Episode 23, “Shades of Grey,” finally reintroduces Jean Grey, who was apparently killed in Episode 1. She reappears in a hospital, afflicted with amnesia. After becoming panicked, the powerful psychic releases telepathic energy that Emma Frost is able to sense, leading her and Cyclops to find Jean at last. However, they are captured by their one-time ally, Archangel, who brings Cyclops and Jean to Mr. Sinister. The vicious villain plans to use their DNA to create genetically enhanced super-mutants. The X-Men arrive in time to save them, but Emma double-crosses them and whisks Jean off to her other group, the Inner Circle.
As a founding member of the X-Men and one of its most important characters, Jean Grey’s absence is felt quite heavily throughout the show’s run — both by audiences and the X-Men themselves. “Shades of Grey” does a great job of bringing the character back into the fold, and helps to set up the final act of the show’s one and only season. It also delves into the mixed feelings Emma has about finding Jean. She knows how much Jean means to Cyclops, which means finding her is a good thing … but it also ruins Emma’s chances of starting her own relationship with him.
