This article contains spoilers for X-Men ’97
Every great X-Men story has some sort of relationship drama at its center. The pathos of characters having to deal with interpersonal conflicts while their existence is at stake is the kind of drama that defines a good X-Men story. It seems that X-Men ’97 understands this well, having introduced one of its most contentious love triangles back into the story, right as Genosha was blown up in a terrorist plot against the mutant population.
X-Men ’97 created a lot of drama in Scott Summers’ life, exposing the mother of his child as a clone, while the actual Jean Grey might have been missing in action since the original Animated Series. However, with Jean returned, things took a a turn for the worse when Jean, in a moment of weakness, ended up kissing Wolverine, who was there to comfort her.
Scott and Logan have been at each other’s throats for Jean since X-Men: The Animated Series
The main love triangle of the story up until this point was Magneto, Rogue, and Gambit. However, given how things played out in Episode 5, the focus has shifted back to Wolverine, Scott, and Jean. X-Men: The Animated Series adapted the rivalry between Wolverine and Cyclops from the comics, with Jean as the axis of the love triangle to perfection.
The two elder mutants have clashed together for the hand of Jean Grey multiple times, but Scott Summers has always emerged on top, thanks to the choices made by Jean Grey. However, despite being snubbed by Jean, Wolverine has always been a great friend to the couple, serving as Cyclops’ lieutenant on the X-Men, and helping Jean out whenever he can (as seen in the episode where he helps stabilize her).
X-Men ’97 bringing this love triangle back focuses on the premiere relationship between the three characters, something that has also been explored in the films. The introduction of Madelyne Pryor has also further complicated this love triangle, which might yield a different result, given the storyline that is being set up for Scott Summers.
Jean Grey could choose Wolverine over Scott in X-Men ’97
Jean Grey has also been through a lot in X-Men ’97, and her relationship with Scott has been rockier than ever in the wake of the realization that Scott had a child with another woman (although he was none the wiser). Wolverine, whether it be for Madelyne or Jean, was ever present and supportive, even allowing his feelings for Jean to be used to ground her when she could not control her powers.
This allowed Jean to peer into Logan’s mind, and she might have come to the realization about how much she means to Logan. Despite her mind snapping back to Scott and her clone, it is possible that Jean has begun to develop a genuine affection for Logan as well, and is willing to reciprocate, and even choose him over Scott, which we know has happened in alternate timelines.
X-Men ’97 can be streamed on Disney+
