In the concluding part of The Phalanx Covenant, a strange mix of mutants become interim ‘X-Men’ to continue their struggle against the Phalanx, a relentless techno-organic race threatening to assimilate all life. The episode ramps up the tension as Beast and Forge, alongside their unlikely ally Warlock and even unlikelier saviour Mr. Sinister, race against time to halt the Phalanx’s invasion. Amidst the chaos, the episode dives deep into the twisted psyche of Cameron Hodge, whose vendetta against mutants drives him to unthinkable lengths. Hodge’s character becomes a central figure in this episode, embodying themes of hatred, desperation, and the loss of humanity.

Hodge’s vendetta against mutant kind is nothing short of obsessive. His hatred pushes him to merge with the Phalanx, sacrificing his humanity to gain the power needed to exterminate mutants. This transformation is both literal and symbolic, showcasing the destructive nature of unchecked hatred and fear. Hodge’s descent into madness and his willingness to become less than human highlights the extreme lengths individuals will go to when consumed by prejudice and revenge. His actions serve as a stark contrast to the X-Men’s fight for coexistence and tolerance, reinforcing the series’ broader themes of acceptance and diversity.

The episode is a rollercoaster of intense action and emotional depth, with the team’s battle against the Phalanx paralleling their internal struggles and moral dilemmas. When Magneto enters the fray, it gets even better. Hodge’s transformation and subsequent actions underscore the dangers of losing one’s humanity in the pursuit of power and vengeance. As the X-Men confront Hodge and the Phalanx, they are not just fighting for their survival but for the very ideals that define them.

On Mister Sinister‘s plane, Sinister, Beast, Forge, and Warlock discuss the Phalanx invasion and how to stop it. Meanwhile, Wolverine has been captured by the aliens and struggles against his bonds. He discovers that Cameron Hodge has been taken over by the Phalanx. Hodge reveals his plan to use Wolverine’s adamantium bones as a conductor, since Wolverine’s healing factor prevents him from being taken over.

Beast, Sinister, Forge, and Warlock make their way to Muir Island. There, they work with Moira MacTaggert, Banshee, and Amelia Voght to develop a virus that could eliminate the Phalanx. They leave Muir Island just as the Phalanx take over, with Moira and Banshee being taken while Amelia escapes. The group then finds Magneto, who agrees to help because his son, Quicksilver, is in danger.

The heroes manage to infiltrate the Phalanx’s base at the Empire State Building and obtain a sample of the Phalanx. Before they can use Forge’s virus on the sample, it morphs into Hodge’s head. Back at the Phalanx’s base, Wolverine watches as his teammates are consumed by the alien race. Beast, Amelia, Forge, and Sinister break into the base and start shooting, freeing the captives, starting with Jean and Lorna Dane. Warlock then merges the virus with the Phalanx collective, effectively wiping them out. Afterwards, the X-Men, Forge, Warlock and his ‘life mate’ (whom he managed to save), Magneto, and Polaris celebrate their victory.

Amelia Voght returns, now a doctor working on Muir Island. She was last seen in Sanctuary, which revealed her closeness to Charles during the forming of the team.

In the comic book version of the story, ironically perhaps, Muir Island is the first X-Men related strong hold that was infiltrated and attacked, as told in X-Factor #106.

Magneto is found in the wreckage of Asteroid M, in the Arctic Circle, which is also where he has a base in the comics. Magneto’s beard is a one-off look, sported by the character in the comics around the time the episode was made. His grudge with Sinister is a call back to their first meeting in the season two finale Reunion.

When Warlock ‘wraps’ his form around Magneto to disguise him from the Phalanx, it resembles a scene from the Life Signs part of the story in X-Force #38. during which Douglock does the same to Forge, Cannonball and Wolfsbane.

In the original story the Phalanx never determined the secret to mutant assimilation.

Former X-Man Lorna Dane, Polaris from Cold Comfort, reappears, but has no lines.

Pietro and Magneto seem to have bonded since Family Ties – they’re hugging at the end of this episode.

Conjecture: Sinister runs. Cyclops wants to pursue. It is Jean who tries to stop him, saying she would rather go home. It’s eerily similar to how Madelyne talks to Scott in X-Men ’97. Is this Jean Grey? Or has she been switched in season four as we speculated there – and that means this is Madelyne?

The Phalanx Covenant (Part 1)  | Storm Front (Part 1)