Rover is one of those episodes that flips the script on everything you thought you knew about Sentinels. Usually, these towering robots are the stuff of nightmares for mutants, programmed to hunt them down. But in this installment of Wolverine and the X-Men, we meet a Sentinel with a heart – or at least as close to one as a machine can get. The episode takes us into a dystopian future where the world is under the thumb of the oppressive Sentinels. The twist here? There’s a rogue Sentinel named Rover that has broken free from its original programming and now aids our mutant heroes.

The episode kicks off with the X-Men, led by Bishop, navigating the desolate landscape while being relentlessly pursued by Sentinels. Amid the chaos, Rover emerges as an unlikely ally. This Sentinel, once an enemy, now protects the mutants, showcasing a bond that’s both unexpected and heart-warming. It’s a stark contrast to the usual portrayal of these machines, adding layers to the narrative and posing questions about free will and redemption. Rover’s transformation from a tool of oppression to a guardian of the oppressed is a compelling theme that resonates throughout the episode.

What makes Rover stand out is its exploration of the idea that even the most unlikely beings can change. The concept of a ‘good’ Sentinel challenges the black-and-white morality that often characterizes the conflict between mutants and their foes. Rover’s loyalty and protective instincts bring a glimmer of hope to the dark, dystopian world of Wolverine and the X-Men. It’s a refreshing take on the classic battle between humans, mutants, and machines, reminding viewers that heroism can come from the most unexpected places. This episode not only delivers on action and excitement but also leaves you pondering the nature of programming versus free will.

In a future where chaos reigns, Professor X is determined to pinpoint the exact event that sparked the war, hoping Logan can prevent it in the present. Bishop proposes a risky mission: infiltrate the original housing facility of Master Mold to retrieve data from its last upgrade, which could hold vital clues. The facility, however, is heavily guarded by Sentinels, making it nearly impenetrable. Bishop suggests using Rover, an old Sentinel model that has been tagging along with them since the Badlands, as a distraction. Marrow, however, is fiercely opposed to sending Rover on a potential suicide mission for what she sees as the Professor’s personal vendetta. Bishop, as the leader, insists they don’t have a choice.

Inside the facility, the team locates the data storage core just as the exits seal, trapping them inside. Bishop radios Marrow, who, driven by her emotions, has taken Rover and abandoned the team. Despite Marrow’s objections, Rover senses the danger and turns back to aid the team. His heroic actions allow the team to escape with the core. Tragically, more Sentinels arrive, overwhelming Rover. In a last, desperate stand, Rover uses his remaining strength to hold off the Sentinels long enough for Marrow to escape.

The team’s victory is bittersweet. They have the crucial data, but they’ve lost a loyal comrade. Marrow is particularly devastated. The extracted data confirms Professor X’s fears: they have eight days to stop the looming war that will trigger Jean’s catastrophic powers. The urgency is palpable, but for Marrow, the pain of losing Rover is raw and unyielding.

Unable to let go, Marrow slips back to the facility in search of Rover. Finding his mangled body, she’s overcome with rage. As more Sentinels close in on her, her grief and fury lead her to a heartbreaking decision. Betraying Professor X, she reveals his location to Master Mold’s forces.

An older version of Wolverine also inspired the Bishop of X-Men: The Animated Series in Days of Future Past.

Rover comes from the comic book arc Here Comes Tomorrow from New X-Men #151-154. In that story, set in an alternate future, X-Men, including Tom Skylark, fight against an old friend turned bad. In the story, Skylark is permanently protected by his Sentinel, Rover, who can only say one word (“Destroy!”) and which eventually gives its life so that the X-Men can escape.

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