Mini Review - Ultimate Greg and the Blunder of the Century, er, Map of Infinity
Rather than focusing on the plot, I'll be focusing on the little things that really define the characters that have been our fan favorites for weeks. Finally with the debut of 10-10-10's two major episodes at the end of the massive marathon, we see the follow up to the cliffhanger of the Ra'ad episode.
In some neat and fancy tying into the series, we're using plot devices that were long introduced way back in Ben 10, specifically that of Kevin. We finally get that long needed explanation of why Kevin after absorbing power from the Omnitrix just wigged out, even before he became a mutant freak. It would explain why he uses his powers to absorb matter, and not energy which is a nice send up from the original material.
The writers for both episodes really have a handle on all of the characters and have introduced new levels of dweebishness with Ben and a new level of competency from Kevin. Gwen remains as the stable barrier of logic and violence that we all adore but she too displays a remarkably new feel for her as the "Do as I say" person.
Ben has simultaneously hit new levels of rage, impatience and nerdity, starting with the whole "Lamb and whatever" smoothie. I mean really Ben, a meat smoothie? His impatience has hit a whole new level as he's almost Classic Hyperactive, but displays a much more volatile temper considering that he's been failing to live up to the reputation of Hero of the Omnitrix. His frustrated cries of "AGGREGOR!" will probably ring true in a tone similar to "KHAN!", and sets the standards for his conflict. Unlike Vilgax who was punked by a 10 year old repeatedly and now is seen as a bit of a joke in Ben's eyes, Greggy here decides to be badass all the way through, and every encounter with him ends with stunning defeat. Also, I'm thinking that the censors aren't even TRYING with some of these lines delivered. I mean, really. Ben? Plumber Suit? BUTT CRACK?
Kevin shows the most development because this is really his season. Unlike Gwen who has remained stable but emotionally flexible to the needs of others, Kevin has thrown himself headlong into this situation, agreeing with Ben repeatedly into running headlong into trouble. His skills as a CSI have grown, furthering the Grissom Taught Him joke and he's able to profile an entire encounter with Greg. Keenly aware of his own madness after sucking up Omnitrix Juice, he tries to ward off Greg from doing this, but does the evil guy listen? No. Part of the reason behind his actions give us a bigger look into Kevin's world as it seems that Osmosians carry with them a bit of a deus ex when properly used. And with Paradox's words to him, we know it'll come back to haunt them. And Ben'll probably lean on whatever he told him not to do.
I think the real thing of note for these two episodes is how much it focuses on mortality and real life injury. With Grandpa out floating in a jar for the time being, we see how keenly aware that Ben and Co knows that things they did will screw with them, such as Ben being forced to transform in a situation where he's not 100% sure his clothing'll come back, plus situations such as the infamous ten minute timer from Classic coming back to haunt them.
As a quick note, it's nice to see that Ben's aliens still protect him from most if not all environmental hazards, but at the same time, he's got to stop stretching the limits of the 1Up System that all of his aliens have. And of course, Azmuth has to get his digs in with Albedo's workmanship and hint that there's a new Omnitrix. And of course he scoffs at the whole Ultimate thing too. Typical.
I just know this new Omnitrix is locked away on Stacy somewhere.
In some neat and fancy tying into the series, we're using plot devices that were long introduced way back in Ben 10, specifically that of Kevin. We finally get that long needed explanation of why Kevin after absorbing power from the Omnitrix just wigged out, even before he became a mutant freak. It would explain why he uses his powers to absorb matter, and not energy which is a nice send up from the original material.
The writers for both episodes really have a handle on all of the characters and have introduced new levels of dweebishness with Ben and a new level of competency from Kevin. Gwen remains as the stable barrier of logic and violence that we all adore but she too displays a remarkably new feel for her as the "Do as I say" person.
Ben has simultaneously hit new levels of rage, impatience and nerdity, starting with the whole "Lamb and whatever" smoothie. I mean really Ben, a meat smoothie? His impatience has hit a whole new level as he's almost Classic Hyperactive, but displays a much more volatile temper considering that he's been failing to live up to the reputation of Hero of the Omnitrix. His frustrated cries of "AGGREGOR!" will probably ring true in a tone similar to "KHAN!", and sets the standards for his conflict. Unlike Vilgax who was punked by a 10 year old repeatedly and now is seen as a bit of a joke in Ben's eyes, Greggy here decides to be badass all the way through, and every encounter with him ends with stunning defeat. Also, I'm thinking that the censors aren't even TRYING with some of these lines delivered. I mean, really. Ben? Plumber Suit? BUTT CRACK?
Kevin shows the most development because this is really his season. Unlike Gwen who has remained stable but emotionally flexible to the needs of others, Kevin has thrown himself headlong into this situation, agreeing with Ben repeatedly into running headlong into trouble. His skills as a CSI have grown, furthering the Grissom Taught Him joke and he's able to profile an entire encounter with Greg. Keenly aware of his own madness after sucking up Omnitrix Juice, he tries to ward off Greg from doing this, but does the evil guy listen? No. Part of the reason behind his actions give us a bigger look into Kevin's world as it seems that Osmosians carry with them a bit of a deus ex when properly used. And with Paradox's words to him, we know it'll come back to haunt them. And Ben'll probably lean on whatever he told him not to do.
I think the real thing of note for these two episodes is how much it focuses on mortality and real life injury. With Grandpa out floating in a jar for the time being, we see how keenly aware that Ben and Co knows that things they did will screw with them, such as Ben being forced to transform in a situation where he's not 100% sure his clothing'll come back, plus situations such as the infamous ten minute timer from Classic coming back to haunt them.
As a quick note, it's nice to see that Ben's aliens still protect him from most if not all environmental hazards, but at the same time, he's got to stop stretching the limits of the 1Up System that all of his aliens have. And of course, Azmuth has to get his digs in with Albedo's workmanship and hint that there's a new Omnitrix. And of course he scoffs at the whole Ultimate thing too. Typical.
I just know this new Omnitrix is locked away on Stacy somewhere.