The first episode in X-Men ’97’s three-part finale, “Tolerance Is Extinction Pt. 1,” places the X-Men on the path toward their new adversary. While the Summers family – Cyclops, Jean, and Cable – explore the origins of the unknown enemy Bastion, Beast and the others attempt to comprehend what happened to the man they knew as Bolivar Trask. We also gain Nightcrawler as a permanent fixture of the team.

With direction from Chase Conley, the episode is a thrill ride incorporating giant action sequences and stellar tense moments. A feeling of dread permeates throughout as the team comes face-to-face with the future of antimutant terrorism. The set pieces are of cinematic levels, reminiscent of James Bond, Fast & the Furious, and Invasion of the Body Snatchers.

The animation is at its peak with the characters committing feats never seen in the series before. One plus throughout the series has been showing the X-Men team collaborating in battle. The way they use their powers in conjunction with each other is reminiscent of scenes from X-Men video games of the early 2000s. It emphasizes the tactical approach they constantly train for in the Danger Room.

Matching the action is the terrific writing from Beau DeMayo and Anthony Sellitti. The two take Stan Lee’s source material and lift it for the modern day with masterful execution. An immediate standout is Theo James as Bastion, who delivers his line of villainy with the utmost posh coolness. Equally good is Catherine Disher as Val Cooper, the United Nations liaison. Her monologue near the end of the episode rings with an unfortunate brute truth.

The episode ends with a shocking development, placing the X-Men in a familiar position between a rock and a hard place; humanity’s last chance and greatest threat. Overall, “Tolerance Is Extinction Pt. 1” is an incredible piece of storytelling.

Rating: 10/10