Previously on the Disney+ series X-Men ‘97, after Bishop and Forge rescue the gang from alternate times in the universe, Nathan learns that his parents are Jean and Cyclops. We got a chance to see Bishop work alongside Jean and Cyclops; meanwhile, in a different time stamp, Forge reunites with Storm and Wolverine. Apocalypse inches closer to getting Nathan in his hands. 

The episode begins in 1997. We see a collision between X-Force, led by Cable, and X-Factor, led by Havok. Although both teams are mutants, they have different motives. X-Factor is a government team; meanwhile, the X-Force is considered to be a team of vigilantes who are wanted. 

One theme that this episode showcases is teamwork and collaboration. The episode emphasizes the importance of working together, even if everyone doesn’t necessarily agree or get along. Not every partnership comes easily, as we watch Jubilee and Sunspot agree to work with Cable’s team — Pyslocke and Archangel — to take down Apocalypse’s Horsemen, War. Jubilee and Cable butt heads during a mission, with Cable crossing a line in killing Apocalypse’s henchman. In this episode, Cable steps into the leadership role, continuing to play as the main source of the story as he continues getting closer to stopping Apocalypse. 

Throughout this episode, Polaris shows a theme of bending the rules. Even though she works with X-Factor, she helps Jubilee when she gets into a sticky situation with the government. We get to see a soft side of Polaris as we watch her do what she believes is right. This moment creates a dilemma between her beliefs and what her true orders are as an X-Factor member. This also shows signs of heroism, which we see a lot of in this episode, during battle and feud. Cable, Psylocke, Jubilee, Archangel, and Polaris all show the importance of being a hero in this episode. Sacrifices, difficult decision-making, and protecting others recur throughout the episode. 

A final theme in this episode is between Nathan and his parents. Because of the responsibility each mutant has in this world, Nathan has to unfortunately say goodbye and move on from his parents. Even though this is a short moment, it is a huge factor within the series and the season as a whole, as we will continue to watch the role it plays with time travel. A moment of farewell creates a quieter moment set away from the action and brutality of it all. 

The action and animation in this episode continue to be a huge force in this episode. There are a few scenes of Psylocke using her telepathy powers to her advantage. Along with seeing Cable, Jubilee, and Sunspot’s powers as well. We also get a chance to see Polaris’ powers, which are similar to her father Magneto’s. 

Overall, this was a really good episode, filled with lots of action and many moments of teamwork. Carolina Ravassa is incredible in her role as Polaris, the voice acting working immaculately to show and express Polaris’ hesitance and capability throughout this episode. Holly Chou also does a great job as Jubilee, as she’s put in a vulnerable and emotional rollercoaster in this episode. There’s no doubt that we will see more of those sides of these characters in the following episodes. 

Rating: 9/10