Ben 10 ALien Force (B10AF) season 2 continues farther down the darker path set in season 1. In many ways we think that is where fans and those here in the Fortress wanted it to go. However overall, the destination came with less satisfaction than we would have thought.
Julie is not satisfied with her terrible cel reception. They are giving her the old “alien fleet is interfering with service” excuse.
Many plot threads set up in season 1 are brought to climax in season 2, although most of them were crammed into the last episode. Ongoing multi-episode arcs are a different format than the seasons of the original Ben 10 upon which the franchise was launched. However they fit the more mature theme of B10AF, which has become very dark and gritty.
Dark like this freakazoid, last season’s Michael Morningstar now calling himself “Darkstar”. (Looks like our 6th grade math teacher.)
Literally dark too. Every episode takes place at night. Every one. Aside from a short stint on an inhospitable desolate planet and a trip to the null void you will barely glimpse the sun or even brightness. They purposely set that tone, opening most episodes with Kevin’s car driving at night. As much as some may think they would enjoy that, combined with some somber episodes it got a little old.
Do not be too disappointed Kevin…
… Gwen is becoming a fine female specimen, -AND unfathomably likes you. Women…
The main baddies continue to be the powerful Highbreed and their goons the DNAliens. In fitting arc fashion they do not get defeated until the last episode. However there really were not enough smaller victories along the way for our satisfaction. Some of the episodes just kind of …ended. This is not X-Files. Give us a little something more guys.
Seeing the inside of the omnitrix was more satisfying than some of this season’s episode endings.
There were other potential fan desires made reality. Gwen wrestled with her ultra powerful alien half. A super team up of all the powerful people we have met along the way occured. The omitrix “unlocked” (a bit disappointing). It is too bad these anticipated elements were rushed in the last 20 minutes of the season.
Gwen on the verge of becoming …something else. This was one of the more poignant moments in the season, although not one we would like to see our Saturday night date express.
Azmuth, the super brainy alien maker of the omitrix returns and later gets his planet blown up. In the end he says he has “rebuilding” to do. What? The planet was blown up!
The super brainy alien Azmuth and the human time traveling professor formerly called Paradox. Yep, just another day casting Ben 10.
Grandpa Max returns. We knew he could not be dead if the future episodes from the original Ben 10 meant anything. It was good to see him back in action. We really like that character, even if there is no longer room for him in the show.
Do not make Max Tennyson angry. You wouldn’t like him when he is angry…
Some unusual episodes were partially told through the perspective of a remorseful DNAlien or a strong alien …baby. We commend the production team “Man-of-Action” for taking chances and being different. That gamble paid off – some of the time. In these cases, not as much. You are still making an action oriented half hour animated drama where there needs to be a satisfactory pay off unless it is a two-parter.
You cannot cram an entire season’s worth of excitment into the last episode, -er okay you can. But you shouldn’t!
There was a weird feeling to the whole season. People talked about their daytime lives, school, homework, etc., but you never really saw it. It was surreal; a strange dichotomy that kept us from fully engaging in the B10AF world.
Is a girl with glowing eyes weird? In the Ben 10 universe, not so much. (Plus those 80′s eyeshadow shades are coming back.)
A final note: There was no sign of “Alien X” from the previous season, and only one mention of him. His power really could have helped out in the end, if he was at all usable. Too powerful and too unusable. A bit of a waste really. In fact, the entire roster of B10AF omnitrx aliens as a whole have been less fun and less interesting than the original 10.
We are sorry, but Alien Force’s “Chromastone”…
…is no original Ben 10 “Diamondhead”. We miss that dude.
The writing was for the most part sharp. The one liners were better than ever. Man-of-Action definitely have the skill to make more mature dramas if they choose. They just need to keep in mind the kind of show they are making at the moment, and tailor their talent accordingly.
How sweet. A touching mother/son moment.
Check out our Ben 10 franchise takes:
Alien Force Season 1
Alien Force Season 2
Alien Force Season 3
Ultimate Alien Season 1
Ultimate Alien Season 2 (part 1)
Ultimate Alien Season 2 (Conclusion)
Ben 10: Destroy All Aliens
gwen quiero que salgas con kevin. [Translation: I want you out with gwen kevin.]
From the way this comment is worded, we are not sure whether this means that they want Kevin to get out of Gwen’s life, or be more romantically involved in it than ever.
It’s reali cool , but need episode pictures!!!
Just an overview here. We are gratified you liked the pics we did include.
Agreed about the x alien. powerful, but so trashy. After turning into IT ben looked like a starry-pattterned statue and had to be carried like a baby. there goes x almighty and mysterious 8)
coooooooool
finally, someone agrees with me!!
We are gratified. Is there a point in particular?
Why would the producers make Kevin wear speedos in season 2 and not on season 1 & 3
We received a lot of your (or somebody who feels very much like you) comments on this subject. We boiled them (all) down to your single comment for the sake of brevity.
It is not as important to us as it apparently is to you. On the other hand, it is a little strange if true. We honestly did not notice. If you are right it is a little inconsistent. However, they did change Gwen’s outfit. And speedos are the go-to costume accessory for heroes worldwide!
Yeah, but Kevin Levin is not actually a ”hero” yet is just a friend to Ben 10 (why did you mention Gwen and went off topic)
We mentioned Gwen only to note that the characters’ outfits sometimes change. As for Kevin, he plays the role of “rogue” or “reluctant hero”. You know, like Han Solo; the scoundrel with a heart of gold.
Just like in the episode Trade-Off
But if u notice clearly that on the episode The Final Batlle Part ll
He gets reverted back to his human form and shows his speedos and when he uses his armor absorb (only in this episode)