GamesRadar+ VerdictX-Men ‘97 episode 4 is lighter, lower stakes, and so much fun – but it throws in a beautiful and serious story that definitely deserved its own time and episode.
GamesRadar+ Verdict
GamesRadar+ Verdict
X-Men ‘97 episode 4 is lighter, lower stakes, and so much fun – but it throws in a beautiful and serious story that definitely deserved its own time and episode.
X-Men ‘97 episode 4 is lighter, lower stakes, and so much fun – but it throws in a beautiful and serious story that definitely deserved its own time and episode.
Why you can trust GamesRadar+Our experts review games, movies and tech over countless hours, so you can choose the best for you.Find out more about our reviews policy.
Why you can trust GamesRadar+Our experts review games, movies and tech over countless hours, so you can choose the best for you.Find out more about our reviews policy.
Warning: Spoilers for X-Men ‘97 episode 4!
“Motendo/Lifedeath (Part One)” is exactly what it sounds like: two episodes mashed into one. The beautiful thing here is that one story is lighter, lower stakes, and so much fun – and the other is a heartbreaking tale that ends on an impossibly sour (and scary) note. I’m not exactly stoked that Lifedeath (Part 1) didn’t get its own special episode, but I can also see why the writers decided to take such a sad and serious story and juxtapose it with one of the goofiest storylines they could possibly come up with.
(Image credit: Disney Plus)
Elsewhere, part 1 of Lifedeath has just begun – with Forge determined to help Storm regain her powers after an attack from The X-Cutioner in episode 2. I challenge you not to tear up when Storm becomes frustrated, desperate to return to her old self. Sure, Forge appears to have pure intentions – but a surprisingly dark reveal makes the viewer – and Storm – question this. And as if the return of one OG villain wasn’t enough, the Lifedeath part of the episode features a kidnapping from one of the most underrated X-Men villains of all time: The Adversary! Sheesh.
(Image credit: Disney Plus)
With the seriousness of the first three episodes, I almost forgot that some of the best moments of the flagship series were campy and goofy. It was nice to return to the absurd, to the silliest looking characters and their vocal counterparts, and to be reminded that we’re watching a superhero comic book series. On the other hand, it was also nice to see the beginning of such a beloved comic book arc, but I do think Storm and Forge deserved their own standalone episode. I get why the writers might have wanted to juxtapose goofy with devastating, and that they may have very well wanted to give us a break from the darkly serious plot lines – but something felt a little off. Lifedeath is one of the best story arcs in the history of X-Men comics, and I’m glad Part Two (which airs the week after next) will get the standalone time it deserves.
The first four episodes of X-Men ‘97 are available now, with the remaining episodes set to drop weekly. For more, check out all the X-Men ‘97 Easter eggs you might have missed, our list of all of 2024’snew X-Men comics, or, our guide onhow to watch the X-Men movies in order.
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X-Men ‘97 season 2 producer says to expect two more X-teams in the new episodes
X-Men ‘97 season 2 producer says to expect two more X-teams in the new episodes
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1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension”
1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension”
1
Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension”
2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package”
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Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure”
4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years”
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5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths”
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3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action”
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4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien”
4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien”
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5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams’ disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite”
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Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”
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5Cobra Kai season 6, part 2 review: “Returns to the sort of hard-hitting form that made it such a fan favorite in the first place”
5
Cobra Kai season 6, part 2 review: “Returns to the sort of hard-hitting form that made it such a fan favorite in the first place”