utant X winds up its first successful season in syndication by introducing a new villain. In "A Breed Apart," a young woman runs through an empty building trying to escape her pursuers. Just as the woman is about to be captured, Mutant Xers Shalimar (Pratt) and Brennan (Webster) seem to come out
of nowhere to save her.
However, they soon discover they are going up against other powerful New Mutants, and when Brennan's power suddenly catapults him into the air, the two retreat, having to leave the woman behind. Adam (Shea) soon discovers that Brennan's power is changing. In fact, all the New Mutants are having a "growth spurt" that has increased their powers, but in unpredictable and strange ways.
At Genomex headquarters, Mason Eckhart discovers Gabriel Ashlocke (Michael Easton) has escaped. Mason orders his people to recapture or kill him. Gabriel is Patient Zero, the first and most powerful New Mutant ever created, because he has multiple powers.
Gabriel was imprisoned as a child and through the years he has developed a following. Now the members of the organization known as The Strand are ready to follow him without question. The Strand's mission is to become an alternative to Mutant X, a place where New Mutants can go to find "their
rightful place in the world."
When Adam discovers that Gabriel has escaped the Genomex, he knows it means trouble for Mutant X as well. Adam was there in the beginning and he understands what Gabriel really is: a sociopath who believes he's a god. Now, after years spent in a GSA-induced coma, Gabriel is more than ready to take
what he believes is his rightful place in the world, especially if it means destroying Mutant X and taking over the GSA.
Eye candy of consistent quality
Mutant X has enjoyed a wonderfully successful first year, sparring continually with Andromeda for the distinction of top syndicated weekly hour. In the season finale, "A Breed Apart," the storyline takes a turn, sparking big changes that will continue into next season.
New villain Gabriel Ashlocke, played by Easton, looks to stir up some good trouble for the Mutant Xers, while the character Eckhart is put into stasis so actor Tom McCamus can take a break to do some theater. Next season will see both characters back as they share the villainous bad-guy duty. Since
Eckhart is a wonderfully droll villain, it's terrific that the writers discovered a way to keep the character while bringing in some fresh blood.
With the addition of a new powerful villain come stronger powers for the Mutant Xers. As the characters get to explore their powers, it should all lead to bigger badder battles for next season.
Easton, a sci-fi veteran from VR.5 and Total Recall 2070, fits in nicely as the new hot bad guy and is a good addition to the cast. The rest of the regulars, led by Shea, are typically solid, with Pratt and Webster finally getting a chance to explore the attraction between their characters.
Fans of Mutant X should enjoy this big finale. Just like the series, "A Breed Apart" offers pleasant eye candy, plenty of action and very little depth. Mutant X does what it does well. It entertains.
