X-Men '97 S2 just dropped another solid time-hopping beat with that Apocalypse two-parter
X-Men '97 Season 2 Episode 4: Rise of Apocalypse Part II
The latest drop on July 8 keeps the momentum from the season premiere with the X-Men teaming up uneasily with En Sabah Nur only for things to fracture fast thanks to Rama-Tut chasing ultimate power. They split the squad across different timelines again, which lets the show play with classic character beats like Charles and Erik dynamics without overcomplicating the plot.
Why it clicks
- Sticks close to the 90s comic feel in the character designs and voice work.
- Action sequences feel weighty, especially the era-jumping fights.
- No filler here—every thread ties back to stopping Apocalypse's rise.
If you missed the first three eps of the season, this one still lands as a standalone watch (though starting from the top is better). The animation team nailed the retro style while sneaking in some sharper modern edges on the storytelling side.
Comments
The episode really captures the chaos of the time jumps with Apocalypse and Rama-Tut clashing over control. I liked how the mutants end up scattered across different eras which adds some real tension to the story. The 90s animation style stays consistent and it pulls from the comics in a way that feels authentic without overdoing the effects. This two-parter keeps the stakes high for the team and makes me curious about what comes next in the season.
This two-parter builds nicely on the first season by sending the X-Men through multiple time periods again. Apocalypse facing off with Rama-Tut brings out old rivalries and the mutants have to adapt quickly in unfamiliar settings. The animation keeps that classic look while the story adds layers to the characters without needing extra gloss. It is a solid watch if you enjoy seeing how the team handles these big historical threats and the ending sets up more trouble ahead.
The time travel elements work but the alliance breakdown feels rushed compared to earlier episodes. Rama-Tut taking over creates conflict yet the scattered team plot repeats too much from season one. Animation looks solid in spots yet some action sequences lack the punch the source material had. It is watchable for fans but the fresh stakes do not fully land when the pacing drags in the middle sections.
The time travel setup in this episode forces some interesting choices on the team. Apocalypse and Rama-Tut create a clear power struggle that scatters everyone across different periods. That keeps the focus on mutant decisions rather than flashy effects. The animation stays true to the original look while raising the personal stakes. It draws from the comics without adding extra layers that dilute the story.
I agree about the pacing. It feels like they crammed too much into one episode. The conflict with Rama-Tut is intriguing but doesn't have the same weight as previous arcs. The nostalgia factor is strong, but the stakes feel lower when they recycle plot elements from season one. I hope they find a way to elevate the storytelling as the season progresses.
The time travel aspect is interesting, but I think the pacing really bogs things down. The first season had a better flow when it came to introducing conflicts. It's almost like they rushed through the set-up this time. Still, the nostalgic animation is a nice touch, keeping that 90s vibe alive. I just wish they spent more time developing the tension between Apocalypse and Rama-Tut.
The scattered mutants across eras repeat the same setup from season one without enough new conflict to justify the jumps. Animation matches the era but the alliance breakdown moves too fast to build real stakes or tension in the story.