Ep 4. Mutant Crush

In the fourth episode of X-Men Evolution season 1, titled "Mutant Crush," high school student Rogue becomes smitten with handsome football player Duncan. However, their budding romance takes a dangerous turn when Duncan discovers Rogue's mutant powers and begins using her to enhance his own abilities on the playing field.

The episode begins with Rogue and Jean Grey catching some rays by the pool, chatting about boys and the upcoming football game. Rogue expresses her admiration for Duncan, the team's star player, and Jean advises her to be careful getting involved with a non-mutant.

At school the next day, Rogue is thrilled when Duncan approaches her in the hallway and asks her out on a date. They make plans for that night, but when Rogue arrives at the restaurant, Duncan is nowhere to be found. Instead, he has set up a secret meeting at a nearby construction site, where he asks Rogue to use her powers on him so he can be faster and stronger on the football field.

Rogue is hesitant at first, but when Duncan promises to use his newfound abilities to help them win the big game, she reluctantly agrees. The next day at practice, Duncan's performance is noticeably improved, and the rest of the team takes notice. They're all impressed, except for Scott, who senses something's not quite right.

Meanwhile, the X-Men are investigating a series of mutant kidnappings around town. They trace the kidnapper's location to the same construction site where Duncan and Rogue met, and soon find themselves face-to-face with the Brotherhood of Mutants. Magneto and Mystique are behind the kidnappings, hoping to recruit young mutants to their cause. Cyclops, Storm, and Wolverine fight off the Brotherhood while Jean uses her telepathy to locate the missing mutants and bring them to safety.

Back at school, Rogue is torn between her feelings for Duncan and her loyalty to the X-Men. When Duncan comes to her again requesting her powers, she's torn between helping him and staying true to herself. In the end, she decides to end their relationship, admitting that she's not comfortable being used for her powers. Duncan is angry and hurt, but Rogue knows it's the right decision.

The episode ends with the big football game, where Duncan's performance has returned to normal without Rogue's assistance. The X-Men watch from the stands, relieved that Rogue is no longer under Duncan's control and ready to take on whatever the Brotherhood throws their way next.

"Mutant Crush" is a tense and action-packed episode that highlights the danger of mutants revealing their powers to non-mutants. Rogue's decision to end things with Duncan is a powerful moment that reinforces the importance of staying true to yourself, even in the face of peer pressure. Meanwhile, the X-Men continue to fight for mutant rights while dealing with the threat of Magneto and his Brotherhood. Overall, it's an exciting installment that sets up plenty of intriguing plotlines for future episodes.