The animated adventure series Ben 10: Alien Force continues to impress with its blend of thoughtful science fiction and kid-friendly action, as evidenced by the four season-ending episodes included in this set. In each of the episodes in Volume 3--and indeed, throughout the series itself--characters and the actions they commit are rarely portrayed in simple terms of good and evil; as with the classic Marvel Comics titles of the '60s and '70s, thoughtfulness and responsible actions are just as valuable to saving the day as might and force. Hence such stories as the season closer, "X=Ben+2," where Ben's use of his newest extraterrestrial ally, the reality-bending Alien X, leads to a (literally) internal debate between its dueling personalities. Surface perceptions are also misleading in "Be-Knighted," in which the dragon quarry of a troupe of Forever Knights is less of a fearsome monster than described; and in "Plumber's Helper," with its menacing aliens who turn out to be concerned parents. It's this degree of solid storytelling, when combined with the bracing action and visuals of the animation, which makes Ben 10: Alien Force one of the most consistently enjoyable sci-fi series for kids and adults to enjoy together. One does wish that the episodes were presented in a more consistent format--one entire season rather than batches of four or more--and with stronger supplemental features than the lightweight "Villains Database" that's compiled on this disc. --Paul Gaita