'X-Men '97' Season 2 Finale Explained: What Happened to Rogue & What to Wait for in Season 3?

On August 12, the second season of X-Men '97 concluded. As expected, the Season 2 finale was full of events, casualties, and unexpected twists.

The plot centers on the X-Men's fight against Apocalypse, who has taken over Gambit's consciousness, and their attempt to save their friend. We analyze the final episode, explain what happened to Rogue and Nightcrawler, and make predictions for Season 3.

Gambit Is on the Brink of Life and Death

In Episode 9, Cable declares his destiny: to destroy Apocalypse, whose consciousness is hiding within Gambit, at any cost. He also plans to kill Remy LeBeau.

Meanwhile, Rogue, Beast, and Nightcrawler attempt to infiltrate the sunken Celestial spaceship where En Sabah Nur became a tyrant. The heroes intend to find the key to defeating the villain and saving Gambit there.

When they turn on the ship's computer, they discover that destroying Apocalypse could anger the Celestials who created him.

Rogue's Sacrifice

Rogue enters a dimension where Eson The Searcher, a Celestial, appears before her. Upon hearing that Remy's death would benefit the world, she furiously attacks, but to no avail.

Impressed by her determination, Eson offers her the chance to sacrifice her life to save Remy. Rogue agrees, and the cosmic god grants her special powers.

The Mutant Battle Is in Full Swing

The X-Factor team infiltrated the tower where Gambit was being held. However, this was merely a distraction to lure the X-Men away while Cable infiltrated the building.

Cyclops and Jean Grey try to stop their son from reaching Remy. During the intense battle, Gambit regains consciousness and helps his teammates.

Apocalypse's Cunning Plan

Cable shoots Remy but fails to stop Apocalypse's plan – the villain takes control of Gambit's mind. Apocalypse wanted Remy dead so that he could take over his body completely.

The mutants begin to battle Apocalypse, but he easily takes control of their opponents, except for Xavier. Professor X finds himself surrounded, and the supervillain prepares to take revenge on him for his long-ago "betrayal."

Rogue's Saving Appearance & Nightcrawler's Sacrifice

Rogue comes to Xavier's aid – Eson has given her powers that allow her to stop the villain and trap his consciousness in an artifact.

She saves Gambit and reveals that she had sacrificed her life for him. However, it turns out that Nightcrawler had sacrificed himself to save his beloved sister.

Season 2 Post-Credits Scene

In a post-credits scene, we learn that Graydon Creed has won the election to become the head of the Anti-Mutant Coalition. Meanwhile, his mother, Mystique, who is disguised as Valerie Cooper, studies classified documents on mutants.

The real Cooper then appears in the office, and Mystique shoots her and transforms into her image.

What Will Happen in Season 3?

In Season 3, Graydon Creed will hunt mutants by imposing legal restrictions and using Sentinels to eliminate superhumans, and this will force mutants to unite. Meanwhile, Mystique will use Cooper's identity to gain access to resources and manipulate her son.

Apocalypse is still alive, and the creators may bring him back into the story.