In Day of Reckoning (Part 1), the stakes are higher than ever as anti-mutant activist Bolivar Trask kidnaps Wolverine and introduces him to his latest creation, the Sentinels. It kicks off with a fierce clash between Wolverine and Sabretooth in the sewers, leading to Wolverine’s capture by Trask. Meanwhile, back at the Institute, Jean and Professor Xavier frantically search for Wolverine using Cerebro, knowing that time is of the essence.
The episode takes an unexpected turn as the X-Men and the Brotherhood are forced to set aside their differences and team up, training together in the Danger Room to prepare for the looming threat posed by Magneto. Magneto’s ultimate goal is to provoke an all-out war between mutants and mankind, and the combined efforts of the X-Men and Brotherhood are the only hope to stop him. Tensions run high as these two rival groups struggle to work together, but the urgency of the situation leaves them with no other choice. Meanwhile, Mystique adds to the chaos by setting the mansion’s defense systems to self-destruct, creating even more turmoil for our heroes.
The introduction of Bolivar Trask and the Sentinels marks a significant escalation in the conflict, bringing a new and formidable adversary into the mix. Additionally, this episode introduces the Acolytes – Gambit, Colossus, and Pyro – who bring their own unique abilities and complexities to the storyline. Themes of trust, betrayal, and the necessity of unity in the face of a common threat are expertly woven throughout the episode, making Day of Reckoning (Part 1) a standout as we head for the finale…
Wolverine and Sabretooth engage in a fierce battle in the sewers, but Wolverine is trapped in a green substance while Sabretooth escapes. Bolivar Trask and his soldiers arrive, learning that Wolverine was captured, but Sabretooth got away due to magnetic interference. At the Institute, Jean Grey loses Wolverine’s signal on Cerebro, upsetting Professor Xavier, though he later calms her down. Beast and Storm find traces of Wolverine and Magneto in the sewers, while Mystique informs the Brotherhood of Wolverine’s abduction by Magneto, questioning Pietro about his father’s whereabouts.
The next day, Xavier runs a training session in the Danger Room where the X-Men struggle against Magneto simulations. Frustrated by their performance, Xavier declares the New Mutants unready and introduces the Brotherhood as new teammates. Cyclops, upset, leaves, and Jean is instructed not to follow him. Meanwhile, Wolverine is taken to a military compound where Trask reveals his plan to use him in experiments to combat mutants. Jean locates Wolverine using Cerebro, and Xavier assembles the teams, unaware that Mystique has set the mansion’s defense systems to self-destruct.
As the jets take off without Cyclops, the mansion goes into lockdown, trapping the New Mutants inside. Amara escapes and, along with Tabitha, meets up with Scott. Together, they realize something is amiss with Mystique’s return and the sudden chaos. Meanwhile, Wolverine faces Trask’s new weapon, the Sentinel, but is ultimately overpowered and knocked out. Scott, Tabitha, and Amara return to the mansion, trying to navigate the self-destruct sequence. In the city, Magneto’s team, including Gambit, Colossus, Pyro, and Sabretooth, prepare for battle while the Sentinel targets the unconscious Wolverine…
Wolverine and Sabretooth have had various fights in the sewers over the years. Their first occurred in the middle of the Mutant Massacre storyline in Uncanny X-Men #212-213. They also got interrupted by a truckload of guest stars (including Albert, Elsie-Dee and Cable!) in Wolverine #41.
Magneto’s new followers are a curious quartet. Apart from Sabretooth, the others are Pyro, Gambit and Colossus – all three more associated with the X-Men side of things than Magneto’s in recent times.
X-Cess Minutiae 
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