Men '97'.
In episode 5 of 'X-Men '97', the Morlocks were depicted living peacefully in Genosha, making them targets during the Sentinel attack.
After Gambit rescues the Morlocks, Magneto attempts to shield them from the Sentinel's assaults. However, Magneto's inability to withstand the Sentinel ultimately leads to his own death, putting the Morlocks in grave danger as well.
The ensuing explosion and chaos likely resulted in casualties among the Morlocks, adding another tragic chapter to the story of characters from 'X-Men: The Animated Series' whose lives met a sorrowful end.
Sebastian Shaw
Like Moira, Sebastian Shaw is shown lying unconscious on a stretcher in X-Men '97 Episode 5.
Though Shaw's mutant powers could enable him to survive, since he can take vast amounts of energy and convert it into physical strength, he too was killed.
His body is shown lying next to Dazzler. At least some of the Hellfire Club representatives in Genosha were killed off, though there's no confirmation on Emma Frost, who doesn't appear among the casualties but is unaccounted for by the end of the episode.
'X-Men '97' trailer
5 episodes of 'X-Men '97' are streaming on Disney+.