If Stargate Atlantis isn't the coolest sci-fi series on
television, this five-disc, 20-episode box set from the second
season (2005-06) offers ample evidence that it's right up there.
The writing is good; the stories are intriguing, and the science
part of the equation is credible enough to justify our suspension
of disbelief. The characters are for the most part well-defined,
and the acting, while perhaps not Emmy-caliber, is just fine. The
action is exciting, the effects work impressive, the costumes and
sets first-rate. But what Atlantis really has going for it is the
presence of some of the baddest bad guys in the cosmos: the
Wraith.
With their flowing white locks, cat-like eyes, pale, almost
translucent skin, and teeth so bad they'd make the British blush,
the Wraith rock. They also have a constant need to feed--on
humans, of course--and are a serious threat not only to Atlantis
but to the entire known universe, including good ol' Earth. And
although there are occasional diversions, the producers and
writers have wisely kept the focus on these implacable
antagonists; in fact, the newest member of the team, one Ronon
Dex (played by the dreadlocked and hunky Jason Momoa), is a
"runner" who escaped the Wraith's clutches, was a fugitive for
years before being found by our heroes, and specializes in
dispatching the villains with cold precision. In the course of
the season, via single episodes and several multi-parters, the
Stargate team, commanded by Dr. Elizabeth Weir (Torri Higginson
in the show's least interesting role) and led by insouciant Major
John Sheppard (Joe Flanigan), with genius-neurotic Dr. Rodney
McKay (David Hewlett) handling the scientific intricacies and yet
another doc, Carson Beckett (Paul McGillion, affecting a Scottish
brogue), overseeing medical matters, deals with the enemy on many
fronts. Lt. Ford (Rainbow Sun Francks) defects after assuming
Wraith-like characteristics. The team experiments with a
"retrovirus" designed to turn Wraiths into humans (the results
are decidedly mixed). They encounter a human who raised a Wraith
female from childhood and insists she's just like us (she's not).
They're captured and imprisoned on a Wraith "hive" ship. And in
the final episode, the humans and the Wraiths even form an
alliance of supposedly mutual convenience (the episode is a
cliffhanger that awaits resolution until Season Three, but anyone
who thought this "partnership" was a good idea for our side
clearly hasn't been paying attention). As was the case with the
Season One set, bonus materials are generous, including audio
commentary (by actors, directors, and others) on every episode,
various featurettes, photos, and more. Now if only there were a
few Wraith interviews... --Sam Graham
Hear How Beckett's Character Developed in this Exclusive Clip
Imagine Stargate Atlantis without Dr. Carson Beckett... finding
it difficult?
After several screen-tests, the creators of the show did too,
listen to them
tell you why Beckett became the prominent character that he is
in Season Two.
Beyond Stargate Atlantis: The Complete Second Season
Stargate Atlantis: Rising (Pilot Episode)
The Complete Stargate Atlantis Collection
More Science-Fiction Television
Stills from Stargate Atlantis: The Complete Second Season