 After "The Phoenix Saga" aired, the remaining episodes that aired  were not in the correct continuity order. Because the bulk of  episodes were being animated with many different studios, the  writers decided not to continue with linear storylines like the  first two seasons, as many would likely air as soon as they became  available. Continuity problems became so bad that episode 5.05  "Longshot" and episode 5.04 "No Mutant is an Island" did not air for  two years after they should have, thanks to animation quality  issues. "No Mutant is an Island" was *supposed* to explain Jean  Greys return, setting up the Dark Phoenix Saga.