In the heart of Mississippi, a seemingly ordinary school dance takes an extraordinary turn. Rogue, a young mutant girl, grapples with her newfound abilities: powers that allow her to absorb memories and strengths through touch. When she dances with Cody Robbins, an unsuspecting boy, her life changes forever. Cody collapses, and Rogue inherits his strength and abilities, unwittingly going rogue herself.

But Rogue’s story is more complex than meets the eye. Her foster mother, Irene, senses the danger. Irene has kept Rogue hidden, shielding her from the world. Yet, as Rogue’s powers emerge, the X-Men take notice. Mystique and Destiny, mysterious figures with their own agendas, have long been invested in Rogue’s future. They won’t let anything happen to her.

As Rogue grapples with her identity, the episode weaves a gothic interpretation of her character. She embodies vulnerability, fear, and the weight of her abilities. The dance floor becomes a battleground, and Rogue’s touch becomes both a curse and a gift. Through her, we explore themes of isolation, acceptance, and the delicate balance between normalcy and mutation.

Rogue Recruit sets the stage for Rogue’s journey, a path that intertwines with the X-Men’s mission. Animation brings her struggle to life, capturing the haunting beauty of her existence. As viewers, we witness Rogue’s transformation from a girl on the run to a vital member of the X-Men – a journey that echoes the complexities of adolescence and the allure of the gothic.

Prepare to be drawn into Rogue’s world, where shadows conceal secrets, and every touch leaves an indelible mark.

In Mississippi, Rogue, a teenage girl with a dangerous mutant power, accidentally absorbs memories and abilities when she touches a boy named Cody at a school dance. Her foster mother, Irene, senses the danger and contacts Xavier’s team. Meanwhile, the X-Men train in the Danger Room, and Wolverine demonstrates their security flaws.

Rogue runs away, terrified of her newfound abilities. Mystique, aware of Rogue’s potential, plans to recruit her for the Brotherhood of Mutants. The X-Men track Rogue, but she gains Storm’s powers and escapes. Jean tries to connect with Rogue, but Mystique attacks. Rogue’s uncontrolled abilities cause chaos, and she disappears.

Back at Bayville High, Mystique poses as the school principal, welcoming Rogue. The X-Men realize they must wait for Rogue to choose her path willingly. As Rogue clings to the communicator Jean gave her, she faces an uncertain future.

Destiny, also known as Irene Adler, graces an animated series for the first time. Originally introduced as an assassin in Uncanny X-Men #141 which began the legendary Days of Future Past saga, she possesses the mutant power of foresight at the cost of her own vision. Frequently seen alongside Mystique, the duo have shared a companionship spanning decades and are married within the comic book realm. Together, they have raised the young Rogue, with Destiny nearly referring to Rogue as Mystique’s daughter in a poignant moment of this episode. Having been absent from the primary narratives for years, Destiny’s character has seen a resurgence following her revival in the recent Krakoan Inferno storyline.

Wolverine and Storm engaging in a flirtatious sparring session within the Danger Room is also seen in Uncanny X-Men #455. I believe the term is ‘friends with benefits’, whatever that means.

Rogue’s backstory aligns with her comic book origins, hailing from Caldecott County, Mississippi.

Kitty’s initial trepidation towards Kurt mirrors her first encounter with him in the comic series, followed by a swift change of heart.

The X-Impulse | Mutant Crush