X-Men: Evolution "Mindbender" Talkback (Spoilers)

[James Harvey]

Here is the talkback for the X-Men: Evolution episode "Mindbender".

http://x-men.toonzone.net/gallery/images/25-26.jpg

Episode #25 - Mindbender
Original Airdate - January 26, 2002

A powerful new enemy steps forward, one that will do anything to get what he wants. When he uses some of the X-Men to do his bidding, the rest of the team are forced to fight their own. Who is this new enemy? And what will happen to the X-Men under his control, will Xavier be able to save them or are they lost forever?

Comments?

[Naraht]

Whoa...they're bringing in Apocalypse....Kick Ass!

Funky ep...missed part of it as my mom called me here @ work..*sigh*

Nice seeing the X:Men LOSE for once...damn kids..=D

[Watagashi]

Yeah, I was pretty surprised when they said that Apocalypse was coming back. I hope they'll have more like it in the future. :)

[James Harvey]

Now this was an awesome episode! The best part of the whole episode...Apocalypse! We don't actually see him, but we find out at the very end of the episode of the sub-plot that will last throughout the rest of the season. Awhile back, Boyd Kirkland said this season would provide hints for season 3's big villian. Well, the hint at the end of the episode doesn't get more obvious. The series has really picked up from last season. This was a dark and moody episode, and was very well done all around. Not only that, the animation was top notch! In the end, where we see close ups of Cyclops and Jean, you can see the rain falling off their face, and small little drips. It looks really, really good.

A really, really good episode.

[Vin]

Originally posted by naraht
Whoa...they're bringing in Apocalypse....Kick Ass!

Funky ep...missed part of it as my mom called me here @ work..*sigh*

Nice seeing the X:Men LOSE for once...damn kids..=D

APOCALYPSE?!? Oh geez, I got to start watching this show again...

[Failure]

Very nice episode. Like you said DG, a very dark and mysterious episode. Season 2 has been way better than season 1. I'm really glad they stopped doing those happy, group hug type endings they did all the time in season 1. I'm also really impressed at all the little subplots they're building. I mean, first of all we have Apocalypse, who could add to the X-Men eps an emotional punch kinda like Darkseid added to the STAS eps. We also have Mystique who's loose and stealing blueprints for some scheme. We have the B-team of X-Men causing ruckus. And of course, Magneto's out there planning whatever he's planning. It should be really interesting to see how these plotlines end up.

My only complaint: No Gambit!

[JustJack]

I think Gambit would be a nice addition to XME, maybe he could get Rogue's mind off of Scott for awhile! :p ;)

I'm hoping Apocalypse will look good...hmm...XME style...I gotta wonder..

[Jowy Blight]

It was a nice episode, too bad there's no Gambit. :(

I hope they don't weaken Apocalypse too much, like they did with Juggernaut(sp?).

[Vin]

Originally posted by JustJack
I think Gambit would be a nice addition to XME, maybe he could get Rogue's mind off of Scott for awhile! :p ;)


Speaking of Rogue, when is she going to drop the whole Gothic look? It's not very becoming on her...

[JustJack]

Originally posted by Vincent Benenati


Speaking of Rogue, when is she going to drop the whole Gothic look? It's not very becoming on her...

You're kidding me? Haha. I think she looks really good in her goth cloths. It also fits the character...well..at least use to. Hmm...now adays, she seems more "in the loop", and her personality doesn'tfit the goth cloths to well...hmm...

[DR. BELCH]

--Rogue looks better. I think she uses less makeup these days--doesn't look like somebody popped her in both eyes any more. Though her accent's still a wee bit off--she's a Louisiana girl, but she has more of a Texas twang to her. Plus she's got a little crush on Scott, which has softened her up, so she's not that angry little brat cliche.

The look in Jean's eyes--cold, distant, not all the way there--chilled me. I half expected her to do worse to Scott in the hallway. Plus the transfixed look in Nightcrawler's eyes when she entered his room--it was like he was looking into the face of a beautiful vampire who would either seduce or murder him, and he didn't seem to mind which.

Can't say I like the look of the hypnotist, though. Sort of a cross between Pinhead and that bald guy in The Mummy--what a mug. :shudder: Rogue seemed genuinely afraid of him--like she knew him from more than a nickel-and-dime carny booth.

[batE]

OK, I liked this (especially the beginning. I have an all-emcompassing fear of clowns, and the beginning with Jean's dream and then the Jack-in-the-Box was just . . . wooo! Spooky!) And when Prof X went head-to-head (bad pun alert!) with Mesmero, I was all for it, because Charles looked so bad-[explentive deleted] right then. The "youth-gone-wild" quartet of Jubilee, Berzerker, Bobby and that other blond kid, though, is starting to get old. But this ep confirmed my absolute, positive undying love for MULTIPLE! Jamie is my third-fave Evo character, and, wow, he was very awesome in this.

My complaints: Again, a woeful lack of Brotherhood action. I need my Quickie, darnit. All we got was that bogus three-second shot of the bording house and Kitty whining to (an unseen) Lance. But at least we know for a certainty that Lance is back with the BH after his X-Men trangression, so that's good.


And, I'm sorry, but Jean is getting entirely too much ink. We already HAD a Jean episode in Power Surge. Here we have ANOTHER [explentive deleted] Jean Grey-focused episode. Geez. If Mesmero wanted a mutant that could steal the rings with relatively little fuss and muss, why not hypnotize Kurt first? Or Kitty? Also, what happened at the end? At the end, thought the spell was broken, that did not change the fact that Jean (and later Kurt, Kitty and Evan) STOLE stuff. AND used their powers. AND were SEEN using their powers. How's THAT gonna be explained? Is Prof X gonna do a general mind-wipe again?


All in all, this was a nicely dark, very spooky ep, but it suffered in that it was too short (since we know that Apocalypse is the baddie, why not save this ep for the season finale and make it a two-parter?) and the Jean-ness just really ruined a lot of it for me. But a good ep, nonetheless.



batE

[Lonestarr]

Originally posted by Vincent Benenati
Speaking of Rogue, when is she going to drop the whole Gothic look? It's not very becoming on her...

You're kidding, right? Rogue is just fine the way she is; I consider her one of the most attractive animated ladies I've ever seen. If I may wander off-topic for a sentence or two...I have a thing for redheads as well as Goth ladies, and our dear Rogue fits the bill.

About the episode, it was a good one. The ending was a bit cryptic, though (I don't read the comics, so, I'm lost). My favorite bit: Wolverine vs. Kitty.

[optimal321]

This was a very nicely done ep. My favorite part was the fact that Apocalypse was behind the whole thing. I can't wait to see more of him!

Also, it was nice to see that Beast is an actual X-men, and not just a teacher. I was a little confused about that until this ep.

Another complaint is: where's Storm? She had one ep (that was just as much about Spyke), and a few minor parts in other ones. She hasn't really been a major character ever in this show.

[James Harvey]

I was wondering that too, Optimal. Although I don't think she'd have much to do in this episode, with all the characters that were already packed in the episode. Hopefully we'll see more of her. She's been underused overall so far in the series, and it would be nice to see some more of her. She's a great characrer if used right.

[Supernovametalstar]

My only complaint so far is that I still don't know who most of the new recruit members are by name. I know about Iceman, Multiple Man, erh, boy, and Wolfsbane from their powers but that's it. I don't have a clue who the mohawk guy is or the other two girls (which seems to be down to only one in recent eps). I thought that once Mystique stole that data disc with all their info on it we would see her try and recruit them. Perhaps later on.

Oh, and they made Spyke look menacing in this episode with the large spikes coming out of his back.

Rogue seems to be more in control when she absorbs someone's abilities. I wonder if they'll be bold enough to do what they did in the other X-men cartoon and have her drain someone (Ms. Marvel) to the point where she keeps their power permanently and puts the poor mutant in a coma. They could even have it be another mind control incident like in this one since the culprit got away.

Which brings me to another question. Since they introduced Warren Worthington already, would they have Apocalypse turn him into ArchAngel? There are so many things they can do with the series at this point.

[Luminous]

I feel this is the BEST episode to date. It's starting to dig a bit deeper with characters and plots. And yes, I love the multiple plot lines as well. And the animation was TOP SHELF!

Also, it would appear that our favorite telekinetic is getting stronger. I can remember the episode where Blod kidnaps her and she has a hard time moving some bricks and a filing cabinet. Now she's tossing around police carS (PLURAL) at once. I like IT!!

The one thing that was a bit weird was when Kurt was multi-porting with Hank and we could hear Hank talking when he was in-between 'ports. I think it would have been better played out for him to be in the middle of the sentence and have it finish out only when they were in "real" space, not 'port space --- "Why" <BAMF> "are" <BAMF> "you" <BAMF> "doing" <BAMF> "this?"

Oh, and what's up with Logan taking a kick to the shins and wimping out?? For goodness sake, it's KITTY???? I could have understood it a LITTLE better if it was, say, Juggernaut! But Shadowcat kicked Wolverine in the shin! If ANYONE should have been jumping around in pain, it should have been her when she hit that Adamantium bone!!! What's up with THAT???

And how about when when Prof. X get's "nasty"?! .. "you may have been able to handle their minds, but can you handle mine?" ... or something to that effect. AWESOME!!


Great plot, great action, great dialog. Just a GREAT, GREAT, GREAT EPISODE all around!!!!

It seems oddly "cool" in a way that the controlled X-Men were really kicking some butt. It goes to show that when prompted properly, there's really nothing they can't accomplish!!!

[Naraht]

Wolv. vs. Kitty....

He likes her (not like that!) and tries to be her protector...so it was a very uneven fight...I think he was rubbing his shin more as a wounded pride (pardon the pun) than a wounded shin...

[James Harvey]

I laughed at that bit. Wolverine knew he couldn't fight her, which is why he didn't pursue. I thought it was completely in character of him. He has his pride, and it was wounded a bit when Kitty took her boots to his shin.

[Sandoz]

Any episode that has Jean as a focused character isn't on my fav list, but this one was ok. The animation and season 3 foreshadowing was cool, even though I'm wary of how the writers will handle Apocalypse. Sadly, this was another Brotherhood-free episode, which is a shame because I would have liked to see what went on in the B'Hood boarding house with Kitty. >_< Speaking of Kitty, what was up with that kick? Wolverine was still rubbing his leg after the fight! Totally lame.

[Mackenzie Rainelle]

Have you ever been kicked by boots that heavy? It HURTS, not matter how tough your bones might be.

[James Harvey]

I personally don't mind if the Brotherhood sit out an episode or two. There are some great characters there, but they can be quickly run into the ground. And being kicked in the shin can hurt...but I thought it was odd how Wolverine was still rubbing after the fight....

[DR. BELCH]

Logan isn't invulnerable. He just heals pretty fast. So that kick probably left a nasty bruse, maybe broke skin. Still, he seemed more annoyed than hurt. Without any qualms or inhibitions, the kids can be very powerful, but also dangerous....

Is the Asian girl supposed to be Jubilee? I mean, she does have the "paf" powers, but to be a teenager when the other X-Men are adults, she'd probably either not be born yet, or if she is, very young. Continuities are being very juggled around here, seriously...I thought, actually, it might be nice in season three to see Dr. Hank McCoy deliver the infant Jubilee (although I don't know when he got his doctorate or what field he chose to practice in), slap her fanny, and announce that she will do great things someday in a foereshadowing moment.... :rolleyes:

Chuck uses his powers here, so this comes presumably before "Hex Factor", where we suspect he was replaced by Mystique...so which one was Logan speaking to in "Operation: Rebirth"? That is to say, how many eps do we think were there with the fake Xavier?

[czyznyck99]

Originally posted by DR. BELCH
Chuck uses his powers here, so this comes presumably before "Hex Factor", where we suspect he was replaced by Mystique...so which one was Logan speaking to in "Operation: Rebirth"? That is to say, how many eps do we think were there with the fake Xavier?

For the most part, it is just "The HeX Factor" and "Day of Reckoning" that we assume we get the fake Xavier, primarily because of the lack of use of his telepathic powers.

Now, Mindbender was a great episode, but one of the reasons I like it over all of the others (except the last three) is because the X-men do not win this time. In other episodes, they overcome their major nemesis in the specific episode (e.g. Arcade in Fun and Games, those hunters in Retreat, etc.). Here, Mesmero just goes away, beating Xavier and getting what he came for with the rings. The X-men barely regain control of their friends.

And of course, APOCALYPSE.

[Sandoz]

Originally posted by DR. BELCH
Logan isn't invulnerable. He just heals pretty fast. So that kick probably left a nasty bruse, maybe broke skin. Still, he seemed more annoyed than hurt. Without any qualms or inhibitions, the kids can be very powerful, but also dangerous....

Is the Asian girl supposed to be Jubilee?

Chuck uses his powers here, so this comes presumably before "Hex Factor", where we suspect he was replaced by Mystique...so which one was Logan speaking to in "Operation: Rebirth"? That is to say, how many eps do we think were there with the fake Xavier?

About the kick: I agree that it would hurt a normal person like me, but Wolverine? Even if it did hurt him when she did it, he shouldn't have been in pain still when the fight ended.

Yup, the Asian girl with long hair and hoop earings who was in the Danger Room battle is Jubillee.

As for Xavier, I bet Wolvie was talking to the real one in Op: Rebirth. My theory is that Mysti made the switch in The HeX Factor when she returned to the Asylum to "take care of unfinished business."

[VashTheStampede]

I dont usually watch X-men Evolution because I watched a few eps of the first season in the beginning and I couldnt stand it, but if the second season eps are anything like this I will be watching from now on. And it doesnt hurt that Apocolypse is my favorite character in the X-Men universe. They better not make him weaker than he should be. Question: Does he appear in later eps of the second season?

[Viper]

I finally got to see this ep, and I enjoyed it! Talk about a plot twist: a hypnotist uses Jean to steal three ancient rings for him as part of a key and then the real person involved in this is... Apocalypse!!! :eek: I shudder to think how Apocalypse will look compared to the mid 90's original version. It was amazing how Rogue could recognize Mesmero--it made even her squeamish!

[Mackenzie Rainelle]

All I can say is: If the Sentinel had such an incredibly cool re-design in "Day of Reckoning", I can't even IMAGINE what Apocolypse will look like.

[James Harvey]

I thought the redesign of the Sentinel was awesome, too. Very 'Iron Giant'-esque. I bet ApPocalypse is gonna just kick arse. I hope they keep it true to his comic design, like X-MEN: TAS did, as much as they can. But I'd like to see the design tweaked, though.

[Kolbar]

Tonight, Cartoon Network airs this episode of X-Men: Evolution at 9:30pm ET.

http://x-men.toonzone.net/gallery/images/25-26.jpg

Episode #25 - Mindbender
Original Airdate - January 26, 2002

A powerful new enemy steps forward, one that will do anything to get what he wants. When he uses some of the X-Men to do his bidding, the rest of the team are forced to fight their own. Who is this new enemy? And what will happen to the X-Men under his control, will Xavier be able to save them or are they lost forever?

Comments?

[screw on head]

i really liked this ep. the animation was beautiful, and the story was cool. i really loved the animation at the end. they took out the black linework and gave it a much softer look, which worked real well in giving everyone a really wet look. and i loved when we found about apokylips, it really gave him a perfectly forboding and menacing presence.

[Antiyonder]

After seeing the circus and the episode title Mindbender, I assumed that the episode villain would have been The Ringmaster.

[Spider-Man]

YTV airs this excellent X-Men: Evolution episode tonight during their late-night block.

http://x-men.toonzone.net/gallery/images/25-28.jpg

This is probably one of my favorite episodes of the series. Not only does it feature stunning animation but it begins the Apocalypse storyline. Just a great episode that's fun to watch.

[Crossdive]

I voted 5 stars. Mindbender was all-out awesome, I just can't so no to it. I have a real weakness to X-Evo. :P

[Spider-Man]

I voted 5 stars. Mindbender was all-out awesome, I just can't so no to it. I have a real weakness to X-Evo. :P
I don't blame you for this episode. I really like the entire end sequence during the rainstorm. I like the soft look they gave all the characters that really made them look wet and just covered in rain. What could have been a bland episode about someone taking over Jean's mind to commit some thefts really started the ball rolling on something bigger.

[StormDragon318]

The animation in this episode was superb. I liked this as an introduction to Evo's Apocalypse saga, but I also like that they didn't really plunge into the Apocalypse storyline until towards the end of season 3, while this ep was in season 2. It allowed the saga to gradually unfold and be drawn out well, which made the end of season 4 more dramatic.

[creativerealms]

I feel that by hinting at Apocalypse this early but not having him appear for a whole nother season really let the creative team not only plan how they would use him but also gave them enough time to finish other storylines first. It really worked out well if you ask me.

[Crossdive]

I don't blame you for this episode. I really like the entire end sequence during the rainstorm. I like the soft look they gave all the characters that really made them look wet and just covered in rain. What could have been a bland episode about someone taking over Jean's mind to commit some thefts really started the ball rolling on something bigger.
exactly, they did an awesome job on this, very few shows have something great enough to compare to Evo's level of quality.

[KuwabaraTheMan]

Mindbender was certainly a really good episode. It had this really creepy nature to it, and then at the end they drop this huge bomb on you with the "Apocalypse" line. Great episode.

[cheeno]

Wasn't the secret exposed then?I mean,when Jean and the others attacked the bank,to stole the rings,didn't the police wanted to know more about these people with in-human powers?And how did the X-Men managed to hide their X-Jet where ever they would be flying?Would not people spot the black bird?Just too many goofs in this episode.If u dont look at these goofs,the episode is brilliant.

[Movie06]

Another favorite episode of mine, Mindbender was just fantastic from beginning to end, I mean this episode caught me off-guard the first time I saw it because I didn't know Apocolypse was going to be mentioned but since then, I was waiting for it to happen... And it did. :D

[ShadowStar]

Did anyone else suspect, deep down, that Mesmero was working for someone other than Apocalypse back when this first aired? I mean, Apocalypse was imprisoned and it's sort of necessary to assume that he couldn't use telepathy to communicate with the outside world, otherwise he would have been freed centuries earlier. I had to wonder at the time if someone else was giving Mesmero the telepathic commands, especially after Xavier commented that "a mind more powerful than anything" he "ever encounted" had given Mesmero the edge in their brief struggle. How could Apocalypse have assisted Mesmero in that fight? If Apocalypse had given Mesmero some of his power, how did he do so and how come the effect was only temporary (since Xavier drove Mesmero away in their rematch in "Under Lock and Key")? It's a shame the creative team didn't address these 'loose ends'. They could have shown Mr. Sinister or Ozymandias to be in charge of Mesmero, or something...

It's like the thing with Principal Kelly in "Growing Pains", and whether he remembered what happened or not; it was just dropped and glazed over.

[ShadowStar]

When Rogue mentioned Mesmero having been in Bayville with his circus of mystery, was she referring to the carnival in "Bada Bing Bada Boom"?

BTW, regarding my previous post, I just remembered that up until the final moments of "Mindbender", I originally suspected that it was Shadow King who was pulling the strings. Then came the big reveal, which really shocked me...