The following contains major spoilers from X-Men '97 Season 1, Episode 6, "Lifedeath - Part 2," now streaming on Disney+.

After the crushing destruction of X-Men '97's fifth episode, just about anything is going to pale in comparison. That falloff is what happens in "Lifedeath - Part 2," which picks up where a previous storyline left off. Even though the episode delivers a conclusion for Storm and a major character reveal, it feels more like a stop on the way to something else. The events of this installment are clearly setting up something even bigger and better, to this episode's detriment.

"Lifedeath - Part 2" circles back around to Storm, who is battling the demonic owl-shaped creature known as The Adversary while also trying to save Forge. It's clear that The Adversary isn't so much an external adversary as a manifestation of Storm's inner conflict. But that story winds up taking a back seat again to a much larger battle outside Earth -- and something that die-hard X-Men fans probably saw coming well before it actually happens.

X-Men '97 Gives Storm Back Her Powers

But Does She Get the Best Story?

"Lifedeath - Part 2" is the other half of Storm's story that was started in X-Men '97 Season 1, Episode 4, "Motendo / Lifedeath - Part 1." It fulfills the emotional arc that was set out for Storm after she lost her powers in Episode 2, "Mutant Liberation Begins." Audiences could guess that she would get her abilities back at some point, because it wouldn't be X-Men '97 without a fully empowered -- in both senses of the word -- Ororo Munroe. And the plot plays out in the most straightforward way to get her there: Ororo faces her fears to get the remedy for Forge's wounds, and in so doing, confronts herself and her previous thoughts about being human. Once she fully believes in herself as she is, she's able to find her mutant powers again, complete with an extended sequence in which Storm debuts her black costume while summoning various forms of weather.

It's a very clear and uncomplicated arc that gets the character from Point A to Point B, and it's fantastic to see Storm once again at full strength. However, it's not as layered as some of the other character lines that X-Men '97 has utilized so far -- and the structure of it feels unintentionally like it's shortchanging one of the X-Men's best heroes. The first part of "Lifedeath" was only half an episode because of the Jubilee video game story "Motendo," and now the second part has to share screen time with the return of Charles Xavier. "Lifedeath" serves its purpose, but what more could it have been if it was one self-contained episode focused wholly on Storm, instead of two halves with other stories on either side? The "Lifedeath" comic arc is one of Storm's most memorable, but this TV adaptation -- while satisfying and including another great vocal performance by Alison Sealy-Smith -- doesn't have the same impact.

Professor X Returns In X-Men '97

Xavier's Appearance Completes the Series

The other half of "Lifedeath - Part 2" introduces the Shi'ar and Kree into X-Men '97, opening with Kree forces led by Ronan being struck down by members of the Shi'ar Imperial Guard and the villainous Deathbird. This battle scene sets the tone before the episode segues to the Shi'ar homeworld and the debut of Deathbird's sister / rival, Empress Lilandra. X-Men fans know that Lilandra is an important love interest of Charles Xavier -- so it's only mildly surprising when she introduces Xavier alongside her. The bigger shock is that he's walking, thanks to an exoskeleton that allows him to regain his mobility.

So much of X-Men '97 thematically has revolved around the apparent death of Professor X and the ways that effects everyone, from his team to his arch-rival Magneto to even the greater world at large. But in March 2024, it was revealed that Professor X had been recast, with voice actor Ross Marquand taking over the role from Cedric Smith. That suggested the character would have a more significant role than just any possible flashbacks. And Xavier's return in this specific episode makes sense, because the X-Men need a win and some shred of hope after the tragedy in Genosha. Short of Magneto and Gambit being resurrected, there's no greater win than their original leader and surrogate father returning to galvanize them for the struggle that lies ahead. But that emotional high point is also why "Lifedeath - Part 2" feels like a small piece of the big picture rather than its own adventure.

Is X-Men '97 Season 1, Episode 6 a Filler Episode?

'Lifedeath - Part 2' Has Some Unfortunate Timing

Filler episodes are not bad episodes; Star Wars: The Bad Batch has mastered filler episodes that are still worthwhile to viewers. "Lifedeath - Part 2" is one of those episodes. It's worth watching to see Storm complete her emotional journey and get her powers back, and it still feels rewarding to watch her flying across the landscape and to see Professor X alive and well. These are important steps for these characters, and they're also important components in the remainder of the season. The X-Men can't go into any final battle without Professor X and Storm. Plus, from a narrative standpoint, it's easier to tell a story with all the protagonists in the same place.

But that knowledge makes "Lifedeath - Part 2" feel like its primary function is to get both Storm and Professor X where they need to be in order to rejoin the X-Men, rather than worrying about its individual storytelling. What happens here will be easily summed up in the recap montage at the start of Episode 7, and who knows when X-Men '97 will get back to the Shi'ar and Kree of it all (one would hope not until Season 2, because it would be better to focus on the trauma and conflict on Earth before going into outer space again). X-Men '97 has Season 2 and Season 3 to play with, so there's no rush to get all the big storylines and characters in. The series is at its best when it takes its time and lets the viewers, as well as the protagonists, sit with the events.

"Lifedeath - Part 2" runs counter to that, which is why it's one of the less satisfying episodes that X-Men '97 has had so far. It has some cheer-worthy moments and incredible visuals, plus Alison Sealy-Smith once again shining as Storm. Yet just like all the characters are worried in the aftermath of Genosha, the viewer can't help but look ahead and wonder what's going to happen next. The final moments, confirming that Mr. Sinister is the season's main villain in front of a cowering Bolivar Trask, re-emphasize that the biggest changes and most nail-biting drama are yet to come.

X-Men '97 streams Wednesdays on Disney+.