Ep 6. The Phoenix Saga: The Starjammers

The X-Men’s season 3 episode 6 titled "The Phoenix Saga: The Starjammers" is an exciting and action-packed episode that follows the Phoenix, an immensely powerful and ancient cosmic force that has taken over the mind of one of the X-Men, Jean Grey. The Phoenix is on the verge of destroying the universe, and the X-Men must find a way to stop this destructive force.

This episode introduces the Starjammers, a group of intergalactic pirates who are on a mission to save the galaxy from the Phoenix. They have a long-standing feud with the Shi'ar, a powerful alien race that has aligned itself with the Phoenix to control it and use its power for their own gain.

The episode opens with the captured Starjammers being forced to fight in a gladiator-like arena on the Shi'ar's home planet. The Shi'ar empress Lilandra has ordered the Starjammers' execution, but one of the Starjammers named Corsair manages to break free and commandeer an escape pod. Corsair flees to Earth to seek the help of the X-Men, who are the only ones powerful enough to stand against the Phoenix.

The X-Men are initially skeptical of Corsair's claims and motives, but when they discover that their teammate Jean Grey has been possessed by the Phoenix, they realize the gravity of the situation. The team agrees to join forces with the Starjammers to stop the Phoenix once and for all.

The X-Men and the Starjammers team up and travel to space to confront the Shi'ar and the Phoenix. They engage in a fierce battle that puts the fate of the universe at stake. The episode is full of thrilling action sequences, as well as emotional moments as the X-Men struggle with the possibility of losing one of their own to the Phoenix's overwhelming power.

This episode also delves further into the backstory of the Starjammers, revealing their close ties to Cyclops, one of the X-Men. Cyclops learns more about his father, who was a member of the Starjammers and how he sacrificed himself to protect his son and his crew.

"The Phoenix Saga: The Starjammers" is a standout episode of the X-Men animated series, as it continues the epic storyline of the Phoenix while introducing new and exciting characters. It is a must-watch for fans of the X-Men franchise and anyone who loves action-packed science fiction.