X-Men ’97 Episode 8 Sparks Fan Backlash Over Gambit Plot

The penultimate episode of X-Men ’97 season two brings Rogue a nightmare about Genosha and a resurrected, undead Gambit, while the X‑Force returns with Apocalypse’s corpse. Professor Charles Xavier uses the upgraded Cerebra to locate Gambit in New Orleans, but Gambit repels the scan and later appears in a church, declaring “death is evolution” and creating an undead army.

The episode has provoked strong criticism from viewers on Reddit and X. Fans argue that the two‑year buildup surrounding the Genosha massacre and Gambit’s death feels rushed and emotionally hollow, with many describing the resolution as a “quick fix” and “awkward.” Comments highlight the perceived weak payoff and pacing issues, suggesting the storyline lacked the weight expected after extensive buildup.