AceShowbiz - X-Men '97 sees Wolverine returning to the Weapon X facility alongside his old Team X crew in Season 2, Episode 5, Superherohype reports. His group includes Lady Deathstrike, Garrison Kane, Maverick, Sabretooth, and Morph, who serves as their pilot. Upon arrival, they find the base overrun by a Brood infestation, with Dr. Cornelius no longer in control, turning their mission into a desperate fight for survival.

ComicBook.com adds that the episode features graphic violence and darker themes not present in the original animated series, as the Brood—alien creatures known for implanting eggs in hosts to create hive-minded hybrids—launch a full-scale attack. During the chaos, Wolverine is infected by one of these parasites and transforms into a full Brood, attacking his own team before being saved by regaining his adamantium claws, which the Brood are allergic to. The episode also reveals Omega Red frozen inside the Weapon X complex, who unexpectedly allies with the survivors against the alien threat. Tragically, Garrison Kane and Maverick are killed during the assault, and the episode concludes ambiguously regarding Omega Red’s fate, though his regenerative powers hint at possible survival. Superherohype notes that the remaining team members lure Wolverine into the bonding chamber to reattach his adamantium, which removes the alien parasite from his system.

Bamsmackpow confirms that X-Men '97 continues exploring the tension between humans and mutants, with Magneto abandoning Charles Xavier’s ideals and returning to militant methods. Earlier episodes have depicted Wolverine suffering a brutal attack by Magneto, who removes his adamantium skeleton, echoing a famous 1993 comic storyline from the “Fatal Attractions” arc. This removal of adamantium has set up potential character development, as Wolverine’s future struggle with his lost claws and violent “Berserker” side may be explored in upcoming episodes.

X-Men '97, which debuted in 2024, revisits the darker, more intense tone of 1990s X-Men comics while continuing to expand its lore on Disney+. AceShowbiz has previously covered the show’s renewal through Season 4 and teased returning characters like Gambit and the introduction of time-travel elements involving Rama-Tut.

This latest episode is significant for highlighting Wolverine’s identity as a weapon reliant on his adamantium claws, while also deepening the series’ engagement with mature themes and complex character dynamics. The Brood storyline combined with classic Weapon X elements signals a bold direction for the series, promising intense action and emotional stakes that could redefine Wolverine’s role in future seasons.

This article is based on reporting originally published by Superherohype.