As tensions continue to boil over between humans and mutants, a group of separatist mutants claim to be continuing the work of Magneto. They abduct the leader of an anti-mutant group who also happens to be the half-brother of Nightcrawler. It leads to a trial, a fight and an uneasy alliance between X-Corp and X-Factor.

Warning: Spoilers Below

Flashbacks and Rallies

Rather than opening in the present, the story revisits the destruction of Genosha through Colossus' eyes. He desperately tries to save survivors alongside Magik before witnessing what appears to be her death, a loss that continues to shape every decision he makes.

In the present, Graydon Creed is leading an anti-mutant rally where he continues to stoke people’s fears as he announces his run for president. It’s very reminiscent of speeches from a certain former leader in Germany… and a current one in the United States. However, a group of mutants, including Colossus, attacks the rally and takes Creed hostage. The episode gives Exodus a substantial introduction, a separatist mutant who has history with both Apocalypse and Magneto.

Acolytes of Magneto

Four X-Men head to the Acolytes of Magneto’s base, which happens to be in Mr. Sinister’s old hideout. Rogue, Bishop, Polaris and Nightcrawler are going to try to free Creed. Rogue doesn't avoid the uncomfortable family history, Nightcrawler and Creed are half-brothers as both are sons of Mystique. (Rogue is also their adoptive sister). Elsewhere, Val Cooper and Professor X discuss the situation as X-Factor is trying to figure out where the Acolytes are hiding despite X-Corp already knowing.

Creed’s Trial

The X-Men’s ship is hit with a burst of energy and they crash as they enter the Acolytes’ hideout. Bishop is thrown from the jet and Polaris goes to save him while the others go down with the ship. Colossus finds Nightcrawler and Rogue and takes them into the base, and reveals a shrine to the victims of Genosha and how he became one of the Acolytes.

Colossus takes Nightcrawler to see Creed who is not happy to see his half-brother. Exodus joins them and they all discuss Creed’s future. Nightcrawler suggests a trial with Colossus as the judge. If Nightcrawler wins, Creed is free, but if Exodus wins, Nightcrawler will join the Acolytes. Exodus accepts and the pair make their cases.

The trial becomes less about Graydon Creed's crimes and more about whether hatred is something people choose or inherit. Nightcrawler argues that Creed's bitterness stems from abandonment by his parents (Mystique and Sabretooth) rather than simple prejudice, while Exodus insists mercy only enables oppression. Colossus is about to render his verdict when Exodus calls him a heretic and starts attacking the judge. But here come Polaris and Bishop to save the day.

Escape

Once Polaris restores everyone's powers, the confrontation quickly spirals into chaos. Nightcrawler and Exodus steal the spotlight with an inventive duel before Creed unexpectedly turns the conflict upside down. Creed gets his hands on a gun and shoots Exodus from behind. He then points the gun at Nightcrawler, threatening to shoot him as well.

Meanwhile, Colossus arrives at the mansion where he tells Nightcrawler that he was going to find Creed guilty but Nightcrawler’s argument would’ve convinced his sister, Magik.

Horseman

Elsewhere, X-Force has made its way to Athens where Apocalypse has been hiding in the 1990s. They approach a corpse that looks like it was once Apocalypse. While the team questions how this could happen, Jubilee finds a playing card. She’s aware that Gambit was somehow involved, and it looks like Apocalypse may have succeeded in creating a new Horseman, only for the plan to unravel almost immediately.

Final Thoughts

It seemed like this season was setting up a showdown with Apocalypse, but now it looks like the X-Men’s ultimate foe has been felled by one of his Horsemen. What does that mean for the rest of the season? Plus, we’ve got three teams of mutants battling it out between X-Corp, X-Factor and X-Force. How will each of them turn out? There are so many questions and the last three episodes have all felt like side quests to establish the physical and mental states of certain mutants: Wolverine, Polaris and Nightcrawler. Still, the show delivers yet again.

Check out X-Men ‘97 streaming exclusively on Disney Plus.