(S04E11) SPOILER ALERT!!! DO NOT READ PAST THIS LINE IF YOU HAVE NOT SEEN THIS WEEK'S EPISODE. I GIVE YOU FAIR WARNING.
Huh? What? Gah?
What the hell was that at the end of this week's Stargate Atlantis? I'll be honest, I didn't see it coming. Oh, I thought something was going to happen as the scene shifted to the area that the Replicator planet once populated -- I was thinking more along the lines like the nannites rebuilding the planet from scratch, like the Genesis Device from the Star Trek movie series. What I didn't expect was a ship floating amongst all of the planetary debris. And I certainly didn't expect the person sitting in the command chair to be someone fans thought dead as a doornail.
It was none other than former Atlantis administrator Dr. Elizabeth Weir. I really and truly thought that she was dead and gone. It was probably something that shouldn't have even crossed my mind since the show I am reviewing here is a science fiction program. The question is, though, which Elizabeth is she?
Is she the one true Elizabeth? Since it was revealed in 'This Mortal Coil' that the original Dr. Weir was killed maybe this isn't the original. Of course, Shep and the rest of the Atlantis team could have been told a fib. If this isn't the true Dr. Weir is it someone similar to the Weir from the previous episode? In other words, a Replicant created on another world. Well, since they created one of her already they may have had another Elizabeth ready to go in the wings. But, this one seems a bit darker in tone (from what I gathered in the five seconds I saw her on screen). I'm sure we'll get more information about her as the weeks progress.
Gee, three paragraphs about a five-second scene at the end of the show...and I haven't even talked about the rest of the 44 minutes and 55 seconds. For the most part I found this week's installment of Atlantis to be interesting and a good close to the events that took place in the first half of the season. It tied in a good many loose plot points, pulled characters together, and gave the viewers some sense of closure (we think) that at least one enemy of humanity is finished (for the time being, at least).
It was good to see Jill Wagner as Larrin once again. She had such a good chemistry with Sheppard back in the episode 'Travelers' that I was hoping the two would meet sooner than later. The same chemistry was there this time around as well. Sheppard definitely has a case of puppy love for Larrin. You can tell that just by the inflection of his voice and the way he speaks with her. Also, he seems to be a bit freer with the information when he's around her.
Nice to see Sam Carter back on the show. I think this was the first episode where we really saw how tough an administrator the colonel could be after she stared down Colonel Ellis after he verbally lashed McKay. Ellis is not my favorite character; he's a bit to brusque for me -- thinks his poo don't smell. Perhaps I'm still carrying over some dislike from when the actor (Michael Beach) played Jeanie Boulet's husband, Al, on ER. McKay showed him, though, as he was able to defeat the Replicators almost single-handedly.
There were a few things that I didn't like about this week's episode. First was the way that the Replicators were eventually defeated. Not the part about massing their cells into one gigantic inert ball, but the whole thing about triggering the neutronium to cause an explosion to destroy the Replicator's planet. To me, it sounded like a whole lot of techno-babble that was used in Star Trek: The Next Generation when there was no other way to get out of a situation. It seemed way to easy a way to end the storyline.
Another thing I didn't like was the use of Fran. The whole concept of a Replicator, designed by McKay, that was reasonable and willing to work with the Atlanteans, was totally underutilized. Yes, it could have become something where Fran became almost like Atlantis' Data, but I still wish we could have seen her for a few episodes more, at least.
A few other items from this week's episode.
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This episode reminded me of similar ones from Deep Space Nine and Babylon 5. It was the concept of the alliance between different races that did it for me. Maybe that's why I am comparing this week's show to older science-fiction programs.
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There were some great visual effects this episode. The battle around the Replicator home world was really quite good and showed how far the industry has come with these types of scenes in only a few years. Another good effect was Shep's jumper swerving all around the Ancestor ship in order to avoid crashing directly into it.
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Colonel. Colonel. Colonel. Colonel. The early scene where Colonels Sheppard, Carter, Ellis and Caldwell get together and introductions are made reminded me of some of those early M*A*S*H episodes where the Captain and Colonel introductions fly fast and furious.
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Teyla finally lets the rest of her team know that she's pregnant. I'm not too sure how much we'll see of the character now since Rachel Luttrell was actually pregnant during filming of the show (she gave birth to a son, Caden, back in October). I do know that she will be returning towards the end of the season.
Next week -- The Replicator threat is over (for now), but that still leaves the Wraith.
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Let's talk about spoilers ...
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
3-17-2008 @ 7:03PM
cygnis77 said...
I loved this show for many reasons other people have already stated, but especially for (1) Larrin (so gorgeous!)back and the sexual tension between her and Sheppard, and (2) Carter dressing down Col. Ellis defending McKay (who she used to detest on SG-1) was GREAT! And I like Carter with long hair (a bias of mine, I like women with long hair). I'm very sad to hear Carter won't be continuing in the series.
I hope to see Larrin back in as many episodes as it would work into the story arc(s). I think she's a fabulous actress and I loved her character immediately when I first saw her in the episode in which she premiered.
I personally like techno-babble....LOL... I know, I know, it's not popular with most people, but I find it fascinating most of the time. Not that I'd want a lot more of it, but I sure don't mind when they do it.
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1-05-2008 @ 5:10PM
Kjell said...
*** SPOILER WARNING ***
I just got it on iTunes and i must say that this Episode was worth waiting for. The battle was outstanding!!!
I agree with the Fran-part. I too wished she became the missing link to Ancient-Tech and stay to support McKay (after the scene where she helped McKay get the coding right, it almost looked that way).
Maybe McKay creates another one for fun. But then again.. yah.. pretty much "Data"-like, but still had some potential (for at least one episode, or so..).
The alliance worked out too well! The Wraiht outnumbered the humans -even after the battle- and it just doesn't seem right that they didn't attack the Travelers and Atlantians after the job was done... I expected that. Almost looks like they are buddys now.. weird.
Overall i cant say much about the ending.. i dont know who she is and it smells a little, that she - being replicator herself - survived all this, while the others did not. They all are made out of nanites, aren't they? It makes no sense...
So much has happended in this episode and a little "too much" for my taste. As said, most outcomes smell.. as if 5 people wrote on that story.. or maybe just one who simply had not enough time to work this out.
*** SPOILER/THOUGHTS END ***
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1-05-2008 @ 6:57PM
Betty M said...
Yeah, it would be nice if Rodney would be allowed to create another Fran (altho I seriously doubt Sheppard would allow a replicator to wander freely about Atlantis). As for the Wraith taking off -- Well, "Todd" did say that the one's coming along were without Queens. Perhaps they lacked enough initiative to turn on their 'partners' once the battle was over.
Regarding the Weir we saw, I think she's another creation of Niam's group (altho probably another isolated splinter, not directly related to the batch in Mortal Coil). Or - since we didn't actually SEE the Alpha Team & Weir get toasted in Mortal Coil) - maybe it's that version, and maybe the Team is there as well... ????
1-05-2008 @ 5:44PM
Morjana Coffman said...
A good portion of the special effects seen on Stargate Atlantis are now made by their own in-house special effects company. So not only are the special effects impressive, but they're made by the very same people who make the episodes. Cool!
The "Colonel" routine is the first time used on SGA, but it's been used several times before on SG1, in the episodes "Secrets," "Tangent," "Frozen," -- there may be more examples, but I'm having memory recall errors this morning for some reason. Well, heck it's afternoon! There's another one.
I really enjoyed this episode. It has all the trademarks of a classic Stargate episode -- a nice blend of drama, angst, humor, special effects, good story, terrific direction, and marvelous acting.
Looking forward to Spoils of War!
Morjana
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1-05-2008 @ 5:58PM
Gordon Werner said...
it is always good to see Jill Wagner
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1-05-2008 @ 6:16PM
Oreo said...
BSG has better CGI, but the battle was cool. And I knew Weir wasn't dead because the actress did interviews saying she would be in 4 episodes. That was the 4th.
I hated the ending, I wish we could go just one week pretending that the bad guys were really dead.
Oh well, still a fun episode.
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1-05-2008 @ 6:57PM
Jimmy said...
Wow! This was one heck of an episode. I may have actually had goosebumps when all those ships made the jump to hyperspace. I agree it was great to see Larrin again. Jill Wagner and Joe Flanagan have a great chemistry together. It would be nice to see more of her. Is it me, or was Sheppard's reaction to Teyla's pregnancy a bit over the top; almost like a spurned lover? Very strange if that's how it was written.
If I had one quibble with this episode it's that McKay is becoming more and more like a Deus ex Machina for the writers. When all else fails, have McKay pull some technobabble out of his butt and save the day. Very annoying, especially when they have such a strong cast of characters.
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1-05-2008 @ 8:13PM
Frank said...
Michelle Morgan played the female replicator named Fran that Rodney McKay created.
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1-05-2008 @ 8:44PM
joesmom said...
I've missed Torri Higginson (and Paul McGillion for that matter). It was wrong of the writers to dump two regular characters last season, and with the end of this show, there is hope we will see at least one of them back! Larrin and Shep are definitely hot together! Bring on the rest of the season!
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1-06-2008 @ 10:11AM
snarkella said...
I agree that Shep and Larrin are hot together. I hope we see her again.
Shep's reaction to Teyla's announcement was a bit OTT, but understandable knowing that TPTB have said they were shipping them. A lot of fans don't see it, so they occasionally hit us over the head with it. LOL. Hopefully, now that she's pregnant and appears to really care about the father, they will give it a rest.
I think we saw the Weir from Adrift/Lifeline. This opens up a whole world of story ideas and from fan reaction would be a very popular story arc.
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1-05-2008 @ 11:09PM
Joe said...
"single-handily."
*single-handedly, even if it was 'handily done'.
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1-05-2008 @ 11:20PM
RichK said...
Dammit, I knew it didn't look right. I have made the necessary correction.
As for Battlestar's CGI being better than Atlantis...I think they both have their merits. BSG's effects are definitely more realistic. However, all of the camera jumping gives me a headache much of the time.
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1-05-2008 @ 11:47PM
Data Data said...
The nanite machine utilized by McKay in this episode creates all kinds of opportunities for logical loopholes.
Question: If all he has to do is push some buttons and there is another "Fran" then the nanites aren't destroyed are they? If they are that intelligent upon conception< seemingly even more brilliant than McKay, why not have one or two to help him some problems when he gets stuck? Why not create an army of them that would defend the crew that "You wouldn't cry for any more than your bullets"? Why not use them to replace the M.A.L.P.'s? They're much smarter, more agile, survivalble in harsh enviroments. etc.
Answer: Because it's like having all the cheat codes for weapons, ammo, and life on a video game. It just takes all the struggle out of it.
...And it is in that struggle that we define ourselves as human.
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1-05-2008 @ 11:47PM
tricia said...
Did Rodney replicate Fran's smashing outfit, also?
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1-06-2008 @ 12:38AM
John Heltsley said...
The "Colonel" moment reminded me of the very similar "Doctor" moment from the classic "Spies Like Us". :)
I'm very excited to see where they take the Weir angle, because I also thought she was dead, but also because I thought it was a bit too soon for them to have removed the Replicators from the "enemy" list.
All told, a wonderful episode. and nine more to go! :D
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1-06-2008 @ 4:06AM
BigT said...
I am guessing that the Weir at the end is a replicator based on her comment about "looking over their shoulder". they were clearly being hunted by the replicators as the Weir replicator splinter group was. The question is what "work" is it that they are about to begin?
Also, aside from the opportunity to cast a hot actress, why did Mackay even need to create a humanoid? Sure, he needed something simpler than a block, but to avoid the risk of the character's sentience becoming a problem, why not create a cat, or a dog (other than the need to have the character correct Rodney's miscalculation, which he assumed was correct)?
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1-07-2008 @ 6:39AM
horsenbuggy said...
Rodney explained that the program/replicator creating machine was designed to create human-like replicators. The Ancients did not design the machine/program to create blocks, cats or dogs. He failed at creating the block because he had to strip down the replicator cells too much, going against the programming. He could only succeed if he made something closer to the original - a modified human-like replicator.
Someone else asked why Rodney could create one or two more modified replicators to help him out or even a platoon to protect the humans. That's basically what the Ancients did and look how it turned out. Thankfully, in this instance, the crew realizes that they can succeed where the Ancients failed. They have neither the knowledge nor the technology to "one-up" the Ancients on such an enormous technological failure.
I was expecting the person at the helm of the ship to be Fran. It seemed like all the talk about her during the episode meant that she would somehow survive. But now I see that was just smoke and mirrors so we wouldn't think of Weir.
1-06-2008 @ 5:07AM
willmore2000 said...
My guess for next week's episode:
The 5 wraith ships that did not attack the replicator planet actually went to Atlantis. Ta-da-da, the team has to save the city ... again ... maybe this time they enlist a race of magical gnomes ... oh, wait, they already have the Asgard. Ok, then maybe they go Commando-style and infiltrate a heavily defended enemy position (Planet, ship, sandwich shop, whatever) go guns-blazing in order to fix some do-hickey that McKay came up with and save the day with seconds to spare.
Seriously, the last 4 years of Atlantis and SG-1 combined have been nothing but elaborate sci-fi cliches. I am waiting for Tek Jensen to pop up in an upcoming episode. What happened to interesting, serious sci-fi episodes, and yes that "serious" kidnapping one was somewhat interesting, but it wasn't really sci-fi, it was a melodramatic piece set in a sci-fi universe that would work unrelated to science. The SG-1 finale was fine, but it wasn't great. And these are individual episodes, it seems that the series has become nothing more than a simple action-adventure with sci-fi stuck on the side to make it fit in the Stargate universe.
Now, I'm a fan of the series, but if the quality of the writing, and the acting doesn't improve this show won't go anywhere. Dr. Weir being back is not a step in the right direction. I know she was a fan-favorite of many, but I have no idea why. She's not a sci-fi actor, there a certain acting style required to be able to speak the sci-fi lines and not look like you're talking in a foreign language and she flat-out can't do it. She would have the same concerned look on her face whenever she heard of trouble in the galaxy, so to speak, and the same exact look when she was being told the solution to that trouble. It's that slightly raised eyebrow with concerned eyes, classic. It break the 4th wall, but it makes me smile inside when I see her do it.
Coming from SG-1 to Atlantis there is a tremendous step-down in acting ability. Hewlett's McKay is just about the only nice thing about the acting. But Flanigan couldn't act his way out of a can and his charisma, charm and wit all seem forced and manufactured, as opposed to the somewhat believable Richard Dean Anderson as O'Neill. And as good as McKay is, he's no match for Dr. Jackson. Teal'c and Ronon are a push since neither can act, and are essentially elaborate cannon fodder. Amanda Tapping isn't great, but she knows the character. The character was better written in the past, but there's nothing she can do about that.
In the end, this long ramble was simply to say, that the series has been on a steady decline since before it began, and hopefully the talented writers and producers find a way to right the ship. How hard is it to write good sci-fi? Battlestar Galactica manages to do it every week, and they don't even have 15 races to juggle around with ... kill one, bring another to life, kill them, bring the first ones back from the dead ... but this time with a dark twist ... genious.
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1-06-2008 @ 10:16AM
hz08 said...
I agree almost completely with your comments. Although, I would say that to some extent that Stargate Atlantis has been more responsible with the types of stories they take on than SG-1 was/is with seasons 9-Ark of truth. Atlantis has had some really great wraith episodes now and then and though they haven't really handled the Replicators that well, they have at least made them interesting. But they haven't been on more than they could chew. They haven't wasted a great juicy steak (Vegans can replace this with something more suitable) by choking down on it. Not the way SG-1 did.
The Ori arc from SG-1 was terrible. They were basically ascended Goa'uld (which would have made more sense had they actually been ascended Goal'uld but I digress). Which essentially took what had the potential to be a great unique new interesting godlike super villain and condemned them to the life of rehash. Is there any reason for them to be lying about ascension? I mean just because they're honest and really nice to their followers does that give them the right to annihilate the rest of us and our Ancient protectors? I certainly don't think so. But alas since they didn't do that, aside from the team's chemistry and Vala it seemed there wasn't much reason to watch the show.
In season 10 they teased us with Adria suggesting she might be an interesting character with the potential to save the Ori arc from the realm of Goa'uld redux. And for two episodes she threatened to deliver on such promise. But then she too, quickly degenerated into the generic cliched void of bad sci-fi villainy.
The final indignities suffered by this character in the penultimate episode exemplify your point: "kill them, bring [them] back from the dead ... but this time with a dark twist ... genious." Indeed, and in this case all in one episode!
I doubt they gave any serious thought about what the effects of ascending Adria (which the writers teasing us in her early episodes clearly indicated she was a true believer) would have on the character. Organically from the story, one would think discovering that Origin was a lie would have a transformative effect. (A la, the "Operative" from Serenity). Which would of course make it more dangerous since if she opts to make Origin "nicer" and more compelling and thereby cause it to spread like wildfire. As believing an Origin would have numerous tangible benefits that would comfort people in a way never before possible. But even if her motives are pure there still is that pesky problem of her thereby achieving absolute power.
Would this be Goa'uld redux? No. Would the Ancients and Tau'ri just stand by and idly watch as the newly revitalized Origin takes over the place regardless of it's newfound moral center and stated intentions? Given the fate of the Asgaard among other things on the Ancient's watch is their nothing Adria can say to criticize their non-interventionist ways? Can Adria be trusted with absolute power?
Will the writers even go there? I think the answer to all of the above is No. And that's unfortunate. But as far as I can tell Atlantis hasn't done anything quite that bad (yet).
1-06-2008 @ 4:42PM
Melissa said...
I thought that the episode was great. I was so happy that there was going to be a new episode that I could hardly wait. I thought that it was great when Carter defended McKay to Col. Ellis and the battle was great. At the end of the episode when McKay was going to delete the Replicator homeworld out of the database and they showed the screen and went back I thought that they were going to start regenerating or pulling themselves back together. Imagine my surprise when they showed a ship. In the back of my mind I thought no way and then they showed people in there and you could see someone sitting in the captains chair and I was like it has to be Dr. Weir. I was so excited it was great. I noticed that she had a somewhat darker appearance but I thought that it was wonderful. I think that maybe it is possible that she is going to help them start again and maybe help Atlantis defeat the Wraith. I think that being replicator herself - she survived all this, while the others did not was because they were not in the area when this all happened. Yes they all are made out of nanites, but if they weren't in the area they would not be affected by the pull that was created and been destroyed. Now if it is the real Weir and she is part replicator there are so many different ways that they can explore this and I think that it is going to be great, and she can in the end help them defeat the Wraith.
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