Summary

• X-Men '97 explores the complicated relationships between Cyclops, Jean Grey, and Cable in an action-packed episode.
• X-Men '97 needs to delve deeper into Madelyne Pryor's storyline to provide closure for fans and explore her impact on the Summers family.
• X-Men '97 should spend more time on Cable's background to add layers and depth to his character.

The following contains majior spoilers for X-Men '97 Season 1, Episode 8, "Tolerance Is Extinction - Part 1," now streaming on Disney+.

When X-Men '97 revealed Madelyne Pryor and the Nathan Summers baby drama, fans were curious to see how Cyclops would handle things. The original X-Men cartoon didn't explore Scott Summers' link to Nathan (aka Cable) in depth. By contrast, the sequel series brought Jean Grey into play as well, creating a love triangle.

Unfortunately, it ended with Madelyne dying in the Genosha massacre. It left Scott grieving in the wake of sending Nathan to the future to heal. Thankfully, Jean has taken Scott back as they try to avenge the fallen. While X-Men '97 has given the Summers family an intriguing action-packed arc of unity, the show focuses on internal drama. This particular arc needs heart so that its characters don't feel like they're just cogs meant to advance the plot.

X-Men '97 Unites Cyclops, Jean and Cable In Battle

X-Men '97 Episode 8 has Cyclops joking with Cable about their costumes, and basically, trying to be the father Cable never had. Nathan went to the future with Bishop to be cured of the techno-organic virus from Sinister's lair, and since then, he has become a seasoned warrior trying to protect his family in the future. In the present, Cable appreciates his time with Scott because he can't change the Nexus Event that is his mother's death.

Cable respects Jean as well, understanding the role she played in history. He views her as his step-mother in this short space of time, understanding they need to get on the same page to stop Bastion and the Prime Sentinels. If these villains continue to wreak havoc, Cable won't have a timeline to go back to and may even end up being erased. It results in them trying to investigate Bastion's mother, only to be attacked by a horde of Prime Sentinels.

Scott and Cable blast them, while Jean uses her telekinesis. The heroes have no choice but to destroy these regenerating bodies. They fly away in their jet, shoot more in the sky, and then pull a stunt fit for Fast & Furious. They drop out in Scott's car, speed through a tunnel and use the debris to their advantage. It's an absolutely high-octane moment seeing Cyclops and Cable sniping out villains and Jean using her powers to land them to safety as they fly off a cliff.

Seeing them posing in her force field and jumping out of the car as it blows up is a remarkable moment. In fact, it's the ultimate Summers family moment. Thankfully, Magneto shuts down all the Prime Sentinels across the world, ensuring the family can go free. This is what Scott always wanted: his family together again and doing heroic things. He might have fallen for Madelyne, but he is glad his first love is there, as well as his son. Jean and Cable also dig the synergy, chemistry and overall dynamic as a unit.

X-Men '97 Needs to Elaborate on Madelyne Pryor's Death

While it's fun for the narrative to expand on the Summers moving forward, it isn't doing Madelyne justice. It rushed her arc in just two episodes where she found out she was a clone, became the Goblin Queen, redeemed herself and then let Jean take her place. She also sent Cable to the future, but it was all done so quickly. There wasn't any breathing room. The cartoon didn't even show her again until she randomly ended up on Genosha as plot convenience.

There, fans learned Madelyne was still having a mental affair with Scott, but before it could truly be addressed, the scary Genosha murders happened and she died. The series needs to return to this sub arc so that fans can understand why Scott would move on so quickly back to Jean, and why Jean would forgive and forget. They haven't had a discussion about cheating. Jean also kissed Wolverine, so there is a lot to unpack. Instead, it's becoming a case of denial, as depicted in X-Men '97 Episode 8.

By addressing the elephant in the room, Cable would also get to learn more about the parties involved. This wouldn't vilify anyone or slander their name and reputations. Rather than coming off insulting, it can be done with tact to show Cable that all these mutants are flawed, vulnerable and human. As it stands, Madelyne has been shoved into the plot quickly and killed off, taking away the little personality and character she had.

She was also a sister to X-Men '97's Storm and a den mother to Jubilee, so her legacy deserved more than to just be a cliffnote in the Summers' family. Madelyne might have been Sinister's other experiment, but she garnered an identity. It just needs to be addressed more, which would help if somehow she returned down the line due to her being a copy of an omega-level mutant. Conversely, this would go a long way to establishing her dynasty posthumously.

X-Men '97 Has to Spend More Time On Cable's Backstory

To complete the Summers family saga, it's not just about the past with Madelyne and Sinister, or the present with Scott and Jean. A lot has to do with Cable's future and his kin. Cable explaining to his parents about the war in the future against Apocalypse, how he fell in love, and how he's trying to stop his son Tyler from following his path would all resonate. Scott would surely like to learn more about his grandson, Tyler, and understand what Cable is fighting for. If he has to break rules, they can gain insight into why he may follow through.

Cable also shouldn't be fast-tracked through Madelyne's death. He has to absorb the plight of yet another genocide, the guilt of not being able to stop it, and the doubt if he can save Tyler in due time. This would make sense as Cable is the anchor for all the timelines and characters involved. Having Cable being more open and honest with his kin around would help differentiate him from the grizzled, time-jumping soldier of old.

He was more of a warrior, but Season 1 of X-Men '97 can shape him more as a frightened husband, father and son. Ultimately, the Summers family has potential and a great foundation to build on. X-Men '97 just needs some more layers and depth to accomplish this.

X-Men '97 streams new episodes Wednesdays on Disney+.