Fans slam X-Men ’97 episode 8 for rushed Gambit arc

The long-awaited return of Gambit as the villainous Death has sparked a mixed reaction among fans of "X-Men '97," with the latest episode drawing criticism for its pacing and resolution of a two-year storyline. The eighth episode of the show's second season, titled "The Dead Man's Hand," premiered on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, concluding a major arc that began with Gambit's heroic death during the Genosha Massacre in Season 1.

In the episode, Gambit, resurrected by Apocalypse as the Horseman Death, returns with his personality largely intact but with a malevolent goal. He seeks to marry Rogue and grant her immortality by stealing the power of the X-Ternal, an ancient mutant named Candra. The narrative weaves together threads from the original animated series and deeper comic book lore, revealing Candra's backstory as a former priestess of Apocalypse. Gambit's proposal creates a moral dilemma for Rogue, who is initially tempted by the chance to be with him without the danger of her power-absorbing touch.

However, the emotional reunion and Gambit's plan are ultimately revealed to be under the influence of Apocalypse, whose soul now resides within him. A psychic confrontation...