With the cliffhanger ending of the ninth episode, X-Men '97 fans have been theorizing what could potentially happen in the season finale and how they will wrap up the storyline.
The series has taken inspiration from various comic storylines with Fatal Attractions being the most notable example as we've seen in the final scene of episode 9 where Magneto ripped out the adamantium from Wolverine's bones.
Where will the series go in the aftermath of episode 9? Let's explore the theories below.
Also Read: X-Men '97 Showrunner Confirms Surprising Man of Steel Inspiration in Episode 8
The Coming of Onslaught
The most popular theory that has emerged since the episode aired is that the Onslaught storyline will be explored in the first season finale.
In the climactic fight scene, we saw Xavier's mental attack against Magneto in his attempt to wipe out his memories, but Magneto fought back by placing his helmet on him.
Fans have speculated that the mental attack between the two mutants will lead to the creation of Onslaught, a dark entity that was created as a result of Xavier and Magneto's merging of psyches.
The potential existence of Onslaught could also be the key for the X-Men to defeat Bastion if the character is portrayed as an ally during the final battle.
Major Xavier vs. Magneto Showdown
For decades, the rivalry between Xavier and Magneto has been vastly explored in the Marvel Comics lore and the original animated series.
With the reappearance of Xavier on Earth in episode 9 and his mental attack against Magneto in the climactic fight, the series is seemingly teasing a major showdown between the two characters in the finale.
With Magneto ripping out the adamantium from Wolverine's bones, Xavier will likely have an upsetting reaction when we see the continuation in the season finale and it would lead to the showdown.
If it ever happens, it is surely going to be an exciting moment for many fans and it would propel the series to new heights.
Showrunner Teases Star Trek: TNG-Inspired Storyline in the Finale
In his recent post on X, showrunner Beau DeMayo suggested the Star Trek: The Next Generation episode "Cause and Effect" as an extra credit homework for fans to watch ahead of the season finale.
The episode description per IMDb: "The Enterprise gets caught in a time loop which always has one result: total destruction of the ship, itself."
Based on this clue, it looks like the X-Men will somehow find themselves in a time loop situation during the finale and a member of the team could become the "Data" that will be able to figure out how to save themselves from the deja vu of destructions.
It is also likely that DeMayo took thematic inspiration from the iconic Star Trek episode and the time loop is not necessarily the highlight.
Nevertheless, it is an interesting clue about the finale and it is exciting to see how it all plays out. Hopefully, they will be able to stick the landing.
X-Men '97 season 1 finale will air on Disney+ this Wednesday, May 15.
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