Ep 4. The Phoenix Saga: The Dark Shroud

The Phoenix Saga: The Dark Shroud is the fourth episode of the third season of X-Men: The Animated Series. The episode begins with Jean Grey, a member of the X-Men, possessed by a powerful entity known as the Phoenix Force. The other X-Men are worried about Jean's well-being, but they are also concerned about the immense power that Phoenix possesses.

Meanwhile, the villainous Mastermind has taken advantage of Jean's vulnerability and has infiltrated her mind in order to manipulate her. Mastermind is using Jean's inner desires and insecurities against her, creating a false reality in her mind that she is living in.

The X-Men team up with the Shi'ar Empire, a powerful alien race with a history of dealing with the Phoenix Force, in order to help Jean regain control of her mind and body. However, they are met with resistance from the Shi'ar ruler, Lilandra, who sees Jean as a threat and wants her eliminated.

As the X-Men and Shi'ar engage in a tense standoff, Jean's false reality begins to unravel, revealing the true nature of Mastermind's manipulation. With the help of the X-Men, Jean manages to break free from Mastermind's control and embrace the power of the Phoenix Force.

The episode concludes with the X-Men and Shi'ar teaming up to confront the true threat of the Phoenix Force and stop it from wreaking havoc across the universe.

Overall, The Phoenix Saga: The Dark Shroud is an intense and action-packed episode that explores themes of power, control, and the consequences of manipulation. It also sets the stage for further developments in the ongoing saga of the Phoenix Force and its impact on the X-Men universe.