Marvel
Warning: Spoilers ahead for “X-Men ’97” Season 2, Episode 4 — “Rise of Apocalypse – Part II”
The animated series “X-Men ’97” has shown that its emotional punches can rival even the most shocking moments of “Game of Thrones.” In the gripping fourth episode of Season 2, titled “Rise of Apocalypse – Part II,” the series might have surpassed the heartbreak of Gambit’s demise from the previous season. This time, it is Magneto, long-time adversary and uneasy ally of Professor Charles Xavier, who meets a tragic end.
The X-Men, displaced throughout different eras, each battle Apocalypse by whatever means possible. In a mission set in Ancient Egypt, Professor X and Magneto lead a team hoping to prevent the transformation of the mutant En Sabah Nur into the fearsome Apocalypse. However, destiny proves unalterable as Nur fully embraces his fate to become the tyrant.
Once Apocalypse rises, he sets out to obliterate the city, but Magneto steps in to safeguard the innocents with his powers. The cost of this heroic act leaves Magneto drained and defenseless, allowing Apocalypse to claim his life in the harsh desert. The moment is made even more poignant as Professor Xavier, powerless to intervene, can only mourn his fallen friend as Apocalypse delivers the fatal blow.
Don’t count Magneto out just yet
In the realm of comics, death seldom equates to a permanent farewell, shifting as easily as the latest trend. An example lies in Morph from “X-Men: The Animated Series,” who is believed dead in the first season, only to make a surprising return later. While Morph’s storyline differs from Magneto’s apparent demise in “Rise of Apocalypse – Part II,” the episodic narrative hints that this might not be the last we see of Magneto.
In “X-Men ’97,” the Children of the Atom were spread across the timeline in an attempt to stop Apocalypse. With all the time-travel jumps taking place, there’s nothing stopping them from going back to the moment before Magneto’s death and changing it. After all, the entire premise of “Days of Future Past” involves Bishop going back in time to stop an event from happening. While his future doesn’t change — and what’s becoming clear in the story is that fate can’t be changed — certain events are averted.
At the same time, maybe it’s best that Magneto doesn’t come back. While he’s teetered between villain and hero many times before, his redemption arc is complete after he’s prepared to sacrifice himself for a city and its inhabitants to survive. In terms of character development, where else can Magneto’s story go?