IGN's review of "X-Men '97" Season 2, Episode 8, "Dead Man's Hand," finds that Gambit's long-teased resurrection falls flat emotionally, despite the character's death having been a highlight at the end of Season 1. The critic argues the episode fails to clarify Apocalypse's motives for reviving Gambit, leaving key plot threads underdeveloped, though other storylines, including the Summers family reunion, land more effectively.

The review highlights weak execution of the Apocalypse-Candra backstory, delivered via a rushed flashback that undercuts prior foreshadowing from Episode 4, and suggests the character Genesis would have offered richer material. Stronger moments include Rogue and Gambit's reunion, Rogue's psychic intervention against Xavier, and the reunited X-Men interacting with Cable's team, which explores the awkwardness of Cable's parents meeting their now-adult son.