Episode 5, Remember It, is an immaculate television episode full of engrossing interpersonal conflict, incredible dialogue, and shocking tragedy. Beau DeMayo‘s storytelling is mature and deep, going far beyond even the best movies and TV series in the MCU.
The first four episodes of X-Men ’97 serve as a fitting setup for the Infinity War-level consequences revealed at the end of the episode. Before the carnage, DeMayo’s script lays the groundwork with storylines that dive deep into the love triangles.
On one end, there’s Cyclops, Jean Grey, and, to a lesser extent, Wolverine. Cyclops and Jean are trying to restore the pieces of their relationship at the mansion. Cyclops struggles to reconcile that the mother of his missing son was Jean’s clone. Jean struggles to understand which memories are her own.
Meanwhile, Rogue, Magneto, and Gambit head to Genosha to oversee the Mutant country’s admittance into the United Nations. Magneto’s dialogue continues to shine. However, it’s Rogue and Gambit that shines brightest.
The emotional reveals and gut punches build to an unbelievable finale full of shocking violence and stunning animation.
Overall, Remember It is the best television episode of 2024 and effectively sets up a darker, even more mature direction for the X-Men.
X-Men 97 Episodes 5 Review Score
10 out of 10 – Masterpiece
With the overview complete, let’s examine the love stories and tragedies in Remember It. X-Men ’97 is streaming on Disney Plus.
Mental Anguish in Remember It
Episode five begins with Cyclops, Jean and Wolverine at the mansion. Cyclops and Jean are quite distant. Cyclops is trying to make sense of losing his son and having a child with Jean’s clone, Madelyne Price. Jean is trying to make sense of her shattered mind. Adding to Cyclops’s anxiety is the presence of a reporter. Eventually, Cyclops explodes in a manner that would make Magneto of old proud.
He destroys the notion of mutants and humans being alike. If mutants were like humans, then humans would be dead right now. It’s a scathing rebuke by Scott Summers, who is at his breaking point.
Meanwhile, Jean is consulting with Wolverine. After some sweet words, Jean kisses Wolverine. He wisely pulls away knowing Jean is confused.
Later, Jean attempts to cheer up Scott following his explosive interview. Eventually, Scott reveals he still communicates telepathically with Madelyne. Jean and Scott lash out at each other and reveal shocking truths. Jean through strong adversity to get back to Scott. Now, she learns Scott loves her clone and Jean. Scott is also angry with Jean. He questions whether Jean’s feelings for him are real or just pleasant memories.
X-Men ’97 continues to shine in the soap opera elements of the X-Men that make the team dynamics so unique within the Marvel universe.
Rogue’s Gambit
Magneto, Rogue and Gambit head to Genosha to oversee the Mutant country’s entrance into the United Nations. The mutant council wants Magneto to be the head of the council. He reluctantly agrees with one condition. Rogue must appointed as his queen.
Rogue is aghast at Magneto’s offer. Magneto wins Rogue over with his eloquent admission that Rogue makes broken men like him, and Gambit wants to be a better man. Later, Rogue and Gambit have a heart-to-heart conversation. Rogue reveals her affair with Magneto began long before she joined the X-Men. She also explains that the ability to touch Magneto physically forged a deep connection that she couldn’t share with Gambit.
To his credit, Gambit handles Rogue’s admission with grace. He politely warns her that Magneto will probably break her heart. However, he commits to remaining friends with Rogue. After a sultry dance with Magneto, Rogue has a change of heart. She reveals to Magneto that her love for Gambit is true. However, before she can reveal her love to Gambit, tragedy strikes.
Tragedy in Genosha
A stunning attack leaves the peaceful country of Genosha in ruins. A giant three-headed sentinel launches a blindside attack, killing many mutants.
Rogue, Gambit, and Magneto launch a counterattack. Rogue and Gambit then move on, taking out multiple Sentinels. Magneto uses a magnetic shield to block the giant sentinel’s attack. He also manages to protect Rogue from the sentinel black before eventually succumbing.
Gambit saves a rage-filled Rogue from certain death, then launches a counterattack of his own. He evades multiple blasts and launches at the sentinel but is impaled by a rod. Gambit seemingly sacrifices himself by blowing up the giant sentinel. The episode ends with a sobbing Rogue holding an unconscious Magneto.
This is a powerful, shocking ending to a terrific episode that feels like a tonal shift for a series that wasn’t exactly light and breezy.
Remember It final thoughts
Episode five is a terrific television episode. Deep character development, sharp dialogue, and stunning action make this one of the best from Marvel.
The Review
Remember It
PROS
- Magneto's dialogue continues to hit the mark
- Gorgeous animation.
- A pair of compelling, complex love stories lays important groundwork.
- Depressing, brilliant ending reaches rare Infinity War level of quality.
