The X-Men universe is charged with the thrilling enmity between Cable and Apocalypse, a timeless conflict that pits contrasting beliefs against each other. This intricate narrative stretches across centuries, beginning with a singular event: a birth.

Cable, born Nathan Summers, is the progeny of Cyclops and Madelyne Pryor, Jean Grey’s genetic double. To preserve his future, he was whisked away to an era dominated by Apocalypse. In this grim reality, Cable is hardened into a warrior, embattled against the despot’s reign, vowing to thwart Apocalypse’s ascension and the ensuing subjugation of all sentient beings.

Apocalypse, or En Sabah Nur, stands as one of the earliest mutants. He champions the harsh doctrine of ‘survival of the fittest,’ aspiring to exterminate the weak and shepherd the strong into a new age. He envisions himself as the harbinger of evolution, relentlessly challenging humanity and mutant kind to evolve into a superior species.

At the heart of their clash are the divergent beliefs about evolution and survival. Cable champions a vision of a future where mutants and humans live together in harmony, while Apocalypse envisions a world ruled by the survival of the fittest, at any cost. This struggle transcends mere power; it’s a pivotal moment for the future of both humanity and mutant kind. Cable’s fight is one for hope and liberty, in stark contrast to Apocalypse, who embodies the perilous aspects of evolution and unchecked power.

This confrontation holds a mirror to current societal issues, reflecting intense discussions on power dynamics, ethical considerations in survival, and the imperative to safeguard the vulnerable against oppressive doctrines.

The year is 3999, and Cable is on a mission to secure a time machine from a heavily guarded facility. At the same time, Tyler Summers faces an unexpected attack by robots. Cable, unaware of the looming threat, is being watched by Apocalypse from his temporal stronghold. In a twist of fate, Apocalypse diverts Cable’s time travel, landing him in the current era.

Upon his arrival, Cable reunites with the X-Men and discovers the kidnapping of several psychics. Despite Cyclops‘s efforts, their interrogation of Sabretooth leads nowhere. Beast and Shard, analysing the situation, pinpoint Bishop‘s anomalous position in the time stream. Wolverine takes a more hands-on approach with Sabretooth, seeking answers. Cable shares a crucial piece of information with the X-Men: Apocalypse’s dependence on his Lazarus Chamber for survival, a ritual performed every hundred years. The subdued Sabretooth is brought forth by Wolverine, confirming that they are up against Apocalypse’s forces. Professor X delves into Sabretooth’s mind, only to be met with cryptic, time-centric visions.

Resolved to face Apocalypse directly at the source, the team plans an expedition to Ancient Egypt via Cable’s time machine. They stealthily enter a pyramid, only to be confronted by Apocalypse’s formidable Horsemen. A battle ensues with Cyclops, Gambit, and Archangel, while the rest of the team, including Professor X, Beast, Wolverine, and Cable, locate the Lazarus Chamber. However, their mission takes a perilous turn as Apocalypse appears, capturing both Professor X and Wolverine.

In the tangled web of comic book lore, there’s hints that suggest Cable might not be Tyler’s real dad. Some fans argue it’s Stryfe, Cable’s clone. In the comics, he took a walk on the dark side as Genesis, Apocalypse’s protégé, until Wolverine put an end to his antics in Wolverine #100. And for those playing the family resemblance game, Tyler is the spitting image of Alex, his potential uncle. But then again, he’d also be a dead ringer with Stryfe as his father as well. The plot thickens!

The time machine Graymalkin is a real blast from the past, straight out of Cable’s early days with X-Force. This secretive space hideout orbited Earth like Cable’s cosmic hermit crab. Magneto, the master of magnetism and upcycling, scavenged its parts to construct Avalon. Yet, the core processor of Graymalkin proved tougher than a cockroach, surviving under the Atlantic Ocean. And the name? It’s a nod to Graymalkin Lane, home sweet home to the Xavier Mansion.

Warren’s stuck with the team till the season’s finale. There were intentions for him and Psylocke to join the regular cast had the show ended the way it was planned.

It appears that Apocalypse has put his beef with Mystique on the back burner, despite her less-than-stellar performance in Come the Apocalypse.

This episode is significant as it features the first proper dialogue between Cable and Cyclops. Ironically, the discussion centres on Cable’s son and Scott’s absent wife. It also prompts the question, given previous hints: Cable is aware of his parentage all along, isn’t he? He realizes he’s battling alongside his father, correct?

It seems the Horsemen standing sentinel over the Lazarus Chamber might just be local mutants from that time period. Apocalypse apparently has a preferred ‘type’ when it comes to his entourage, although they remain unnamed.

The climactic moments of the episode echo the beginning scenes of the subsequent movie X-Men: Apocalypse, showcasing a Horseman’s ultimate sacrifice to safeguard the sanctum as Apocalypse slumbers within.

Warren’s offhand remark to Death about previously holding his position might just be the ultimate in ironic foreshadowing, especially with Gambit and Wolverine standing right there. It’s almost as if he’s winking at the audience, hinting at the jaw-dropping mid-credits scene in X-Men ’97 that has fans buzzing with theories and anticipation.

Beyond Good and Evil (Part 2): Promise of Apocalypse | Beyond Good and Evil (Part 4): End and Beginning