Ben 10 Alien Force - Season 1 Opener

Ben 10 was one of the more popular of Cartoon Network's original offerings, getting fans beyond its intended 8-12 target demographic due to its surprisingly entertaining stories, excellent premise, and occasional leaning towards something resembling a continuity instead of a mere episodic, static reality.

It has taken some time, but now the producers have decided to continue the series, quite literally, shifting the timeline ahead 5 years and likely promoting more mature themes and plots. The title character, Ben Tennyson, is now a strapping teen of 15 years, and his cousin Gwen and former-antagonist-now-ally (?!?) Kevin are about 17.

The series opens with Grandpa Max missing, and Ben somewhat reluctantly puts the Omnitrix back on to again take up the reins of heroism. Of course, the process by which he removed it in the first place didn't seem to be so conducive to reusing the device. Of course, he eventually gets it working again, but only after it predictably changes into a more compact form, offering a new array of alien bodies to choose from (and thus opening a new line of merchandising for CN).


It's hero time... or not. Omnitrix troubles all over again.

The first two episodes of the season opened in the right way: lots of action, a decent amount of character development and establishing the new status quo.

Gwen, I have to admit, has matured very... uh... well over the last 5 years. The character design and fashion sense get 4 stars from me. The missing star is from the decision to keep her wearing a relatively sort skirt despite the fact that she's now a woman of action. But, oh YES, she can kick ass. Hot redhead, big heart, good personality, and buttkicking cosmic sorcery. Gotta love that.


Good looks, cosmic energy manipulation and a no-nonsense attitude. Definitely a winning combination.

Kevin is introduced as the anti-hero of the series, though of course, he starts out as a complete jerk again, but starts on the slow path to redemption by the end of the second episode.


Kevin versus Swampfire. He really should stop embarrassing himself like this.

The whole idea of placing Kevin in the anti-hero role, of course, translates to him becoming the real heartthrob and focus of interest for the older audience. Think Wolverine of the X-Men or Prince Zuko from Avatar, The Last Airbender and you'll understand what I mean. His new relationship with Ben isn't remotely as interesting as the implied potential between him and Gwen.


And thus, with a single look, the sexual tension begins.

The first three alien forms that were introduced are distinct enough from each other, and more importantly, from the ones in the original series, to hold their own, though I'm sure that one or the other will have their own fans and haters. I'm perfectly willing to give them a chance to shine on their own merits. I only hope they eventually bring back his access to the old forms. I miss Gray Matter already.


Swampfire. He has something of a gas problem.


Echo. Ten times the fun. And loud. Very loud.


Humongousaur. Big and strong. No. Bigger than that.

I have just a single bit of minor irritation. Nothing majorly significant, but really, what's with the random morphing of the Omnitrix into a more compact form? Yes, I know it's probably linked to its function in some way, but I hope they eventually take time to explain it. I have my own theory on the matter. It's supposed to be a learning tool so that different races can learn more about each other, and not all aliens have the same sized or shaped appendages, nor do they all have skin, or even wrists for that matter. I suppose the 'Trix can shift its physical form to accommodate whatever alien happens to be using it. Y'know, so it doesn't fall off. What do you guys think?

Whether or not they explain it eventually, Ben 10 is back on my watch list. Alien Force notwithstanding.


New Omnitrix. New series. Here's to good times.