Ben 10 Classic S1E4 – “Permanent Retirement”

“Permanent Retirement” is the fourth episode of the original Ben 10 series, first aired on January 21, 2006. The episode takes a surprisingly emotional turn, exploring themes of aging, memory, and identity — all through the eyes of Ben’s beloved Grandma Verdona. It’s a mix of sci-fi, heart, and moral lesson — classic Ben 10 storytelling at its best.

“Sometimes, growing old doesn’t mean slowing down — it means finding new adventures.”

Episode Summary

The Tennysons stop by a quiet retirement town called Retirementville to visit Ben’s Grandma Verdona. At first, it seems peaceful — maybe too peaceful. Verdona looks happy, but there’s something unsettling about the town’s perfect order and identical residents.

When Ben notices strange behavior — neighbors acting robotic, Verdona’s house filled with odd devices — he transforms into Heatblast and Diamondhead to investigate. The deeper he digs, the more disturbing the truth becomes: the residents of Retirementville aren’t humans — they’re shape-shifting aliens called Limax who’ve been stealing identities of elderly people to live undetected on Earth.

With Gwen and Grandpa Max’s help, Ben uncovers that Verdona was never actually replaced — the Limax wanted her energy for their colony. Ben battles the alien leader, ultimately saving Verdona and freeing the real residents from captivity.

In the end, Verdona decides to leave town and continue exploring life her way, inspiring Ben to value family and independence even more.

Themes & Character Development

Identity & Imitation: The Limax aliens mirror human life, raising questions about what makes someone truly “alive.”
Family & Legacy: Grandma Verdona represents strength and curiosity — traits Ben clearly inherited.
Truth Behind Appearances: The perfect town hides sinister secrets, teaching kids that comfort isn’t always genuine.
Ben’s Growth: His protective instincts deepen; this episode shows him becoming less impulsive and more empathetic.

Production Details

Air Date: January 21, 2006
Series: Ben 10 (Classic)
Directed by: Scooter Tidwell
Written by: Marty Isenberg & Robert N. Skir
Produced by: Cartoon Network Studios / Man of Action
Animation Studio: Sunmin Image Pictures
Art Style: Classic 2000s Cartoon Network blend of bold outlines and muted palettes, emphasizing suburban unease.
Voice Cast:
- Tara Strong as Ben Tennyson
- Paul Eiding as Grandpa Max
- Meagan Smith as Gwen Tennyson
- Ellen Greene as Grandma Verdona
- Steve Blum as Limax Leader

Fun Facts & Trivia

Did You Know?

This is the first appearance of Grandma Verdona, who later returns in Alien Force as a major character with Anodite powers.
The eerie town design was inspired by 1950s sci-fi films and Stepford-style communities.
Director Scooter Tidwell cited “Invasion of the Body Snatchers” as a key visual influence.
Verdona’s personality was intentionally mysterious here — writers planned her alien origins long before Alien Force.
Despite its spooky tone, this episode’s ending is considered one of the most heartwarming of Season 1.

Final Thoughts & Legacy

“Permanent Retirement” stands out as a turning point for the original Ben 10 series. It deepens the show’s emotional core, hinting at larger family mysteries while balancing sci-fi tension and humor. The mix of nostalgia, suspense, and warmth makes it one of the most memorable early episodes.

This story also marks the first step in building the Tennyson family legacy — a theme that would echo through Alien Force, Ultimate Alien, and beyond. Grandma Verdona’s strength and independence serve as a perfect counterpoint to Ben’s youthful energy, creating a story that’s as thoughtful as it is exciting.

⚠️ Can't play the video? Try using a VPN from Europe or North America.