This latest episode is just as thrilling as its predecessor, with character development that hits the mark perfectly. The intense stakes and suspense are sure to keep you riveted. It’s clear why this episode has won over fans; it captures the essence of the X-Men while adding a unique flair.

For the die-hard X-Men enthusiasts, this episode is unmissable. It’s the perfect topping to your mutant-themed treat. The reason? It draws inspiration from one of the most legendary X-Men stories, Days of Future Past. This narrative has been adapted multiple times across various media, each version bringing something new to the table.

The reason for its numerous adaptations is straightforward – it’s a timeless story. It introduced us to fascinating alternate realities and iconic characters like Bishop, Cable, and Rachel Summers, who come from those very futures. The allure of time travel narratives lies in their ability to intertwine different timelines and alter the destinies of characters.

At the core of the narrative is the intriguing concept of how the future can disrupt the present. In the original comic series, Kitty Pryde served as the time-traveling herald, though other adaptations have shone the spotlight on Wolverine or Bishop.

Dystopian futures are a well-trodden path in science fiction, aren’t they? From the apocalyptic visions of Terminator to the interstellar conflicts of Star Trek, and not forgetting Marvel’s own futuristic 2099 series, the theme is familiar. Yet, the portrayal of the X-Men battling Sentinels in a desolate future stands out as iconic. It transcends thrilling action sequences to explore profound themes of prejudice and self-sacrifice. It serves as an urgent call for societal change and equality, resonating more powerfully now than perhaps it did in its 1981 inception.

When Days of Future Past was released in 1981, it coincided with the X-Men‘s meteoric rise in popularity, and it certainly made an impact. The 2014 film adaptation introduced the storyline to a new generation, capturing the essence of the original while tailoring it for cinema audiences. This storyline has it all: compelling characters, mind-bending alternate realities, and a memorable plot that lingers long after the tale is told.

And let’s be real – it’s just an incredible story.

For all you X-Men fans, this episode is a standout, capturing the essence of the X-Men while adding its own flair. It’s essential viewing for anyone who loves a good mutant adventure.

As Rogue and Gambit near the mansion, Gambit jests about Rogue’s driving. Upon arrival, Rogue enters to find the X-Men encircling Bishop, an unfamiliar face. The atmosphere tenses as Gambit steps in and Bishop, believing Gambit to be the sought-after assassin, arms himself.

Bishop asserts that Gambit’s future assassination in Washington D.C. will incite a mutant witch hunt, leading to Sentinel production and human targeting. With no recollection of the intended victim, the X-Men depart to thwart the assassination, leaving Wolverine to oversee Bishop and Gambit. However, Gambit, eager to prove his innocence, escapes to Washington.

There, the Brotherhood of Evil Mutants attacks the Senate, calling the X-Men to action. In the ensuing battle, Mystique, masquerading as Gambit, almost assassinates Senator Kelly before being stopped by the real Gambit. Bishop, pursuing Gambit, targets both, but Rogue intervenes, destroying his transceiver and sending him back to his time. In the aftermath, with Gambit unconscious, Mystique confronts Rogue, disclosing her identity as Rogue’s foster mother. The X-Men, informed of an assassination attempt on Senator Kelly, find Gambit unconscious.

Rogue takes Mystique aside, where Mystique admits Apocalypse‘s wish for Kelly’s death to doom humanity. Rogue pleads with Mystique to forsake Apocalypse, but she refuses, accusing Rogue of abandoning the X-Men.

Upon his return to the future, Bishop discovers that the timeline remains unaltered. Forge proposes that an additional event post-assassination might be responsible, indicating that Bishop’s time-traveling missions must persist until they effect change.

In the present day, Charles Xavier’s encounter with Senator Kelly in Washington unveils a startling truth: Magneto has abducted the Senator.

Gambit found himself ejected from Rogue’s car in The Cure and is now critiquing her driving skills. A similar incident took place in X-Men Unlimited #3, where he distracted Rogue enough to nearly cause an accident with Bishop, ironically. Such are the marvels of comic book publishing!

Gambit takes offense at being labelled an ‘assassin,’ a topic explored in the second season’s X-Ternally Yours.

Bishop once more outlines his dystopian future to the team, this time with additional scenes of heroes falling to Sentinels, including Havok, Sunfire, and the Morlocks.

Mystique’s rendezvous with the Brotherhood in the hotel room closely mirrors the comic, except for Destiny’s notable absence from the animation. The series reimagines the assassin as Mystique, inadvertently influencing the 2013 film, which also casts Raven as the murderer.

In the skirmish with the X-Men, the Blob paraphrases his famous line from the X-Men arcade game, “Nothing can move the Blob!”

Wolverine delivers a memorable line after saving a girl from falling debris. In a state of panic, he shouts, “This kid’s crying – do something!” prompting Jubilee to step in.

Mystique’s choice of Gambit is deliberate. Perhaps she knows of the Cajun’s affection for her daughter? In the comics, Raven, convinced of Remy’s negative influence on Rogue, went as far as to disguise herself as Foxx, a student meant to tempt him.

Rogue, diverging from the comics, seems oblivious to Mystique’s natural blue form, not recognizing her in Come the Apocalypse. Similarly, Xavier failed to identify her during his psychic probe in The Cure. Flashbacks in A Rogue’s Tale and Remember It consistently depict Mystique in human guise, not blue, clarifying why Pyro and Avalanche were clueless about her appearance in earlier episodes. However, it remains a mystery why they didn’t recognize Rogue – perhaps they were very inebriated.

The story of Bishop continues in the second season.

PANEL TO PANEL: DAYS OF FUTURE PAST (Part 2)
The following images come from Uncanny X-Men #141-142.

Days of Future Past (Part 1) | The Final Decision