The excitement of Bayville High’s Sadie Hawkins Dance takes centre stage in Shadow Dance, but as with any good X-Men story, there’s a twist. This episode focuses on Nightcrawler, aka Kurt Wagner, and his enhanced teleportation abilities. Thanks to a device created by Forge, Kurt’s teleportation is amplified, allowing him to travel greater distances. However, this newfound ability comes with unintended consequences. Kurt’s teleportation starts opening rifts to another dimension, unleashing strange and dangerous creatures into the real world.

As the X-Men prepare for the dance, they’re also tasked with dealing with these escaped creatures. The episode skilfully balances the light-hearted moments of teenage romance and the awkwardness of asking someone to the dance with the intense action of battling otherworldly beings. Characters like Kitty Pryde, Lance Alvers, Scott Summers, Jean Grey, and Rogue all play pivotal roles, each bringing their unique personalities and powers to the mix. Meanwhile, Kurt’s relationship with Amanda takes a significant step forward as she learns about his true form, adding an emotional depth to the storyline.

Shadow Dance explores themes of teenage romance, friendship, and the challenges of being a mutant. The episode highlights the everyday struggles and triumphs of the characters, set against the backdrop of their extraordinary abilities and responsibilities. It’s a fascinating blend of high school drama and superhero action, capturing the essence of what makes X-Men: Evolution such a beloved series. With its mix of humor, heart, and high-stakes battles, Shadow Dance is an episode that resonates with fans, offering a glimpse into the lives of these young mutants as they navigate their complex world.

The X-Men wake up early for a meeting with Forge. On the way, Rogue teases Kitty about asking Lance to the dance, but Kitty is hesitant due to others’ opinions. Kitty turns the tables, asking if Rogue has asked Scott, warning that Jean might move in. Rogue hesitates, mentioning her fear of harming someone if she dances with them. They join Jean in the elevator, who reminds them about Kurt’s teleportation test, while mentioning Duncan already bought tickets for the dance, but she might not be able to go.

In the Danger Room, Forge introduces his new invention to enhance Kurt‘s teleportation abilities, aiming for near limitless range. Kurt teleports to Forge’s old lab and back, not realizing he left a rift open. At school, posters for the Sadie Hawkins Dance are everywhere. Kurt talks about his teleportation experience and Jean’s plan to talk to Scott at lunch, possibly to invite him to the dance. Kitty awkwardly asks Lance to the dance, who eventually agrees, causing a small earthquake in celebration. Kurt nervously accepts Amanda’s dance invitation in math class.

At the Institute, Forge, Xavier, and Wolverine review data from Kurt’s jump, discovering a toxic atmosphere and organic molecules in the other dimension. Wolverine sees a creature in the shadows and suggests accompanying Kurt on the next jump. Back at school, Kurt worries about Amanda discovering his mutant identity, but Scott advises him to wear gloves and make up an excuse. Spyke points out Jean talking to Scott, but Taryn sweeps in to ask him to the dance, leaving Jean feeling jealous.

During the next teleportation test, Kurt and Wolverine encounter creatures in the other dimension, narrowly escaping back to the gym. Traumatised, Kurt refuses to jump again, and Xavier agrees not to put him in further danger. At the dance, various students pair up, but the event is interrupted by creatures emerging from the rift. The X-Men and Brotherhood work together to fight the creatures, with significant action scenes involving Scott, Jean, and others. Kurt and Amanda grow closer, with Amanda revealing she knew his secret for months and expressing acceptance. They disappear to get ice cream, while Xavier, Wolverine, and Forge deal with the rift creatures.

Kurt does indeed pass through another dimension when he teleports, possibly the true home of his so-called father Azazel, as revealed in The Draco.

We see a teleport from Kurt’s perspective in a very cool shot in X-Men ’97‘s Tolerance for Extinction (Part 1).

The comic book relationship between Wolverine and Nightcrawler is hinted at again in this episode.

Kurt’s ‘date’ is Amanda Sefton, his adopted sister in the comics and later his long-term love interest. She is a capable witch and powerful magic user and goes by the codename Daytripper in the comics and first appeared in Uncanny X-Men #98!

The demons from the shadow dimension are similar, in concept if not in design, to the N’Garai, powerful demons that the X-Men first fought in Uncanny X-Men #96.

Mindbender | Retreat