Spoilers Ahead for X-Men ’97 Episode 10 – Tolerance Is Extinction – Part 3
X-Men ’97 dropped its final episode, titled Tolerance is Extinction – Part 3, and fans unanimously agree that the series is one of the best outings from Marvel in recent times. The jaw-dropping climax has many satisfying arcs while leaving fans with certain cliffhangers. One of the most anticipated arcs for the next season will be the relationship between the Avengers and the Mutants.
In the final episode, President Kelly initiates the Magneto Protocols which sends missiles into Asteroid M to destroy it with the X-Men in it despite protests from Cap. The protocol was earlier thrown into the conversation between the President and Cyclops in Episode 9.
What are Magneto Protocols In Marvel Comics?
After mentioning the Magneto Protocols in the ninth episode of X-Men ’97, President Kelly and the UN finally initiated them and the consequences could’ve been fatal for the X-Men. Despite Captain America and King T’Chaka’s objections to them, the UN approves sending missiles to destroy Asteroid M before the latter hits a defenseless Earth. The introduction of Magneto Protocols in the comics differed a little from the show.
In Marvel Comics, the Magneto Protocols were first mentioned in the Fatal Attraction storyline in Uncanny X-Men #304. The story saw Magneto unleashing his villainous self and intending to destroy humanity. However, the governments who foresaw Magneto going rogue developed certain defensive measures.
Using satellites that lay dormant across space, a protective shield is formed around the Earth which would curtail Magneto’s powers. Professor X knew about these measures. In Fatal Attractions, the United States, Russia, and S.H.I.E.L.D. jointly decided to initiate these defensive measures against Magneto.
The X-men villain is not happy about it and immediately destroys these measures from a floating base in space. He then retaliates with an EMP attack on the Earth that cuts off power for humanity and renders all technological and mechanical resources useless.
This attack led to the death of thousands in hospitals after their life support machines stopped functioning. The X-Men confronts Magneto in Avalon and he strips Wolverine of his adamantium. It leads to Xavier shutting down Magneto’s mind, in turn leading to the creation of the brutal villain Onslaught.
Magneto Protocols in X-Men ’97 Is Different And May Even Lead To Avengers vs. X-Men
In Marvel’s animated series, the Magneto Protocols are considered only after the villain unleashes the EMP attack on humanity. In the final episode, the UN speculates whether Asteroid M poses a threat to the Earth and as it is about to enter Earth’s gravitational field, President Kelly approves the Magneto Protocols.
It is not exactly a defensive measure but rather a counter-attacking measure and includes the launch of missiles. Despite the opposition from Cap and other Avengers, the missiles are launched and they hit the Asteroid, endangering both the X-Men and the people on the eastern side of North America. However, Professor X was able to revive Magneto’s psyche at the last minute and he saves the day for the Earth.
However, the resulting action leads the X-Men onboard the Asteroid to teleport into the past and the future. It is sure to strain the relationship between the X-Men and the Avengers in the second season of X-Men ’97.
All ten episodes of the animated series are now available for streaming on Disney+.
