'X-Men '97' Season 1 Finale: Episode 10 post-credits scene hints at Apocalypse as the next villain
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: The season 1 finale of 'X-Men '97' aired recently on Disney+ on Wednesday, May 15, wrapping up a thrilling ride for fans. Episode 10 delivered on the promise of action, emotion, and surprise appearances from Marvel's universe.
In the previous episode, tensions escalated between Magneto and Professor Xavier as they clashed over anti-mutant sentiments, leading to Bastion's Sentinel threat. Magneto's bold move to neutralize the Sentinels left him in space.
At the same time, the X-Men faced internal strife while battling Bastion.
As the finale unfolded, Professor X attempted to halt Magneto's plans using his psychic abilities, leaving viewers on edge about the outcome. Meanwhile, the X-Men grappled with putting an end to Bastion's schemes.
Delving into spoiler territory, the final scenes of episode 10 revealed intriguing twists and a post-credits scene, hinting at what's to come for 'X-Men '97.'
Cable's timeline jumps
One of the most heartbreaking moments in 'X-Men '97' unfolded when Scott (Cyclops) and Madelyne (Jean Grey's clone) had to bid farewell to their baby, Nathan. They entrusted him to the Bishop, sending him through a portal.
This baby Nathan grows up to become Cable, the hero who travels through time to stop the Genosha attack and subsequently engages in battle against Bastion.
Towards the end of the finale, the destruction of Magneto's Asteroid M appears to scatter the X-Men across various timelines.
But was it accidental or intentional? Jean Grey and Scott find themselves in 3960 AD, where they encounter a young Nathan alongside another character, Mother Askani.
Though she appears older and cloaked, comic book fans know her as Rachel Summers, the daughter of Jean and Scott.
In an earlier episode, Cable explains to the X-Men how Bastion influences the future timeline. Rachel exists in a dystopian future where Bastion controls some mutants.
Despite being one of them initially, Rachel ultimately becomes the founder of Clan Askani, the group that takes in young Nathan.
Keep an eye out for her character as part of the Summers family saga in season 2.
Egyptian timeline
While Jean Grey and Scott unexpectedly reunite in the future, Rogue, Nightcrawler, Beast, Magneto, and Xavier find themselves transported to ancient Egypt in the past.
Amid a skirmish with warriors, they encounter a mysterious figure who introduces himself as En Sabah Nur.
Die-hard Marvel fans will recognize him as Apocalypse, known for his villainous persona in present-day X-Men tales. However, in this era, he's portrayed as a nomadic rebel compelled to serve an Egyptian ruler.
Endowed with regenerative powers, En Sabah Nur has survived numerous deaths and epochs, with connections to the Celestials in Marvel lore.
His encounter with one group of X-Men in the past foreshadows future storylines involving the other group in the year 1997 or 3960.
The post-credits scene of 'X-Men '97' hints at the return of Gambit
If you stayed through the credits, you would have witnessed a scene unveiling the present-day Genosha in ruins.
Amongst the debris, a hand retrieves a torn Queen of Hearts card, while a voice mourns, "So much pain, my children. So much death." Although the character's full face isn't shown, his mouth is visible as he speaks.
This character is none other than Apocalypse, a formidable villain with a rich history in the X-Men comics and the Marvel universe.
He's made appearances in various Marvel animated series and portrayed as En Sabah Nur in the live-action films, 'X-Men: Days of Future Past' and 'X-Men: Apocalypse'.
As for the playing card, it belongs to Gambit, also known as Remy LeBeau. Its appearance, combined with Apocalypse's arrival, hints at the possibility of Gambit being resurrected as the Horseman of Death.
This notion was hinted at in episode 6 when Professor X had visions of Gambit transforming into a skeletal-faced agent of death.
In the comics, Gambit falls under Apocalypse's control, becoming one of his Horsemen and battling against the X-Men. This storyline could unfold in season 2 of 'X-Men '97'.
Has Apocalypse appeared previously in the series?
It's important to note that while Apocalypse is making his debut in "X-Men '97," he previously appeared in "X-Men: The Animated Series," of which "X-Men '97" is a revival.
In the original series, the X-Men banished Apocalypse to the Astral plane after defeating him.
Upon arrival, Apocalypse possessed the body of mutant Fabian Cortez. However, the character depicted in this post-credits scene is not Cortez, suggesting that Apocalypse will likely appear in his usual hulking form in the series.
The arrival of Apocalypse signals the dawn of a new era, accompanied by a resurrected Gambit as a villain. It seems like we're in for an intense ride.
'X-Men '97' trailer
All episodes of 'X-Men 97' Season 1 are now exclusively streaming on Disney+.