Ben 10 Classic S1E5 – “Hunted”

“Hunted” is the fifth episode of the original Ben 10 series, first aired on January 28, 2006. It introduces audiences to one of the most thrilling and action-heavy episodes of the season, focusing on intergalactic bounty hunters tracking Ben for the mysterious Omnitrix on his wrist.

“If you’re going to hunt me... you’d better bring your best game.”

Episode Summary

While camping in the desert, Ben, Gwen, and Grandpa Max’s peaceful night is interrupted when a group of deadly alien hunters arrive on Earth. Their mission: capture the Omnitrix bearer — unaware that it’s currently fused to a ten-year-old boy’s wrist.

The trio of hunters — Kraab, Sixsix, and Tetrax Shard — attack one by one. Ben transforms into Four Arms and XLR8 to defend his family, but quickly realizes he’s outmatched by professionals trained in interstellar combat.

Tetrax, however, shows surprising restraint. He warns Ben about the dangers of misusing the Omnitrix and reveals that his hunt isn’t personal — it’s about testing the device’s power. By the end, Ben learns the first real lesson of being a hero: power without control invites danger.

The episode concludes with the bounty hunters defeated and retreating, leaving behind a clear warning — Ben’s journey as a hero has only just begun.

Themes & Character Development

Responsibility Over Power: The Omnitrix’s value attracts dangerous attention, forcing Ben to mature quickly.
Mercy and Wisdom: Tetrax’s decision not to harm Ben marks him as more than a villain — he’s a mirror to what Ben could become.
Teamwork: Gwen and Grandpa Max prove vital in strategy and support, emphasizing family unity under pressure.
Heroic Identity: Ben learns that being a hero isn’t about fighting — it’s about understanding your role in a much bigger universe.

Production Details

Air Date: January 28, 2006
Series: Ben 10 (Classic)
Directed by: Scooter Tidwell
Written by: Marty Isenberg
Produced by: Man of Action & Cartoon Network Studios
Animation Studio: Sunmin Image Pictures
Art Style: Combines early 2000s American action animation with futuristic alien design — sharp, angular, and tech-heavy.
Voice Cast:
- Tara Strong as Ben Tennyson
- Paul Eiding as Grandpa Max
- Meagan Smith as Gwen Tennyson
- Tom Kane as Kraab
- Fred Tatasciore as Sixsix
- Dave Thomas as Tetrax Shard

Fun Facts & Trivia

Did You Know?

Tetrax Shard later returns in Ben 10: Secret of the Omnitrix and becomes one of Ben’s most trusted alien allies.
The concept of alien bounty hunters was inspired by Star Wars and Predator — especially the idea of hunters respecting worthy prey.
This episode’s fight choreography was one of the first in the series to use dynamic camera panning and impact framing.
Animator Dave Johnson designed Tetrax’s crystal armor to subtly resemble the Omnitrix’s green circuitry pattern.
The episode title, “Hunted,” foreshadows how Ben’s powers will always draw attention — a theme that recurs in Alien Force and Ultimate Alien.

Final Thoughts & Legacy

“Hunted” remains a fan-favorite episode for its sleek action, alien world-building, and early glimpse at Ben’s future challenges. It introduces the idea that the Omnitrix is a beacon — one that attracts both danger and destiny.

Beyond its action-packed sequences, the episode highlights the importance of restraint and learning from your enemies. Tetrax’s wisdom marks a key turning point in Ben’s growth and sets the stage for deeper intergalactic storytelling in later seasons.

For many longtime fans, “Hunted” represents the moment when Ben 10 truly began expanding its universe — from simple adventures to cosmic-scale storytelling.

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