Image source – https://tinyurl.com/2s4xrcww
X-Men 97 Episode 5 dropped on Disney plus today, and it blew my mind, there is a lot to talk about and to explain. Including WTF moments plot/story and breaking this mind blowing episode down. Buckle up and warning a bunch of spoilers awaits for this episode. “The names Gambit Mon Ami” – A very heartfelt but Epic moment. Along with the surprisingly killing of loads of Genosha all in one episode. For starters the two love triangles seem to be a very big recurring theme throughout the episode. Especially the one between Gambit, Rogue, and Magneto.
The episode begins with Cable fighting Apocalypse in the intro, which sets up Cable’s appearance. As the episode starts, a reporter discusses mutants and the X-Men. Shortly after, we see Rouge, Magneto, and Gambit flying into Genosha and being welcomed by a massive city of mutants. It’s a place where mutants can feel safe and not be judged by humans.
X-Men 97 Episode 5: Cyclops and Jean
We witnessed the return of Nightcrawler and Madelyne Pryor, who is now a member of the council of Genosha. The council of Genosha requested Magneto to take charge of Genosha, with Rouge as his Queen. We also observed the love triangle between Jean, Cyclops, and Wolverine, with Jean becoming angry at Cyclops for being in contact with Madelyne Pryor through Madelyne’s telekinesis powers. As that was their thing. Cyclops tried to explain that he only wanted to check on Madelyne after the entire baby Cable fiasco. However, this only led to a massive argument between the two. With Jean accusing Cyclops of loving Madelyn, and Cyclops accusing Jean of merely remembering not feeling their love.
Image source – https://tinyurl.com/2s4xrcww
We also noticed Sebastian Shaw, along with Emma Frost, serving on the council. Now, we understand that these two aren’t exactly good. Therefore, when the council approached Magneto to lead Genosha, particularly considering Emma Frost’s involvement, they wouldn’t simply hand control over to Magneto. Suggesting the two have something bigger at play, witch we may see continued in future episodes.
A massive moment ufolds in the Jean, Cyclops, and Wolverine love triangle, between Jean and Logan. Jean try to figure out when her swap with Madelyne took place. However, this leads to a deep conversation between Jean and Logan, culminating in Jean kissing him. Wolverine, however, quickly brushes it off by insinuating that it was a mere mistake.
Rouge and Magneto
We see Rogue’s past with Magneto, where they had a romantic relationship that ended due to Magneto’s trauma. Witch started with her mother sending her to him. We also found that Rogue could touch Magneto only because his electro magnetic powers created a protective barrier through his body. We were then taken to a huge party where Rogue enters the room flying, catching Magneto’s attention. They both hover over the party in the air and dance together. Magneto implies that he still has romantic feelings for her. After Rogue kisses him, she pushes him away, re-framing her love for Gambit.
The Big Battle and Gambit’s Sacrifice
In the final part of the episode, the Sentinels attack Genosha, killing most of the population. Madelyne gets a warning from Cable to kill the music before the attack. She sees Cable coming out of the time portal and realizes he’s her son. Cable says it’s too late and gets pulled back, calling her “mum.” Magneto fights the Sentinels but gets overpowered along with Rouge and Gambit. Magneto seemingly dies shielding a mutant child from a Sentinel laser. To protect Rouge, Gambit blows up the Mega Sentinel, but gets impaled and dies. His send of then being the words, “The names Gambit Mon Ami, remember it”. The episode ends with Rouge crying, holding Gambit’s body and touching him, saying “I can’t feel him.” But, with the whole Cable Time travel stuff, Gambit can still come back.