X-Men ’97 Season 2 Episode 7 Review: Judgment Day

Jurassic Justice: X-Men Style!

Buckle up, folks, because the latest episode of X-Men ’97 Season 2 is a wild blend of courtroom drama and dinosaur antics! Spoiler alert: if you’re still holding onto episode 7 for dear life, it’s time to let go.

This episode plays out like a heated debate, starring none other than Nightcrawler, the team’s moral compass, as he champions the life of the notorious Graydon Creed—a real poster child for bigotry—in a trial presided over by the Acolytes, Magneto’s biggest fans. And just when you think it’s all dry and dull, BAM! We have heroes shooting lasers while riding dinosaurs! Yes, you heard that right, folks—because who said superhero stories should be boring?

The Plot Thickens—Or Does It?

Now, don’t get too attached to the threads from the previous episode, as “Strange Land, Savage Heart” decides to leave them in the dust. We have a quick cameo from Val Cooper of X-Factor throwing shade at Xavier over X-Corp, and a post-credits stinger that hints at X-Force having a bad hair day after finding a charred playing card next to the remains of Apocalypse. But enough with the plot loose ends; let’s get to the main event!

This episode dives into the rescue mission of none other than Graydon Creed (yes, the guy who’s got a PhD in being a pain) after the Acolytes abduct him. With their former leader, Fabian Cortez, getting his clock cleaned by Apocalypse, the Acolytes have found new leadership under Exodus, who, let’s be honest, is just as twisted as Creed but with a flair for religious rhetoric.

Colossus’ Crisis & The Acolyte Agenda

And speaking of twisted—did you hear about Colossus? Our big buddy has joined the Acolytes, and it’s a total tear-jerker! Coping with the loss of his sister, Ilyana, he’s found himself grappling with some pretty dark thoughts about peace and justice. Apparently, he believes the only way to achieve “peace” is by taking out the oppressors—a sentiment that has all sorts of red flags waving.

But it gets even weirder when you realize that several X-Men find themselves nodding along to Colossus’ radical views, including Polaris and Bishop. Rogue, however, is stuck in an emotional tug-of-war since Creed just happens to be the son of Sabretooth and Mystique, who raised her—awkward family reunions, anyone?

The Epic Trial of Graydon Creed

Enter Nightcrawler—our hopeful and fuzzy hero! He can’t just sit back and watch Creed face the guillotine, so he convinces the Acolytes to hold a trial because what could possibly go wrong with that idea? He steps up to defend Creed, while Exodus takes on the role of the prosecutor, with Colossus playing judge. Just imagine the courtroom drama, folks!

It’s like a crossover episode of Star Trek—with debates flying back and forth, all about Xavier’s Dream and whether it’s even relevant anymore. Nightcrawler’s voice actor, Adrian Hough, sprinkles a little hope into the mix, while Bo Poraj channels his inner villain as Exodus, echoing some great bad guy vibes from the Star Trek universe.

Real World Resonance

What makes this episode truly striking is how it mirrors current society. Creed’s Republican rhetoric resonates a little too closely with real-life politics, showing how bigotry can grow and find a voice. Exodus argues that Creed must be dealt with—after all, his hatred is lighting a wildfire, and unfortunately, a few too many people find themselves agreeing with that sentiment.

But wait! This wild ride takes a turn when Nightcrawler counters with an impassioned plea for humanity, reminding us that Creed is still a person, despite his unrepentant hate. The heartwarming twist? It’s his family bond that keeps him in the ring instead of being thrown overboard.

Conclusion: Thrills, Chills, and Dinosaurs!

The episode leaves you pondering the complexities of morality without handing you a neatly wrapped answer. Nightcrawler’s final interaction with Creed serves as a reminder that even faith can waver. But hey, at least we had a blast watching giant dinosaurs stomp around with “boing!” sound effects punctuating the action!

X-Men ’97 Season 2 drops fresh episodes every Wednesday on Disney+. So, grab your popcorn and get ready for more superhero shenanigans!

X-Tra Thoughts

What did you think of this episode? Did it have you on the edge of your seat, or did it feel like a long-winded courtroom case? Let us know!