In Greetings from Genosha, Nightcrawler arrives in Genosha, the supposed sanctuary for mutants led by Magneto. Initially, Genosha appears to be a safe haven, but Nightcrawler soon discovers the darker truth behind Magneto’s intentions.

The episode explores themes of trust, deception, and the complexities of leadership. Nightcrawler’s journey highlights the conflict between the ideal of a mutant utopia and the reality of Magneto’s manipulative control. The story delves into the moral ambiguities of using power for protection versus domination, and the struggle to discern true allies from hidden enemies.

Nightcrawler is initially shocked and disillusioned when he uncovers the truth about Genosha. He had hoped to find a genuine sanctuary for mutants but instead finds a society under Magneto’s strict control. This revelation deeply troubles him, as he grapples with the moral complexities of Magneto’s leadership and the reality of the supposed utopia. Nightcrawler’s reaction is a mix of disappointment and determination, as he resolves to uncover more about Magneto’s plans and protect his fellow mutants from potential harm.

The Avalon finally prepares to dock at Genosha, but shortly before the ship approaches the shore, the metal hulk is taken apart by the welcoming committee: the Master of Magnetism himself, and his followers the Acolytes. He welcomes them, even Nightcrawler. He has his daughter, Wanda, the Scarlet Witch, to show Kurt around the island.

At the X-Mansion, Kitty and Bobby are stunned when Logan attacks Angel. It’s Mystique, who works for Magneto. She seems to be there simply to secure information about the Professor‘s condition, but it becomes clear during the brawl that she was prepared for the X-Men. After taking out most of the team, Mystique is intercepted by Logan, who is surprised when she takes his form from decades ago, eluding to a history he doesn’t remember.

On Genosha, Nightcrawler is happy to see the apparent mutant sanctuary that Magneto has created. At night, after spending some flirtatious moments with Wanda, Kurt is approached by Dust, former X-Men student, who warns him that all is not as he seems. Seeing the Acolytes capture a mutant named Fever Pitch, Nightcrawler demands to see where the prisoners are taken. He’s appalled that Erik keeps them prisoner without trial and elects to warn the X-Men. He manages to get away from Magneto and his followers, but the only way off the island is to teleport, and he simply can’t teleport that far across the ocean. He makes the attempt anyway, making short bamfs repeatedly.

At the Institute, Mystique takes out Logan and leaves the Institute before she can check on Charles. Finally, after a trying journey, Kurt arrives on the Institute grounds. He collapses into Wolverine‘s arms – actually Mystique in disguise – and is returned to Genosha a prisoner…

Wanda Maximoff, aka the Scarlet Witch is a character more closely related to the Avengers and the Marvel Cinematic Universe than the X-Men‘s universe, despite her first appearance being in Uncanny X-Men #4.

Nightcrawler’s flirtation with Wanda in this series is a reference to Talia Wagner, their daughter Nocturne, from an alternate reality.

There’s some serious flirting occurring between Iceman and Kitty – reminiscent of their relationship in the X-Men film franchise.

It’s an episode set on Genosha, which as usual, means cameo city! The following can all be spotted throughout the island scenes:

Future X | Past Discretions