Proteus (Part 2) continues the intense storyline from the previous episode, diving deeper into the chaos caused by the powerful mutant Proteus, a.k.a. Kevin MacTaggert. With reality itself bending to Proteus’s will, the X-Men face one of their most formidable challenges yet. Moira MacTaggert’s desperate attempts to reach her son add an emotional layer to the action, highlighting the struggles of family bonds under extraordinary pressure. As Proteus’s powers grow more uncontrollable, the X-Men must find a way to stop him without causing further harm to Kevin or the world around them.

A major theme of this episode is the conflict between power and control, both on a personal and a larger scale. Proteus represents unchecked power, a force of nature that cannot easily be contained or reasoned with. The X-Men’s struggle to manage this threat while dealing with their own internal conflicts brings out the best and worst in each character. The episode also delves into the idea of redemption and the possibility of change, not just for Proteus but for those around him. Moira’s unwavering love for her son and her determination to save him underscore the enduring power of familial love, even in the face of overwhelming odds.

One notable difference in the story’s ending from the Uncanny X-Men #125-128 arc is how the resolution is handled. In the comics, Proteus meets a tragic end, unable to control his destructive abilities, which leads to a heart-breaking finale. However, Proteus (Part 2) takes a slightly different route, focusing more on the emotional reconciliation between Moira and Kevin. While the danger remains high and the stakes are incredibly personal, the episode allows for a glimmer of hope and redemption, suggesting that even the most powerful and destructive forces can find some form of peace.

As the X-Men recover from their fierce battle with Proteus, the relentless villain continues his search for his father, Joseph MacTaggert. The X-Men, along with Moira MacTaggert, finally catch up to Proteus and plead with him to stop his rampage. However, Proteus is not one to be swayed easily. Instead of stopping, he engages the X-Men in another intense fight, demonstrating his terrifying power by destroying and reassembling a building right before their eyes. After this brutal encounter, Proteus manages to slip away, leaving the heroes to regroup and plan their next move. Their new strategy is to reach Joseph MacTaggert before Proteus does.

The next day, Joseph is scheduled to give a public announcement. The X-Men are on high alert, staking out the area in a desperate bid to intercept Proteus. Despite their best efforts, Proteus outsmarts them and reaches the stage where Joseph is speaking. Wolverine, still haunted by the memory of his body being ripped apart, hesitates and retreats from the fight, an unusual show of fear for the typically fearless mutant. This leaves Rogue and Beast to fend off the powerful villain. The battle is fierce, and Proteus’s reality-warping abilities make him a formidable opponent. After the fight, the team gathers to discuss Wolverine’s fear, a rare and unsettling sight that leaves even Beast astonished.

Proteus makes another move during one of Joseph’s press conferences. This time, Moira is prepared and threatens to use a laser to kill her son if necessary. Just as tensions reach a boiling point, Professor X arrives and offers a different solution. He manages to persuade Proteus to allow him into his mind, aiming to calm the troubled mutant. The Professor’s efforts pay off, and he successfully soothes Proteus, bringing a momentary peace to the chaos. Proteus is returned to isolation, but not before he and his father, Joseph, have a chance to reconcile, adding a poignant closure to their tumultuous relationship.

In the comics, Joe not only left Moira, but was unaware of the pregnancy, which occurred as a result of an assault. In the series, to remove the adult material, Joe not only left after Kevin was born, but because of his mutation. In the comics, Kevin possesses Joe and he is killed by the process. Seeing no way out, Colossus indices Proteus to possess him. Due to Proteus being susceptible to metal, this kills Kevin, leaving the young Peter Rasputin devastated.

We see a flashback to Rogue’s childhood, once again seeing her father from A Rogue’s Tale.

The fear induced in Wolverine here is resolved in Japan in Lotus and the Steel.

In the comics, Proteus was recently part of the Five, the mutant circuit used to resurrect mutants during the Krakoan era. It was also revealed that Moira directly sought out Joe to ensure Kevin’s potent mutant abilities, specifically for this reason.

Proteus (Part 1) | Family Ties