The Hidden Gem: Unearthing the Forgotten X-Men TV Series That Will Blow Your Mind!
The Gifted raised the stakes by introducing iconic X-Men characters, yet their absence in the MCU leaves fans wondering why Explore the captivating premise, intricate X-Men connections, and the fate of this beloved TV series
Nowadays, the focus seems to be on which X-Men characters will make appearances in MCU projects, leaving little attention to The Gifted. Fans were ecstatic when Professor X (Patrick Stewart) made an appearance in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, a cameo that had been hinted at in various trailers and confirmed even before his reveal as part of the Illuminati on Earth-838. Deadpool 3 is set to bring Wolverine into the MCU. Furthermore, Ms. Marvel has been established as the first mutant in the MCU.
With the multiverse in play, the possibilities of how the X-Men can be integrated into the MCU are endless. Surprisingly, there has been no mention of any characters from The Gifted. The TV series has not sparked mainstream discussions about the connection between Lorna Dane/Polaris (Emma Dumont) and Wanda Maximoff/Scarlet Witch (Elizabeth Olsen), despite their paternal relationship. The potential impact of conflicts within The Gifted on other mutants has also received little consideration. Similar to Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., it's as if The Gifted has been completely overlooked, despite its relevant plot points, cameos, and concepts in relation to the larger canon.
What is The Gifted about?
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Set in the X-Men universe, The Gifted portrays a world where the government targets mutants and the legendary team has been eradicated. Reed Strucker, a District Attorney, previously aided in the incarceration of mutants, but everything changes when he discovers that his own children possess extraordinary powers. Strucker and his family are forced to escape from former colleagues, including Jace Turner. Eventually, they find refuge with rebellious mutants who defy their oppressors. Strucker must confront the consequences of his past actions as he finds himself surrounded by the very people he once harmed. Simultaneously, the rebellion begins to splinter as the leaders, Polaris and Marcos Diaz/Eclipse, diverge in their approaches. Polaris advocates for violent resistance, while Eclipse advocates for a more peaceful solution. As their contrasting ideologies mirror those of Professor X and Magneto, two distinct factions emerge. As both groups get closer to uncovering the truth behind the X-Men's demise, the larger conflict reaches its climax. Unfortunately, The Gifted only lasted two seasons and left many unresolved plotlines. To make matters worse, there have been no references to the series in other projects, leaving viewers without the answers they yearn for.
How did The Gifted connect to other X-Men lore?
The Gifted made an effort to incorporate well-known X-Men lore while also showcasing unfamiliar characters. For example, Polaris was portrayed as the daughter of Magneto, thus making her the sister of Scarlet Witch. The disappearance of the X-Men played a significant role in the show's conflict, reflecting the established anti-mutant sentiments from the movies and comic books. However, certain connections to the existing lore received negative feedback from viewers. In The Gifted, the Strucker family were portrayed as bystanders in an anti-mutant world, with Reed being the most actively involved in causing harm.
Interestingly, the Strucker family in the comic series had Nazi ties and were associated with white supremacists. This change in portrayal was a refreshing update, similar to the Marvel Cinematic Universe's decision to establish a canon connection between Scarlet Witch and Magneto. The show also featured a variety of mutants with different abilities. Some, like Clarice Fong/Blink (played by Jamie Chung), possessed immense power, while others, like John Proudstar/Thunderbird (portrayed by Blair Redford), had less impressive abilities. Despite the captivating content, The Gifted ultimately faced cancellation.
Was The Gifted canceled?
Content The Gifted was canceled by Fox on April 17, 2019, after two seasons and twenty-nine episodes. Despite not having a large budget, the network invested significantly in special effects for the TV series. Viewership remained consistent, as the show addressed viewers' criticisms of acting and storytelling. Season 1 received a Rotten Tomatoes score of 79%, while Season 2 received a score of 83%.
In contrast, The New Mutants, adored by fans for its character Magik (Anya Taylor-Joy), only received a 36% score. Considering everything, The Gifted was not the worst addition to the X-Men franchise. The decision to focus on the Strucker family was clever, as it prevented viewers from feeling disconnected due to the show's fantastical elements. However, it also wasn't the best addition either. It has been four years since the show went off the air, and it appears that the stories and characters it introduced have been forgotten.
In spite of its ambitious goals, The Gifted ultimately fell short. None of the characters left a lasting impact beyond its dedicated fanbase. While the stories may have been tied to the extensive X-Men universe, they failed to captivate a wider audience. It's hardly surprising that The Gifted has been overshadowed as more prominent X-Men figures venture into the thrilling realm of the MCU.
Why focus on the Strucker family when we can discuss the exciting possibility of a significant Deadpool cameo? Instead of dwelling on unresolved storylines, let's look forward to the upcoming connections between the Avengers and the X-Men. The talented individuals behind The Gifted should be recognized and rewarded with fair compensation, updated contracts, and equal recognition to artificial intelligence. Although it may not be the most memorable X-Men TV series, it should be acknowledged for its dedication and effort.
