We dive deep into the psyche of Cyclops, also known as Scott Summers in Breakdown, which also serves to propel us towards the series finale at breakneck speed! The episode kicks off with Cyclops being haunted by visions of Jean Grey while fighting the Juggernaut, which sets the stage for a series of intense flashbacks. These flashbacks are not just a trip down memory lane but a poignant exploration of Scott’s emotional turmoil and his unresolved feelings for Jean. The episode cleverly uses these visions to peel back the layers of Scott’s character, revealing his vulnerabilities and the weight of his responsibilities as a leader.

One of the standout elements of Breakdown is its nostalgic nod to the original X-Men costumes and team line-up. As Cyclops’ memories unfold, we are treated to glimpses of the classic X-Men attire, a visual treat for long-time fans of the series. These flashbacks serve a dual purpose: they not only highlight the evolution of the characters and their relationships but also underscore the enduring legacy of the X-Men. The original team line-up, featuring iconic characters like Beast, Iceman, and Angel, reminds us of the rich history and camaraderie that have always been at the heart of the X-Men saga.

During a battle with Juggernaut, Scott is distracted by what he believes to be a glimpse of Jean, causing him to lose focus and get severely beaten. This distraction not only leads to his defeat but also results in the enemy escaping and his teammates suffering significant injuries. Realizing that his obsession with Jean is compromising his effectiveness as a team member, Scott contemplates leaving the X-Men. However, Emma Frost offers a radical solution: she proposes to erase all memories of Jean from Scott’s mind, allowing him to move on and fully commit to the team. Despite his initial hesitation, Scott agrees to let Emma delve into his memories.

As Emma navigates through Scott’s mind, she witnesses the pivotal moments of his life. She sees his traumatic childhood, his early days as an X-Man, and the development of his deep bond with Jean. The memories reveal the intense rivalry between Magneto and Professor Xavier over Jean’s allegiance, and Scott’s jealousy when Logan, also known as Wolverine, arrives at the Xavier Institute and catches Jean’s attention.

However, as Emma and Scott revisit the moments leading up to the explosion that caused Jean’s disappearance, they uncover a shocking truth. In a slow-motion replay of the memory, they realize that Jean herself was the source of the catastrophic explosion, transforming into the Phoenix and unleashing a blinding burst of energy.

Cyclops left the X-Men after Phoenix’s death on the moon in Uncanny X-Men #138. The issue took the form of a recap, detailing the history of the X-Men from the start to the current issue, focussing primarily on the relationship between Scott and Jean. Elements from Emma’s visits through Scott’s memories in this episode are similar to that issue.

We see Scott’s powers activate for the first time. We see various versions of this throughout the franchise, including No Mutant Is An Island in X-Men season three, X-Men Origins: Wolverine and X-Men: Apocalypse.

In Scott’s first meeting with Jean in the mindscape, she’s telekinetically lifting objects in her street, including cars, similar to the opening of X-Men: The Last Stand.

In the comic books Magneto has never really focussed much of his attention on Jean. Indeed, his musings on Jean to Charles in this movie are similar to the opening of X-Men: The Last Stand. Logan’s encounters with Scott also share scenes similar to their rivalry in X-Men, the first movie.

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