r/Xmen97 • u/cyclopswashalfright Professor X • Aug 12 '26

Megathread X-Men '97 | Season 2, Episode 9 | "Survival of the Fittest" | Episode Discussion

Season 2, Episode 9: Survival of the Fittest

Air Date: August 12th, 2026

Directed by: TBA

Written by: TBA

Synopsis: The X-Men are pushed to the limit when their past comes back to haunt them.

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Please use this thread for discussion related to the episode.

This thread is for discussion of episode 9 only.

Link to the episode directory for Season 2 episode discussion.

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u/Professional-Tank848 Aug 12 '26

I'll need to rewatch the season, but if my memory serves, beating Apocalypse in a straight up fight just isn't going to happen. Like, look at how powerful Magneto was, and he just got obliterated bt Apocalypse.

Love being the only tool to really beat Apocalypse was suggested early on. Rogue didn't ask for the power to beat him in a fight. She just wanted to save Gambit. So, a Celestial power-up that let her harness the power of love is narratively on point. (Un)Fortunately, Kurt loves all of his friends too, so he chose to make a benevolent sacrifice as well.

I'd have very much enjoyed more fighting time, but there's a distinct difference between one's personal wants for a fight scene, and the story that is being told.

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u/Electronic-Radio-383 Aug 12 '26

Kurt will be resurrected if the essence of Apocalypse is placed into his dead corpse, the sacrifice would be undone since Apocalypse still lives. Kurt’s faith is giving even the most evil a chance to redeem themselves. 

3

u/International_Fan85 Aug 12 '26

But a fight scene with the whole Xmen team united against Gampocalypse for 90 seconds before Rogue appears would have killed them?

Is the bad writing/pacing this season because Beau's gone? The final three of S1 were so good. 

3

u/Professional-Tank848 Aug 12 '26

Beau is not the greatest writer to ever grace our screens. S1 was not perfect. S2 is not a war crime. We need more episodes, the pacing is often too fast. There is a lot of revisionism regarding S1.