As the series hits its fiftieth episode milestone, it takes us on a deeper journey into the history of Charles Xavier. It revisits a pivotal moment from the show’s second season, shedding light on Xavier’s early victory against the formidable Shadow King, well before the formation of the X-Men. The episode skilfully brings to life the flashbacks from the iconic Uncanny X-Men #117 by Chris Claremont and John Byrne. It’s a narrative treat that offers a more intimate understanding of Xavier’s dream: a world where people live together in peace, free from judgment.

This dream is the very foundation upon which the X-Men stand. Charles’ declaration in this episode captures the essence beautifully: “So I formed the X-Men, my X-Men. Individuals dedicated to the belief that mutants and humans can and must co-exist peacefully.” It sounds straightforward, yet as with any belief, there are always differing perspectives to consider.

The clash of ideals between Charles Xavier and Magneto is a classic representation of differing philosophies on societal integration and acceptance of the ‘other.’

Professor X, or Charles Xavier, champions the cause of peaceful coexistence between humans and mutants. He’s a proponent of empathy, tolerance, and assimilation, urging mutants to harness their unique powers for the safeguarding of a society that often regards them with fear and misunderstanding. His method resonates with the peaceful activism championed by Martin Luther King Jr., advocating for transformation through non-violence and reciprocal respect.

Contrastingly, Erik Lehnsherr, better known as Magneto, and originally Max Eisenhardt, takes a staunchly different stance. His experiences of severe trauma during the Holocaust have molded a belief system that anticipates perpetual human rejection of mutants. Magneto endorses the use of strength and, at times, hostility as essential defences against human persecution. His ideology reflects Malcolm X’s initial advocacy for self-defence and securing one’s community by any means deemed necessary.

The ongoing ideological battle between Xavier and Magneto is incredibly pertinent to current social issues, reflecting the intense discussions around the appropriate response of marginalized communities to systemic injustice. The X-Men saga, with its deep exploration of prejudice, the fear of the ‘other,’ and the quest for acceptance, echoes the sentiments of various social movements such as civil rights, LGBTQ+ rights, and anti-bigotry efforts. It prompts dialogue on tolerance, inclusivity, and the critical need to confront injustice, serving as an enduring symbol for the pursuit of equality and comprehension in our world.

A tempest brews outside Xavier‘s mansion, its lightning jolting the X-Men awake. They emerge to confront phantoms of their deepest fears: Wolverine duels an illusionary Sabretooth, Jubilee squares off against a Sentinel mirage, Storm is engulfed in shadows, and Cyclops witnesses a faux Mister Sinister abducting Jean Grey.

Meanwhile, Professor X, influenced by a concussion and the storm’s energy, is trapped in a nightmare. Jean and Beast recognize the concussion’s impact on his abilities, but Cyclops remains sceptical.

In the sanctuary of his mind, Xavier envisions a utopian world where mutants live in harmony. However, he soon uncovers the Shadow King‘s scheme to escape the astral plane by overtaking his body. Engaged in astral combat with his archenemy, Xavier realizes he’s imprisoned within the astral realm, with the Shadow King inching closer to freedom. Jean alerts the team to Xavier’s psychic struggle, and as the Shadow King seizes control of Xavier’s form, the X-Men are plunged into their worst nightmares.

Jean’s astral projection enters the fray, aiding Xavier in the mental showdown. Amidst the astral plane’s expanse, Xavier and the Shadow King clash in a battle of wits. With Jean’s assistance, Xavier triumphs, banishing the Shadow King back to the astral confines, restoring peace to the minds of the X-Men.

This episode takes a leaf straight out of Uncanny X-Men #117‘. The throwback scenes, featuring Storm’s early days as a nimble-fingered street urchin and Professor X’s inaugural showdown with the nefarious Shadow King, are ripped right from the comic’s iconic pages.

Sabretooth has been MIA since Cold Vengeance, but fear not, he’s slated for a grand reappearance later this season in the Beyond Good and Evil arc. And it’s not just a party for one; he’s bringing “every mutant on Earth” to the shindig!

Charles Xavier, during a spectral stroll through the hallowed halls of his old stomping grounds, bumps into his dear mother, Sharon Xavier. Now, Sharon’s track record with marriages isn’t exactly award-winning. As they wander, they’re greeted by a veritable who’s who of the school’s alumni: Lilandra, Nightcrawler, Iceman, Strong Guy, Havok, Forge, Madrox, Quicksilver, and even Lorna Dane sporting an unusual new palette.

The Shadow King appeared last in Whatever It Takes which revealed his past with Storm. In the comics, he is depicted as a psychic entity that transfers between hosts, feeding on the negative emotions they harbour. It is hinted that Amahl Farouk might have been his original host.

The sight of Xavier, under the Shadow King’s eerie control, mocking the X-Men, echoes the chilling events from The Dark Shroud. It’s a classic “Xavier gone wild” scenario that never fails to send shivers down the spines of X-Men aficionados.

In a twist of dream logic, Jubilee’s nightmare echoes reality when a Sentinel reaches for her through the mansion walls, mirroring its real-life attempt in Night of the Sentinels (Part 1).

In a fleeting yet fateful encounter, Jean Grey brushed minds with the nefarious Shadow King during the events of Uncanny X-Men #273. Fortunately, Psylocke swooped in with her psychic prowess to pull Jean back from the brink of disaster.

We catch a rare glimpse of Storm’s attic, a place that’s been long used to house her collection of tropical plants.

The costumes are a riot! There’s a moment when Xavier glimpses the X-Men across various chapters of their saga: from spandex-clad youths to battle-worn veterans, each outfit a testament to their wild journey. It’s like a superhero fashion evolution, one spandex stretch at a time!

He catches sight of Logan in his Team X gear, quickly followed by his Weapon X outfit. Storm is sporting her Second Genesis look from the recent X-Men ’97, a nostalgic nod that’s sparking discussions and settling style debates. Rogue and Gambit are spotted in their iconic flashback styles from X-Ternally Yours and A Rogue’s Tale. Young Scott, Jean, and Hank are seen playing with Bobby Drake and Warren Worthington. Subsequently, they’re adorned in the traditional blue and gold X-Men uniforms. But then Bobby is ousted, and Warren swaps his customary blue for a striking red Archangel suit.

Sanctuary (Part 2) | Courage