Prepare yourselves, my Happy Nation – this episode is a pivotal moment that will break hearts and set a new course for the series.

Remember It explores a rich tapestry of themes, resonating with the nostalgia of the original X-Men and showcasing the evolution of its characters. The episode masterfully balances the intense drama of the characters’ interactions with a humour that playfully acknowledges the peculiarities of the X-Men’s world.

It brings to the forefront two intricate love triangles: one entangling Jean Grey, Cyclops, and Wolverine, and another involving Rogue, Gambit, and Magneto, which adds depth to both the story and character arcs. The narrative delves into identity and introspection, challenging the characters to confront their pasts and make pivotal decisions that shape their destinies. A new layer of consequences unfolds, depicting the grave realities and high stakes within the X-Men universe. Moreover, it touches upon themes of loss and acceptance, as the characters grapple with their personal grief and the transformative shifts in their existence.

In summary, Remember It is an engaging episode that navigates through intricate themes and character interactions, distinguishing itself within the series. The finale delivers a moment so impactful and unexpected that it’s sure to leave a lasting impression on fans, cementing itself as one of the most memorable scenes in X-Men history. And it certainly lives up to its name: no X-Men fan will ever forget that final, shocking, heart-breaking moment…

Jean Grey is overwhelmed, unable to distinguish her own memories from those of Madelyne Pryor. In a moment of vulnerability, she turns to Wolverine, sharing a kiss that he firmly rebuffs, advising her to seek out Cyclops. Meanwhile, Cyclops has been secretly in telepathic contact with Madelyne.

In Genosha, Magneto, Rogue, and Gambit face a pivotal moment as the Genoshan council offers leadership to Magneto, who accepts under the condition that Rogue co-leads. Rogue confesses to Gambit her past secret romance with Magneto, whose powers allowed her the intimacy she yearns for, something she can’t have with Gambit.

During a gala marking Genosha’s entry into the UN, Rogue’s kiss with Magneto leads to a regretful epiphany, realizing her heart truly lies with Gambit. Amidst these personal turmoil’s, Cable, the time-traveller, appears, and Madelyne recognizes him as her grown son, Nathan. But before Cable can divulge the impending doom, he’s whisked back to the future.

Tragedy strikes as an advanced Master Mold and a legion of Sentinels launch a devastating attack on Genosha, claiming the lives of thousands of mutants. In a heroic act of self-sacrifice, Gambit destroys the Master Mold, leaving Rogue to mourn the loss of her love.

The intro features a shot from Beyond Good and Evil (Part 1), which kicked off with Apocalypse and Cable throwing down, while Gambit and Nightcrawler duke it out with Genoshan magistrates. It’s a scene that’s more symbolic than canonical, never actually gracing the series or the comics.

Trish Tilby, journalist extraordinaire, has been sneaking into scenes since Night of the Sentinels (Part 1), but didn’t snag a name tag until Graduation Day. In the comic world, she’s got a thing for Hank, debuting in X-Factor #7.

Genosha’s backstory is as tragic as a Shakespeare play, first showing up in Uncanny X-Men #235. Imagine a place built on the backs of genetically-tweaked mutates – that’s Genosha for you. The big drama of this episode borrows from New X-Men #115.

Spotting mutants in Genosha is like a ‘Where’s Wolvie?’ of the X-Men universe. You’ve got Wiz-Kid, Boom-Boom (from No Mutant Is An Island), Glob Herman, Pixie, Multiple Man and Iceman (last seen in Cold Comfort), Exodus, Dazzler, Archangel (the prodigal X-Man), Squidboy and a mutant mash-up too long to list.

The council’s a who’s who of the mutant elite: Sebastian Shaw, Emma Frost (not seen since The Inner Circle), Banshee (missing since The Phalanx Covenant (Part 2)), and Moira MacTaggert, last seen in Graduation Day – who, spoiler alert, kicks the bucket in this episode, but let’s not bet on it changing the show’s course… Unless…

Speaking of shindigs, the ‘Ace’ bash is giving off ‘Spades’ of serious Hellfire Gala vibes, the kind of swanky soiree where mutants mingle and mayhem’s a plus-one. Let’s just say, if history repeats itself, the evening’s entertainment might include more than just dancing. And Rogue’s gown is straight from her first date with Gambit in X-Men #4.

And oh, look who’s on the guest list—it’s the Wild Sentinel, straight out of New X-Men #115. This hunk of metal is like that one uninvited guest who not only crashes the party but also bulldozes the venue on their way out.

Meanwhile, Gambit’s mingling with memories of his Morlock days, back when he was playing tour guide for Mister Sinister’s Marauders. It was a real underground hit, literally, with a guest list that got trimmed down significantly by the end of the night. Gambit’s role happened off-panel in Uncanny X-Men #210, but wasn’t revealed until #350.

In a shocking twist that no one saw coming, Genosha is in ruins: countless mutants gone, the perpetrator a mystery and the dream of peace shattered. Magneto? Out of the picture. Madelyne? Emma Frost? Gambit? Can’t be, right? The plot thickens, and the X-Men’s world will never be the same! As the credits roll, the customary thumping guitar tune that typically sends us off is substituted by a sombre, slow, and significantly more melancholic single piano note. Why? The image below speaks volumes.

“I can’t… feel you…”

Motendo / Lifedeath (Part 1) | Lifedeath (Part 2)