X-Men '97 sets a new standard for series revivals, leveraging decades of X-Men comic book history to create a rich and detailed narrative. Unlike typical reboots, this show directly builds upon the beloved 1990s animated series, integrating a wealth of plotlines and characters developed over the past 29 years. This unique approach allows the creators to meticulously select the most compelling elements from the comics while avoiding past narrative pitfalls. The series also adeptly revisits unresolved story arcs from the original animated show, enriching them with newly introduced comic book lore.
The current season exemplifies this innovative strategy by offering a more nuanced portrayal of characters like Cable and, most recently, delving into the enigmatic past of a minor villain who has long intrigued fans: the X-Ternal. This detailed exploration is a testament to the show's ability to seamlessly blend nostalgia with fresh, compelling storytelling, making it a standout revival.
The seventh episode of X-Men '97's second season transports viewers to the Louisiana bayou, where a resurrected and malevolent Gambit makes a dramatic return. His nefarious plan involves attacking the X-Men and abducting Rogue, with the intention of forcing her into marriage. The peculiar wedding ceremony unfolds in a swamp, a setting that brings us face-to-face with the mysterious X-Ternal, a character whose origins were previously only hinted at in the original animated series.
The X-Ternal first appeared in the 1993 episode "X-Ternally Yours," which explored Gambit's background as a member of a formidable thieves' guild in Louisiana. This episode established that various guilds derived their powers from a cryptic entity known as the X-Ternal, in exchange for a decennial tithe. The narrative largely focused on the guilds' attempts to outmaneuver each other to avoid paying this tribute, fearing severe punishment if they failed. At the time, this was the extent of the information provided about the X-Ternal within the animated series, leaving much to the imagination of viewers who were not familiar with the broader comic book universe.
The Externals, a group of formidable and immortal mutants with a psychic bond, made their debut in the 1992 comic X-Force #10. This group, including the X-Ternal (whose true name is Candra and represents guile), plays a significant role in Apocalypse's schemes, with Apocalypse himself being an External. The comics reveal that the Externals can only be truly vanquished by destroying their hearts, and they possess an innate awareness of each other's demise. These characters, each embodying a concept like despair or fortitude, frequently appear in storylines centered around Apocalypse, making their connection to Gambit and the current X-Men '97 narrative particularly engaging.
The second season of X-Men '97 offers a compelling and expanded backstory for Candra, the X-Ternal, providing a richer context for a character who had previously been depicted in a rather two-dimensional manner in both the comics and the original animated series. Earlier in the season, Candra was briefly glimpsed in a plotline set in Ancient Egypt, serving as a priestess to Pharaoh Rama-Tut, who is none other than Kang the Conqueror. Although not explicitly named in these earlier episodes, the credits confirmed her identity. In episode 4, as Apocalypse asserts his dominance and Kang retreats through time, he imparts a cryptic piece of advice to Candra: "Your destiny starts today," adding that Apocalypse can only be challenged by "a force that is External." This foreshadowing sets the stage for her expanded role.
Fast forward to episode 7, a flashback reveals Candra's fate after Kang's departure. She served Apocalypse not only as a priestess but also possibly as a romantic partner. It was Apocalypse who bestowed her powers upon her, symbolized by a glowing gem she still possesses in the present timeline of the show. However, Candra eventually betrayed Apocalypse, leading to her journey to America, where she transformed into the enigmatic swamp goddess known in the series. This comprehensive backstory breathes new life into the X-Ternal, turning her into a complex character whose motivations and powers are deeply intertwined with the overarching narrative. The intricate weaving of original animation with extensive comic book knowledge is a hallmark of X-Men '97, making it a truly exceptional revival.
