First Things First…
Can this arc get any bigger, or have we met all the players?
There’s more than enough going on already. Apocalypse’s plan for kidnapping all the telepaths is playing out, though I still don’t know why he wants them. Cable is looking to get back into the fight by stealing another time machine. And Bishop is already in the Axis of Time, just like Apocalypse. Plus, I’m dying to see how the Apocalypse/Magneto alliance plays out.
3 Things I Like
3. Interrogating Sabretooth
“You’re too stupid to plan this on your own. Who are you working for?”
Cyclops
There’s not much here, considering we don’t actually see an interrogation. I just wanted an excuse to include that Cyclops quote.
Plus, Wolverine obviously kicks Sabretooth’s ass to get the information he needs. It’s funny when he drags Sabretooth into the control room and heaves him in like a sack of potatoes.
2. Ancient Egypt
“Beautiful, is it not? My parents loved this land. And though my life was hard after they were gone, I loved it, too.”
Storm
It’s a reasonable plan, to go back in time to destroy Apocalypse’s Lazarus Chamber at its point of origin.
But beyond the plan, I just like being in ancient Egypt in general. It’s a cool era, the pyramids look great, the inside of the temple has some amazing iconography, and even the way Apocalypse looks back then (even though it’s really Mystique in disguise) has a cool feel to it.
1. Mythic Musings
“If Apocalypse is indeed the personification of evil, it may be impossible to destroy him. The conflict between good and evil is part of the fabric of existence. Perhaps the world cannot exist without evil. If Apocalypse is destroyed, evil may only take another form.”
Beast
When Beast hears Cable call Apocalypse evil personified, it sets him off on a tangent related to foundational storytelling or myths. He questions whether Apocalypse can even be killed, if that’s the case. And if so, he suggests that the same evil might just come back in another form.
The struggle between good and evil has been part of storytelling for as long as stories have been told. It dates back to Genesis and the creation myth, if not further. It’s part of the fabric of the world. I love incorporating Apocalypse into that concept within this X-Men world.
1 Thing I’m Mixed On
1. Still on Standby
“Look, clown, I’ve had a long day, or week, or however long it’s been.”
Bishop
Bishop is still looming in the Axis of Time. At least he gets a few lines this time. But now that we’re 75% of the way done with this arc, I would’ve liked for him to have played a bit more of a role.
And Bender is still with him. And he still sucks.
2 Things I Don’t Like
2. In the Mind of a Goon
“Portals. Clocks. Time-related images. Apocalypse seems bent on mastering time itself, and has persuaded some of the most powerful mutants on Earth to help him.”
Professor X
When Xavier is persuaded to invade Sabretooth’s mind, why does he see clocks and time-related imagery? Is Sabretooth really privy to Apocalypse’s plans? We’ve heard for two straight episodes how dumb Sabretooth is. I find it hard to believe Apocalypse would confide in him—or that he could figure out Apocalypse’s plan. It seems anything in his mind should be more related to his own role in this plot.
1. Cable Mischaracterization
“I don’t care about missing psychics and time jolts. I’m after Apocalypse.”
Cable
Cable has always been one of my favorites. He’s a badass. But this is the first time I can remember him coming off like a dumbass.
Now, I get that he wants to return to his son, Tyler. And he believes destroying Apocalypse is the only way. But I thought he was strategic enough to realize he should pay attention to the relevant information.
I don’t expect him to care about the kidnapped psychics for their own sake. But Professor X points out that Apocalypse is the one doing the kidnappings, so their interests coincide. Yet, instead of trying to figure out how he can use that information to his advantage, Cable literally says…
“You’re boring me.”
Once they’re in ancient Egypt and Cyclops asks the Professor if he knows any more about why Apocalypse is kidnapping psychics, Cable again says…
“Who cares!”
Even when they’re inside the temple, he blows off Wolverine’s warning because he’s so sure he knows where all the booby traps are—and, as a result, almost gets himself killed by a booby trap he wasn’t aware of.
This kind of hubris and stupidity would be fine for a different character. It’s just never been who Cable is.
Tim Matassa
I didn’t like while watching that Bishop was still walking, seemingly close to Apo’s HQ but still far and not there yet
Agreed, I would’ve liked it if Bishop at least spotted Apocalypse’s fortress, even if he didn’t make a move yet. Anything would’ve been better than just hanging out with Bender, doing nothing, for two of the four episodes in this arc.