Marvel Animation’s X-Men ’97 Season 2 streams new episodes weekly on Disney+ starting July 1, 2026.
Synopsis
The second season of the American animated television series X-Men ’97 is based on the Marvel Comics superhero team X-Men. The series is a revival of X-Men: The Animated Series (1992–1997), continuing the story of the X-Men. In the season, the X-Men are scattered throughout time—from Ancient Egypt to the far future—and must find their way back to the 1990s to stop Apocalypse. It is produced by Marvel Studios Animation, with Beau DeMayo as head writer and Jake Castorena as supervising director.
Review
Episode 8 opens with a dream, Rogue’s dream, which quickly and unsettlingly turns into a nightmare. It is a strong cold open that sets the tone for what follows, and a reminder of just how well this show handles its quieter, more intimate character moments. However, the preview clips for this week’s episode took the wind out of this reveal, as they had already spoiled it, but alas, it’s still fun.
The X-Men playing card games is genuinely cute, and exactly the kind of low-stakes downtime the show does well. It will not be what anyone remembers about this episode, but it adds warmth and a sense of team camaraderie that makes the darker moments hit harder by contrast. We also get to see X-Corp, the incredibly wild-looking building, in proper action this episode. It’s certainly an upgrade from the X-Mansion.
Following last week’s shocking reveal of Apocalypse seemingly “dead” (does anyone really die in this show?), we see his body this episode in a deeply disturbing manner. The suggestion? Gambit did it. It is a surprising and genuinely unsettling turn of events, and it leads into what is arguably the most interesting thread of the episode. Remy’s return is sinister and compelling in equal measure. Watching a hero become the villain is always fascinating territory, and the show leans into it with some lovely visual storytelling. His playing cards shifting into tarot cards is a brilliant touch, and his powers taking on a darker, more menacing edge makes for an intriguing twist on a character we thought we knew.
That said, the pacing conversation from last week continues. Unlike season one, season two is very much playing the long game, setting pieces into place rather than delivering immediate payoff. Some viewers will appreciate the slower build. Others, particularly those who have noticed fan favourites like Storm being sidelined, will find it frustrating. Both reactions are fair.
Bit of a personal gripe here, but there is also a continuity error worth flagging. At one point, Jean is outside the plane mid-fight, and in the very next shot she is inside the plane with no explanation for how she got there. It is the kind of attention to detail that season one rarely fumbled, and it is hard not to notice the difference. That might be a me thing, but these tiny details are what determine if a show is good or great.
On the plus side, the performances continue to impress across the board. Rogue remains an absolute standout, and the outfit design this season is genuinely stunning. The X-Men have never looked better, and every new costume has me thinking the same thing: I need it in Marvel Rivals immediately. The episode closes on a fun action sequence and a twisty detail that sends things out on a high note, a welcome reminder of what this show looks like when it is firing on all cylinders.
Verdict
X-Men ’97 Season 2 Episode 8, while uneven, has its moments. Remy’s sinister return is the clear highlight, and Rogue continues to be the emotional backbone of the season. The pacing issues and a noticeable continuity error hold it back from the heights of season one, but the pieces are clearly being moved into place. The destination still feels worth it.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
