Operation: Rebirth is an episode that takes a nostalgic dive into Wolverine’s past, offering fans a thrilling mix of action and heartfelt moments. The episode begins with a mysterious artifact known as the Rebirth Chamber being targeted by Magneto. This artifact has the power to enhance mutant abilities, making it a dangerous weapon in the wrong hands. Wolverine, always the grizzled veteran, recognizes the chamber and its significance, setting the stage for a series of flashbacks that reveal his intriguing past with none other than Captain America.

These flashbacks transport viewers back to World War II, where Wolverine and Captain America teamed up to rescue prisoners of war. The camaraderie between Wolverine and Cap is palpable, showcasing a different side of the usually solitary Wolverine. Their mission was fraught with danger, but their combined skills and determination made them an unstoppable force. The flashbacks not only add depth to Wolverine’s character but also highlight the timeless themes of bravery, sacrifice, and the bond forged in the heat of battle.

As the episode unfolds, the present-day storyline weaves seamlessly with these flashbacks. Wolverine’s memories of his mission with Captain America serve as a poignant reminder of the enduring fight for justice and the cost of freedom. The themes of loyalty and redemption are front and centre, as Wolverine confronts his past to safeguard the future. The episode’s climax brings these threads together, with Wolverine and the X-Men thwarting Magneto’s plans, ensuring the Rebirth Chamber doesn’t fall into the wrong hands. Operation: Rebirth is a powerful blend of history, heroism, and high-stakes action, making it a standout episode that resonates with the timeless spirit of the X-Men.

Logan is chased through the woods by a military-like group and ends up cornered on a cliff. Nick Fury appears in a helicopter, calling him Weapon X, and demands Logan’s help. Logan refuses, stating he no longer works for S.H.I.E.L.D., but Fury insists, revealing that “Rebirth” has been stolen. Logan, thinking Rebirth was destroyed, learns there was a second device. The clues point to Magneto.

At school, Kurt and Rogue are harassed by Drew Peille, who breaks Kurt’s Image Inducer. Jean wipes Drew’s mind and sends him away. Upset, Kurt teleports off. Back at the Institute, Logan explains Rebirth to Xavier: a World War II device meant to create super soldiers, and its use on Steve Rogers, aka Captain America. Flashbacks show Cap and a younger Logan freeing POWs in Poland, including a young Erik Lehnsherr. Logan explains that Rebirth caused cellular breakdown in Cap, leading to its destruction.

Xavier tries to locate Magneto with Cerebro but fails, though they note a mutant population boom. Kurt and Rogue, eavesdropping, reveal they have information suggesting Magneto’s in the Sahara Desert. Logan, Kurt, and Rogue head out.

En route, Logan recalls the WWII mission with Cap. In the present, they find Magneto using the second Rebirth machine. Sabretooth attacks, and Kurt and Rogue try to destroy the machine but are trapped by Magneto. Magneto claims he needs Rebirth to live, causing Kurt to hesitate. Magneto rejuvenates, as Rebirth doesn’t harm mutants.

Wolverine defeats Sabretooth and removes Magneto from Rebirth, detonating the machine. Magneto, furious, attacks with a metal monster but spares them, acknowledging Kurt’s mercy. Later, Logan visits Captain America, who is in a cryogenic chamber awaiting a cure for the Rebirth damage.

Ω Nick Fury and his S.H.I.E.L.D. agents also had a mission for Wolverine in Wolverine and the X-Men‘s Wolverine Vs. Hulk.

Wolverine and Captain America are seen teaming up for a completely different mission in a completely different series set during the same war: X-Men‘s Old Soldiers has them teaming up to take on the Red Skull and also features a cameo from Nick Fury!

Drew, the annoying classmate at school, is seemingly wearing a Cap t-shirt.

Jamie Madrox and Rahne Sinclair have been friends and colleagues for a long-time in the comics, first on Muir Island growing up (Jamie was Moira’s assistant, Rahne her ward) and later as part of more than one incarnation of X-Factor. Of course, Jamie doesn’t realise in this episode that Wolfsbane simply wants him to throw the frisbee – which is slightly demeaning to Rahne!

Cap and Wolverine first teamed up in Uncanny X-Men #268, a classic issue by Chris Claremont and Jim Lee that also features a modern day team-up with the Black Widow!

The Prisoner of War camp, the enemy soldiers and the reason for the camp are all unnamed, presumably for children’s television, but they are Nazi’s and it is Auschwitz they are liberating. Magneto’s entrance into the camp was seen in the memorable and classic opening scene in the first X-Men movie.

In a radical change in this version of his story, Cap is the one who destroys the secrets of Erskine’s formula. In most representations, a Nazi spy is responsible.

Kurt has luck on his side in this episode: he teleports blind into the dome in the Sahara and hopes for the best! Famously, Kurt needs to see where he’s going to prevent rematrialising inside solid objects, so he’s very, very lucky the three of them weren’t horrifically killed!

Walk on the Wild Side | Mindbender