Ryan and Maddy have hit the first episode of X-Men '97 that they don't completely adore, and it's got a lot to do with the representation of Mojo in this episode. But also, as the world's number one Jubilee fan, Ryan has a lot of thoughts on the writing of Jubilee in this episode and not all of them are positive. We're both not sure what to make of the speedy rendition of Lifedeath that happens in the last couple minutes of this episode. We'll just have to wait for "Lifedeath Part 2" in order to find out where that plotline's heading... X-Men Spotlight: Sunspot AKA Roberto de Costa The X2 bloo ..read more

Madelyne Pryor has quite the complicated backstory in Marvel Comics, and it's fascinating to see how X-Men '97 chose to shorten and adapt her story. A lot of the changes really work, but the whole episode moves so damn fast that Maddy and Ryan can only conclude that this should have been a two-parter. The Goblin Queen deserved more time to cook!! Perhaps the real star of this episode is Morph, whose relationship with Wolverine has gotten very emotionally confusing for seemingly both of them. Wow! X-Men Spotlight: Madelyne Pryor Next week's episode: "Motendo/Lifedeath Part 1" X-Men '97 E-mail u ..read more

Maddy and Ryan convene for the double-header premiere episodes of X-Men '97, which just may be the best-ever X-Men adaptation in our lifetimes, as well as the emotional pinnacle of this podcast's run up to this point. We analyze every single frame and line of dialogue in both episodes, and perhaps the only problem with that is for some reason we called X-Cutioner by the wrong name (X-Terminator) about half the time. We were just too excited and/or distracted by the fact that Wolverine and Morph are canonically banging on this show. And have you seen that photo of Xavier and Magneto cuddling ..read more

Next week, the Mutant Ages will pivot to X-Men '97 and go back to weekly episodes, but until then, Ryan and Maddy have one more (terrible) episode of The Gifted to recap and review. Is this episode as bad as they say it is? Or are they just impatient to get to X-Men '97? Why not both! In this episode, Blink quits the team (good), Dreamer tries to seduce John (bad), and Reed Strucker has lost his wedding ring (sad). We'll check back in on this crew many weeks from now, and we aren't looking forward to it. X-Men spotlight: John Proudstar, a.k.a. Thunderbird Next week's episode: "To Me, My X-Men ..read more

Ryan and Maddy return to The Gifted for an episode in which the characters literally walk in circles. To be fair to Reed Strucker, there is an actual plan involved in doing this, and it does work, but is it interesting to watch? Not really. There are some great moments in this episode, though, such as when Blink finally confronts Dreamer over the brainwashing routine. Next episode: "got your siX," The Gifted E-mail us your feedback at themutantages@gmail.com or follow us on social media at TheMutantAges, MIDImyers and RyanPagella. If you like what you hear, please consider supporting us via pa ..read more

Maddy, Ryan, Todd, Katie, and the other Ryan (Truman) convene to hyper-analyze the X-Men '97 trailer, shot by shot. Why is Magneto addressing the UN? Who is the bun in Jean's oven? Is that even really Jean Grey, or is it Madelyne Pryor? We have so many questions, and we can't wait for March 20th. Next episode: "boXed in," The Gifted, for real this time lol E-mail us your feedback at themutantages@gmail.com or follow us on social media at TheMutantAges, MIDImyers and RyanPagella. If you like what you hear, please consider supporting us via patreon.com/themutantages. Thanks ..read more

Ryan and Maddy struggle through "eXit strategy," the fourth episode of The Gifted, which features a prison break that results in Lorna (and Reed) finally rejoining the Mutant Underground. You'd think that would make us happy, and Emma Dumont does get some incredible moments as Lorna, but other than that this episode is a total slog. Blink's character has been completely reduced to "woman who has a crush on John," and John suddenly has a new backstory with the mutant Pulse who can disarm electronics and mutant powers. Marcos briefly revisits his former life as a lackey for a drug ring, which is ..read more

Maddy, Ryan, and Todd convened in person (!!) to watch an episode of 1960s television that has lived in infamy for Chris Claremont and all X-Men fans. The show is called The Avengers (but not *those* Avengers), and the episode is called "A Touch of Brimstone" because it's about the Hellfire Club. We discuss the incomparable Emma Peel, the inspiration for Emma Frost, as well as all of the other unexpected inspirations in this episode. Next episode: "eXit strategy," The Gifted E-mail us your feedback at themutantages@gmail.com or follow us on social media at TheMutantAges, MIDImyers and RyanPage ..read more

Maddy and Ryan are only on the third-ever episode of The Gifted, and already Maddy is worried that the show has run out of ideas. Not good! Polaris is still in prison; Caitlin is still a privileged white lady who doesn't understand bigotry against mutants (or anybody else, probably). Emma Dumont and Amy Acker are still putting in their best performances, but the writing isn't always there to back them up. Worst of all, Blink's got a new storyline as of this episode and it already sucks ass. It's enough to inspire us to take a little break from The Gifted for our next episode and watch somethin ..read more

Maddy and Ryan find that the second episode of The Gifted is almost as good as the pilot, with the exception of some superfluous interrogation scenes between Jace Turner and Reed Strucker. This TV show remains a showcase of Amy Acker and Emma Dumont's acting prowess, and it's nice to see both of them getting their chances to shine. We know this show goes off the rails at some point, but for now, it's still thrilling. Next episode: "eXodus," The Gifted E-mail us your feedback at themutantages@gmail.com or follow us on social media at TheMutantAges, MIDImyers and RyanPagella. If you like what yo ..read more