X-Men '97 - "LifeDeath - Part 2" with Robyn Warren

In this episode of 'Charlie and Steve Watch Stuff', hosts Steve Selnick and Charlie Peppers are joined by guest Keith Jones to discuss X-Men '97, spotlighting Rogue's intense actions in the episode titled 'Bright Eyes'.

The trio appreciates the intricate animation and storytelling, comparing it favorably to previous X-Men series, while discussing character development, especially Rogue's significant role and Jean Grey's portrayal as a powerful, compassionate character. They tackle Rogue's controversial decision to drop Trask, leading to a broader conversation about character morality. The episode also explores fan theories, character dynamics, and the overall craftsmanship of the X-Men '97 series, with particular attention to its treatment of complex themes such as coming out and allyship within the context of mutant and human relations.

A special thanks to Keith for joining us on today's episode, be sure to follow him on Instagram! Also join us on our show's Instagram page to drop your Sentinel Ratings in the comments for this episode's post.

Bonus fun facts from this episode:

• Nightcrawler’s intro card has the original font from his comic in the 80s
• Bastian appeared in an obscure photo of episode 4.
• We see Gambit’s ex-fiance Belladonna, brother Robert, and former colleague from the Thieves Guild at the funeral. A nice touch.
• Nightcrawler ordains the funeral, which ties into his first appearance. This is a full circle moment
• It’s unclear what Gambit did in the world of the show, but in the comic books he worked for Mister Sinister. Watching the massacre of Morlocks pushed him onto the path of redemption
• Master Mold tried replacing Senator Kelly’s brain with a computer. The X-Men saved his life. This explains why he and the team are on cordial terms
• Rogue attacks a facility commanded by General Thaddeus Ross. He’s voiced by the same actor on What If...? Also, the series Incredible Hulk takes place in the same universe as X-Men.
• Captain America has technically worked with the X-Men before. In season five, he appeared in Old Soldiers working alongside Wolverine. Spider Man also chose him, along with Wolverine and Storm, to be one of his champions in the Secret Wars saga.
• In the comic books, Val Cooper is a shady person. Her first loyalty is to the government, not mutants. In episode five, she tried pulling gala members away. She also led mutants right into the line of Sentinel fire. Did she know the massacre was going to happen? There is a chance she’s working with OZT
• Jean is now wearing her hair down like Madelyne. Beau Demayo has confirmed Madelyne is dead. In some ways Jean might’ve absorbed Madelyne’s psyche. They share a psychic connection. It’s possible a piece of her mind is attached to Jean.
• Cyclops is notably more aggressive in episode five and seven. He’s losing patience in humanity. In the comics, Cyclops leads a new mutant nation called Utopia on the ashes of Genosha. The show could be moving this way in season two.
• Lots of cameos on Genosha: Mimic, Amelia, Angel, STRONG GUY, Multiple Man, etc.
• We get Callisto’s shrine. Steve was right. She’s definitely gone.
• Jean feels the last thoughts of Dazzler, Sebastian Shaw, Squid Boy, etc. They are confirmed dead
• Emma also discovers her diamond skin the same way in the comics. Will she be turning over a new leaf and joining the X-Men next season? We have the roster for Grant Morrison’s New X-Men here: Scott, Jean, Beast, Wolverine and Emma Frost
• Cap’s license plate is a reference to Avengers Annual 10. The first appearance of Rogue, which was written by X-Men writer Chris Claremont. Cap says he’ll lead his team to Mexico to apprehend Gyrich. This could be setting up Avengers v X-Men, which took place after the slaughter on Genosha. Steve is voiced by Josh Lucas who also portrays him in What If...? When Rogue and Cap go to the secret facility inside the cabin, the music sounds eerily similar to Winter Soldier.
• Gyrich listens to Madame Butterfly. A nice touch.
• Rogue sees Bastian and Nimrod – the figure from the opening credits – when she absorbs Gyrich’s memories. When will Nimrod appear?
• Madripoor is an embarrassment of billboard advertisements: Roxxon, Stark Industries, Horizon Labs (which appeared in the Amazing Spider Man comics), Pingo Cola (a fictional soda from the Incredible Hulk film), Yashida, Da Costa (Roberto’s family), and lastly Hammer Industries (Justin Hammer was the villain in Iron Man 2)
• Bastian is a combination of Master Mold and Nimrod who passed through a portal to gain human form. He is the ultimate killing machine. AI with no regard for human or mutant life.
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