The Season 2 finale of *X-Men ’97* confirms a long-running fan theory by revealing that Mystique has replaced government official Val Cooper. In a mid-credits scene, Mystique shoots the real Cooper and assumes her identity, signalling a plan to destabilise the United States and setting up a more politically charged conflict for Season 3.

The finale also resolves Gambit’s fate after his resurrection and possession by Apocalypse, amid a battle involving the X-Men, X-Factor and X-Force. A Comic-Con preview showed the Brotherhood of Mutants causing destruction before being pursued by patriotic-themed Sentinels; with anti-mutant President Graydon Creed in office, Mystique may use Cooper’s position to direct action against mutants. The development draws on *Uncanny X-Men* #199, in which Mystique’s Brotherhood worked for Val Cooper as the government-backed Freedom Force.