Joyride takes us on a riveting journey into themes of redemption and the power of unexpected alliances. The action kicks off with Lance causing a stir at the Institute, demanding to join the X-Men – a proposal met with scepticism, especially by Scott. Yet, Professor Xavier, ever the believer in second chances, decides to give Lance a shot, much to the annoyance of some team members. Lance’s motives, driven largely by his feelings for Kitty, add an intriguing layer to his character development. It’s a classic example of a character seeking redemption and a new identity, making for a compelling narrative arc.
Throughout the episode, the dynamic between Lance and Kitty is particularly noteworthy. Lance’s determination to prove himself, not just as an X-Man but also in Kitty’s eyes, showcases a more vulnerable side of him. Their interactions are filled with tension and unspoken emotions, highlighting the complexity of their relationship. Kitty, caught between her feelings for Lance and her loyalty to the X-Men, provides a poignant counterbalance to Lance’s brashness. Their chemistry brings a touch of personal drama amidst the high-stakes action, making their moments together some of the episode’s most memorable.
The themes of trust and belonging are woven seamlessly into the plot. Lance’s attempts to fit in with the New Mutants, despite their initial resistance and the ensuing chaos, reflect the broader struggles of acceptance and finding one’s place. His journey from a Brotherhood member to someone aspiring to be an X-Man underscores the idea that everyone deserves a chance to change. Kitty’s role in this transformation is significant, as her support and belief in Lance offer him the motivation to keep trying. The episode beautifully captures the essence of the X-Men universe — where even the most unlikely characters can become heroes.
Avalanche breaks down the Institute gates at night, setting off alarms. The X-Men scramble to get dressed while grounds security guns fire at Lance, who uses his powers to destroy them. Lance meets the X-Men at the front door, announcing he wants to join them, causing Kitty to question if he’s serious. Xavier intervenes, letting Lance explain his desire for change, particularly his feelings for Kitty. Despite Scott‘s objections, Xavier insists they give Lance a chance, and Kitty reluctantly shows him to a guest room.
Inside, Lance undergoes several training sessions with the New Mutants, starting with a nerve-wracking simulation in the Blackbird piloted by Bobby. Lance emerges queasy but determined. The next session involves taking out flying saw blades, where Lance impresses by using his powers to destroy the training equipment, earning him some respect from the New Mutants despite Scott’s annoyance. In the Danger Room, Lance runs a gauntlet successfully, only to be knocked down by Scott, causing laughter among the New Mutants but a glare from Kitty.
Another session involves rescuing drowning victims in the pool, where Lance messes up but still manages to “save” Kitty, earning more ire from Scott and Rogue. As the kids prepare for school, Lance’s relationship with the New Mutants solidifies when they trash Scott’s car and drive off together. At school, Lance is confronted by the Brotherhood, who question his loyalty. Lance stands his ground, declaring the Brotherhood is finished and Mystique is never coming back. Despite their threats, Lance walks away, determined to prove himself as an X-Man.
That night, Lance sees the New Mutants sneaking around and decides to follow them. Meanwhile, Kitty is making a snack in the kitchen and is startled by them rushing past. She phases her head through the table, right as Lance passes by, causing him to pass out from the shock of seeing her head on a plate. The New Mutants then take the X-Van for a joyride, wreaking havoc. The next morning, Xavier calls for a training session. Wolverine lectures on the Blackbird, and they find the van wrecked. Scott blames Lance.
That night, the New Mutants convince Lance to join another joyride, this time with the Blackbird. Realizing the seriousness, Lance drags Kitty to the hangar. They phase into the jet as Bobby bounces it around, causing chaos. They’re intercepted by air force jets, and Lance accidentally sends missiles at them. Jubilee‘s fireworks distract the missiles, and they barely escape through a mesa thanks to Kitty’s phasing. The next day, Scott accuses Lance of the damage, but Bobby confesses. Xavier puts the New Mutants on probation, making them clean up the mess.
In the comics, it’s not unusual for a member of the Brotherhood to defect to the X-Men: over the years Quicksilver and Magneto have willingly worn the X, while Mystique and Sabretooth have been forced to. In more recent times, in the Krakoan age, most mutants worked alongside their former X-Foes, including former Brotherhood members Pyro, Avalanche, Toad, Blob, Mastermind and Exodus.
The most famous Brotherhood member to defect to the X-Men is, of course, Rogue: her arrival at the Institute, begging Xavier for help with her powers, caused such a disagreement that Storm threatened to quit the team and Rogue ended up literally punched into orbit! That occurred in Uncanny X-Men #171, the first X-Men comic to feature the often-quoted phrase “Welcome to the X-Men [Rogue]… Hope you survive the experience!”
X-Cess Minutiae 
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