The X-Men franchise has always had a fascination with time travel, and the latest installment, 'X-Men '97' Season 2, is no exception. This season delves into the intriguing question of who sent the X-Men hurtling through time in the first place, and the answer is as complex as it is fascinating.
The Time-Traveling Twist
In the season premiere, 'Days of Past Future,' the fate of the X-Men is revealed. The team is not dead, as the world believes, but scattered across time. This is where Mother Askani, a mysterious psychic, enters the narrative. She confesses to Storm that she orchestrated the X-Men's time travel, splitting them between the distant past and a bleak future.
What's particularly intriguing is the motivation behind Mother Askani's actions. She is not just a random time traveler but a pivotal character with a deep connection to the X-Men's future. In the comics, Mother Askani is revealed to be Rachel Summers, the daughter of Scott and Jean, who joins the X-Men in the present after her native time is altered. This twist adds a layer of familial drama to the time-traveling saga.
Avoiding the Apocalypse
The future that Mother Askani is trying to prevent is ruled by the ruthless mutant Apocalypse, a familiar foe to X-Men fans. By sending half the team to the future, she aims to train Nathan, the son of Cyclops and Jean, to become the soldier who will defeat Apocalypse. The other half of the team, including Professor X and Magneto, is sent back to ancient Egypt to prevent Apocalypse's rise.
This sets up an intriguing dynamic where the X-Men are not just fighting a present-day battle but are engaged in a war across time. It's a clever narrative device that allows for the exploration of cause and effect, and the potential to change destiny. Personally, I find this aspect of the story fascinating, as it delves into the philosophical implications of time travel and the moral dilemmas it presents.
Magneto's Redemption Arc
One of the most compelling storylines in this season is Magneto's attempt at redemption. Having recently reverted to his villainous ways, Magneto now seeks to guide the young Apocalypse, En Sabah Nur, onto a more merciful path. This is a brilliant narrative choice, as it allows Magneto to confront his past and potentially alter the future. It's a powerful exploration of the theme of second chances and the possibility of change, even for the most notorious of villains.
The Mystery of Mother Askani
While the show hints at Mother Askani's origins, it leaves much of her story untold. In the comics, her history is rich and intertwined with the X-Men's future. However, the animated series has yet to fully reveal her identity as Rachel Summers. This is a clever way to keep viewers guessing and adds an air of mystery to the character.
The time travel in 'X-Men '97' Season 2 is not just a plot device but a means to explore the characters' relationships, their pasts, and their potential futures. It challenges the X-Men and the audience to consider the consequences of their actions across time. In my opinion, this season is a brilliant example of how to effectively use time travel in storytelling, adding depth and complexity to an already rich universe.
