Magneto’s plan to enhance the mutants’ abilities to their maximum potential brings to the forefront the allure and dangers of power – and it makes The Cauldron pack a powerful punch.

The mutants who are deemed “worthy” face the temptation of immense power, which tests their moral compasses and their understanding of what it means to be truly powerful. This theme is particularly evident in the character arcs of Scott and Alex Summers, who must navigate the consequences of their newfound abilities and the responsibilities that come with them.

By the end of the episode, the team feels more grown up – their experiences this season have changed them as people, as a group and as a family. As Charles tells Alex at the end of the episode, no matter where they are on the journey, no matter what they face, they’ll do it together – as X-Men.

On the beach, Kitty, Kurt and Spyke question Toad, who reveals Magneto’s plan.

On Asteroid M, Xavier confronts Scott, who claims he’s just listening. Xavier points to Jean, Rogue and Storm, asking if they’re just listening too. Scott demands their release, but Magneto puts Xavier in stasis. Xavier warns Wolverine to lose the fight. Scott almost blasts Xavier but stops when Magneto warns of decompression. Alex intervenes, calming Scott.

Wolverine and Sabretooth fight on the island. Wolverine lets Sabretooth win, then finds a helicopter after being thrown off a cliff.

At the mansion, the X-Kids find Mystique instead of Storm. Mystique plans to visit Magneto and offers the kids a choice to join her. Wolverine arrives, and they all leave in the Velocity jet.

On Asteroid M, Scott recalls the plane crash that separated him from Alex. Alex joins him, and Magneto shows them the Gem of Cyttorak and his Genetic Enhancer that will evolve their powers. Magneto demonstrates on Sabretooth.

Sabretooth emerges more feral. Alex convinces Scott to use the enhancer. Magneto releases the other X-Men to witness. Scott and Alex emerge as adults with white hair, their emotions wiped out.

Magneto detects an incoming aircraft and sends Alex and Scott to defend. Wolverine crashes the Velocity into them. Kitty phases the kids out. Mystique heads for Magneto. Wolverine frees the X-Men and they head to the X-Jet. Xavier and Jean try to free the brothers.

The X-Men engage the Brotherhood. Kurt drops Blob, Kitty and Spyke take out Avalanche. Toad helps Mystique against Magneto but she is knocked into the enhancer. Sabretooth beats Wolverine. Rogue absorbs Quicksilver’s speed. Storm clears the path to the X-Jet.

Toad, Avalanche, and Blob head for the jet. Kitty and Spyke drag Quicksilver. Rogue informs Storm about Alex and Scott. Storm uses a cyclone to bury Sabretooth. Jean and Xavier argue with the brothers, who free themselves. Jean rejects Scott, and Xavier leaves.

Mystique emerges evolved. Alex and Scott head for the jet but fall. They use their powers to land safely. The X-Jet returns but can’t reach them. Asteroid M falls, and the brothers blast it apart, collapsing back to normal.

The X-Jet lands. Scott apologizes. The Brotherhood wonders about their future. Avalanche mentions Mystique’s escape. Alex is relieved to have his brother back. Xavier offers to help Alex with his powers, united as the X-Men.

The Velocity comes out of the basketball court, as the Blackbird does in the movies.

Scott flashes back to his parent’s ‘death’ on the plane, seen in Uncanny X-Men #154.

Traditionally there is only one Cytorrak gem and the Juggernaut has it. Magneto’s genetic enhancer, amongst making drastic changes to the looks of Cyclops, Havok and Sabretooth, also transformed Mystique: she comes out looking vaguely more like her movie appearance, scales and all.

Scott uses his powers with Alex in this episode to slow their descent from the falling Asteroid M. A different Scott uses a similar move in X-Men 97‘s To Me, My X-Men.

The Cauldron (Part 1) | Growing Pains