Marvel’s X-Men ’97 astonishingly concluded its first season, placing the crux of humanity in the hands of the faithful few. Despite the team’s best efforts, Bastion resurfaces more powerfully than before as Professor Xavier and his students battle to preserve not only mankind but the dream so many sacrificed to keep alive.
Directed by Chase Conley with Beau DeMayo and Anthony Sellitti handling the script, the finale is a culmination of what we’ve enjoyed throughout the series. Excellent dialogue extends this past a mere cartoon, solidifying it as some of the best work in any genre on TV this year. The animation is colorful and lively allowing every distinct moment to feel realized. The talent behind the mic is incredible. Paired with the amazing writing, each character is fully developed with an opportunity to shine.
As the series’ longest episode, not a minute is wasted with Conley’s direction. As soon as everyone’s favorite intro ends, the story leaps into action with a pacing that feels urgent, yet stable. The first arc could have very well been the entire episode, rushing to a conclusion like many of Marvel’s recent live-action series. Instead, it serves as just a taste of what’s to come, raising the stakes at every turn.
DeMayo and Sellitti continue to do glorious work, gifting these characters spectacular language and dialogue. Moments between Ross Marquand’s Charles Xavier and Matthew Waterson’s Magnus are extraordinary, capturing the essence of their long-time relationship. On the opposite end, Theo James is diabolically good as Bastion. Even as the villain descends into chaos, his words ring with credibility proving his motivations. Other standout moments come from Jennifer Hale’s Jean Grey and Ray Chase as Cyclops.
In addition to the technical achievements, the episode is a lot of fun for die-hard fans. The amount of cameos packaged into the finale expands the animated universe. Many hope these easter eggs are pathways to other series revivals to interconnect and make an animated world similar to the MCU.
Lastly, the final moments set up the second season perfectly with a post-credits scene establishing the next big bad. All in all, “Tolerance Is Extinction Pt. 3” sticks the landing for a rarely perfect journey with everyone’s favorite mutants. Remember it.
Rating: 10/10