As Dark Horizon (Part 2) begins the stakes are higher than ever as the X-Men, along with their long-time adversaries, unite to stop the resurrection of Apocalypse. Their mission is fraught with peril as they navigate ancient traps and formidable foes to stop Apocalypse from unleashing his vision of a world ruled by the survival of the fittest. The team’s unity is put to the test as they prepare to battle this ancient and immensely powerful mutant.

The episode delves deeper into the central themes of unity and sacrifice. The X-Men and their former enemies, including Magneto and his Acolytes, must work together despite their differences. This collaboration underscores the necessity of setting aside past grievances to face a common threat. As they confront Apocalypse, the narrative explores the heroes’ resilience and determination to protect humanity from a seemingly unstoppable force. The teamwork displayed highlights the essence of the X-Men’s mission: standing together in the face of adversity to protect those who cannot protect themselves.

As the episode builds to its climactic conclusion, the true magnitude of Apocalypse’s power is revealed. In a dramatic and chilling cliff-hanger, Apocalypse effortlessly bats aside the entire cast, leaving them defeated as he takes off to pursue his grandiose plans. This ending predicts a future filled with terror and uncertainty, setting the stage for the intense battles to come. The ominous departure of Apocalypse leaves viewers on the edge of their seats, eagerly anticipating how the X-Men will rise to this unprecedented challenge…

The X-Men, Brotherhood, and Acolytes face off against Mesmero and his statues in the tomb. Cyclops, Pyro, and Pietro discover the statues are robots and manage to find an exit. Meanwhile, Jean, Bobby, and Storm battle more statues, with Jean using her telekinesis to save Bobby. Magneto, Beast, and Charles reach another room and learn about Apocalypse‘s plan to turn all humans into mutants. They realize they are not in Apocalypse’s tomb and must find the real location.

In the Himalayas, Wolverine, Sabretooth, and Gambit track Mesmero, Mystique, and Rogue. Mesmero reveals that Mystique is the third key to unlocking Apocalypse. Mystique, betrayed by Mesmero, turns into stone. Rogue reaches the “Eye of the Ages” and awakens Apocalypse. The team fights robots and boards a vessel, which reappears in the cave. Wolverine, Sabretooth, and Gambit confront Mesmero, who is knocked out by Sabretooth. Rogue wakes from hypnosis, and Apocalypse absorbs her powers, turning young again.

Wolverine finds the petrified Mystique and the collapsed Rogue. Apocalypse rises from the “Eye” and hovers in mid-air. The team boards the vessel, which reappears in the cave. Apocalypse wipes them away with a pulse and floats towards the vessel. Magneto tries to stop him but is thrown back. The vessel disappears, and Magneto and Charles realize their greatest battle is just beginning.

When separated into groups, one team consists of Shadowcat, Nightcrawler and Colossus – also the three X-Men that were mainstays of off-shoot team Excalibur.

The origin of Apocalypse comes from the Rise of Apocalypse mini -series.

Although not elaborated upon by Beast, Rama-Tut, the ‘Pharoah who fell from the stars’, was one of the earliest incarnations of time-travelling conqueror, Avengers villain Kang. He first appeared in Fantastic Four #19.

As he was at the beginning of the movie X-Men: Apocalypse, Apocalypse is betrayed by his followers.

The technology left behind by Rama-Tut is of Celestial origins. Celestials are judgmental super-beings who claim to have seeded the universe. For more information, see Marvel Studios’ The Eternals.

Wolverine, Sabretooth and Gambit have a friction-filled relationship in this episode, very similar to the moments they share in X-Men Origins: Wolverine.

Dark Horizon (Part 1) | Impact