Descent, the penultimate episode of the X-Men animated series, offers a captivating detour into mature subject matter and historical intrigue. Set against the atmospheric backdrop of Victorian England in 1888, the episode unravels a gripping tale that intertwines the scientific endeavours of Charles Darwin with a dark, sinister plot. The story follows James Xavier’s relentless pursuit of Nathaniel Essex, a brilliant yet morally corrupt scientist who eventually becomes the infamous Mr. Sinister. Essex’s character is notably sinister in more ways than one, as he is also revealed to be the creator of the notorious Jack the Ripper, adding a chilling twist to the episode.
One of the standout features of Descent is its departure from the usual cast and setting. With the regular X-Men members taking a backseat, the spotlight shines on Professor X and the historical narrative, bringing a fresh and engaging perspective to the series. The episode dives deep into themes of scientific ethics, the quest for knowledge, and the consequences of unchecked ambition. James Xavier’s quest to stop Essex highlights the moral dilemmas faced by those who seek to balance scientific advancement with ethical boundaries. The Victorian setting enhances the episode’s maturity, providing a rich, atmospheric backdrop that contrasts sharply with the typical futuristic environments of the series.
Christopher Britton’s exceptional voice acting as Nathaniel Essex/Mr. Sinister is a highlight of this episode. His portrayal brings a chilling depth to the character, making Essex’s transformation into Sinister both compelling and terrifying. Descent is a standout episode, not just for its unique narrative and historical flashback, but also for its exploration of complex themes and moral questions. It’s a fitting lead-up to the series finale, leaving viewers with a profound appreciation for the darker, more intricate stories that the X-Men universe can offer.
Back in 1888 London, Jack the Ripper is terrorizing the streets, and James Xavier is assigned by Scotland Yard to stop the serial killer. James suspects that the killer is Nathaniel Essex, a respected scientist, though the police are sceptical. James reveals he has been pursuing Essex for the past thirty years and recalls the origins of their conflict.
In the past, James and Essex were friends who frequently debated Charles Darwin‘s theories of evolution. Essex was a fervent believer, while James was more sceptical. During this time, James was treating Essex’s wife, Rebecca Grey, who was gravely ill. Unbeknownst to James, Essex was also administering his own forbidden treatments to his wife. Essex was secretly rounding up mutants to study and showcase to other scientists, including Darwin. However, his work was dismissed as unimpressive.
James is brought back to the present in 1888 when he is informed of another body being found. Upon investigation, he discovers a mutated corpse, realising that Essex had experimented on himself, resulting in powers and chalk-white skin. Another flashback reveals that Rebecca had been improving under Essex’s care, sparking rumours about his experiments. Essex shows James his basement, where mutants are imprisoned. Horrified, James fights Essex, leading to the mutants’ escape amid the chaos. One mutant, Thomas Flannery, accidentally sets a building on fire with his powers, inciting a riot. James redirects the mob’s anger from Flannery to Essex. Essex flees home, shocking Rebecca with his altered appearance. He tries to persuade her to leave with him, but she is too frightened, so Essex escapes alone.
In 1888, Jack the Ripper reports back to his master, Essex, who now calls himself Mister Sinister. It is revealed that Sinister created Jack the Ripper, solving the century old riddle. James and the police raid Sinister’s base, but the villain has already fled to America, leaving behind a book, Darwin’s ‘Origin of the Species” to taunt James.
As the thunder cracks in the present day, Charles Xavier is still awake. Darwin’s book sits on his nightstand. He knows Sinister is still out there and he knows he’s not finished…
The Further Adventures of Cyclops and Phoenix told the story of how Nathaniel Essex, meddling with his own genetics and those of others, was approached by Apocalypse, who augmented Sinister into the form he wears today. This episode is loosely adapted, but takes Apocalypse out of the equation. It is Apocalypse’s treatment of Sinister that prompts him to create the ultimate mutant to fight against his master: the young Nathan Summers, known as Cable.
Essex’ sick wife, Rebecca Grey, is hinted to be an ancestor of Jean Grey in this episode and in some comics, seemingly confirming where Sinister gets his obsession with Jean Grey from. In this episode, she’s voiced by Jean Grey actress Catherine Disher. However in recent comic book arcs, Mother Righteous, who also claims to be Rebecca Grey, may upset this theory slightly.
As a keen Ripperologist, it delights me that this episode claims that Sinister created Jack the Ripper in 1888! For those in the unknown, Jack the Ripper was the nickname of a supposed serial killer in the East End of London in 1888 who claimed at least five victims, all women. He was never caught. As far as this Ripperologist is concerned, the case is closed.
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