Season two of the X-Men animated series graced us with Beauty and the Beast, a deeply moving episode that delves into Beast’s character, also known as Dr. Henry McCoy. It’s a deep dive into the contrast between his intimidating appearance and his gentle, intellectual spirit. The episode masterfully contrasts his inner world with his beastly exterior, making it a standout narrative for one of the most cherished X-Men.

The episode centres around Beast’s relationship with Carly, a blind woman whose connection with him underscores his kind and scholarly nature. Their relationship goes beyond physical looks and societal biases, highlighting the true essence of Beast’s character. It challenges the audience to see past appearances and value the intrinsic worth of a person.

Beauty and the Beast spotlights Beast’s ongoing battle for societal acceptance, underscoring his yearning for a normal life and love in a world that often reacts to him with fear and misunderstanding. It also explores themes of prejudice, acceptance, and love’s power to transform.

With its engaging narrative and thoughtful character exploration, Beauty and the Beast offers a deeper understanding of Beast’s character, revealing his intense feelings of isolation and desire for companionship that are often eclipsed by his physical prowess and intelligence. This episode is a tribute to the animated series’ ability to add complexity and depth to its characters, securing its place as a memorable moment in the X-Men legacy.

At the hospital where Beast is employed, Dr. Alec Bohlson introduces him to a blind patient, Carly Crocker. Beast assures Carly that she will undergo surgery the following day to regain her sight. Suddenly, the room fills with smoke, prompting Beast to swiftly evacuate Carly and Alec, only to encounter an anti-mutant mob outside. Beast valiantly defends against the Friends of Humanity-led mob until law enforcement intervenes. Meanwhile, Jean Grey and Wolverine watch the altercation on the news. Wolverine, incensed by the FOH’s attack on a hospital, resolves to infiltrate the group despite Jean’s objections.

In the Savage Land, Professor X and Magneto find themselves ensnared in a trap and are subsequently taken by Amphibius onto a raft. When large creatures attack the raft, Xavier and Magneto manage to escape to the shore. Back at the hospital, Alec presents Beast with Carly’s father denouncing the X-Man, and informs him that the hospital board is concerned about the attention he attracts. Frustrated by his love for Carly and the barriers posed by his mutant identity, Beast returns to the mansion. Jean encourages him to revisit the hospital, and he arrives just as Carly’s bandages are removed, restoring her vision. However, Carly’s father insists that Beast cease all contact with his daughter. After Beast and Alec step out, a disturbance draws them back, only to discover Carly missing and ‘For Humanity’ scrawled on the wall.

Inside the Friends of Humanity’s base, Wolverine, undercover, is interrogated by Graydon Creed. Wolverine’s mention of a mutant named ‘Creed’ prompts Graydon to leave for questioning Carly. Meanwhile, Wolverine signals the X-Men, requesting backup and a hologram. As Beast launches an assault on the FOH, Wolverine subdues Graydon. They locate Carly, but Beast is rendered unconscious, and FOH members corner them. Just then, Cyclops breaks through a wall, and Jubilee projects the hologram, exposing Sabretooth as Graydon’s father. The revelation sends Graydon into a frenzy, resulting in his expulsion from the FOH. In the aftermath, Beast conveys to Carly the harsh reality that their relationship cannot flourish in a society that harbours fear and prejudice against mutants.

Amphibius, a member of Magneto’s Savage Land Mutates, emerges to apprehend Xavier and Erik in the Savage Land. His debut occurred in Uncanny X-Men #62, where he appeared with his fellow mutates.

Victor Creed, better known as Sabretooth, was first named on a trading card in the 90s. However, this moniker wasn’t adopted in the comics until two years later in a Sabretooth mini-series, which also introduced Graydon. This delay explains why he is referred to as Graydon Creed Snr for clarity. The identity of Graydon’s mother, Mystique, was unveiled in the fourth season’s episode Bloodlines. He doesn’t know about his brother and sister. Yet.

Logan adopts the alias ‘John Logan’ to blend into the Friends of Humanity, likely unaware that it coincides with his apparent father’s name, John Howlett.

Cerebro’s last recorded sighting of Sabretooth places him in Canada’s Baffin Island region, which is precisely where Logan confronted him in Cold Vengeance.

Following this episode, the Friends of Humanity recede into the background, posing little threat until Bloodlines where Creed unites them to pursue his family.

A Rogue’s Tale | Mojovision