Review: Stargate Atlantis Season Four DVD
The Award Winning Show Returns with Several Familiar Faces of Old
After three highly successful seasons fighting off the evil advances of the Wraith (a predatory race), as well as an offshoot of a nanite-based technological civilization (the Asurans -- lost yet?), the Terran crew of the Atlantis base are back, facing threats both human and alien, in this, the People's Choice Winner for best Sci-Fi show for the 2007-2008 season.
Stargate Atlantis Crew Launches Pre-Emptive Attack on Asurans
Having faced both the threat of the Wraith and later the Asurans, both the Atlantis Crew and its Earth home base at Stargate Command, were unwilling to sacrifice Earth at the hands of these increasingly hostile races. As such, Atlantis has had no choice but to launch a pre-emptive attack on the Asurans, thus provoking an intense round of retaliation, which has jeopardized the safety of the city, and forced the crew to leave the planet --- with the city itself in tow.
Fear not, readers, it really makes sense in the end.
You see, the City of Atlantis, beautiful Ancient marvel of Ancient technology (the Ancients -- see seasons 5 thru 10 of Stargate SG-1, essentially evolved god-like non-corporeal forms) that is it, was never actually planet-bound, as the Atlantis crew originally believed. Equipped with a powerful shield (assuming one has enough power to run it), the city itself is actually space worthy.
This premise leads us into the start of Season Four, as the crew is on the run, following a crippling attack by the Asurans which has seriously injured previous team commander Elizabeth Weir (Torri Higginson, blessedly written off by the producers early on this year, having in this writer's opinion been miscast from Day One).
As they try and survive the many problems arising from attempting space travel onboard the city, the team must still hold off its attackers, while finding a suitable new location to plant its stake.
Needless to say, all of this happens within the season opener and its follow up episode, and so clearly the team lives to fight another day, or in this case, a whole season, nay, many seasons to come.
Stargate Atlantis' Well Rounded Cast
As per the previous three seasons, colorful Joe Flanigan returns as Lt. Col. John Shepard, a no nonsense leader with a kamikaze attitude in many situations. Helping him along are Teyla Emmagan (Rachel Luttrell), a skilled Athosian warrior; Ronon Dex (Jason Momoa), a Satedan warrior whose unique physiology makes him immune to Wraith cullings (a form of feeding); last but not least, Canadian team member and all around genius (and erstwhile comic relief) Dr. Rodney Mackay, played once again to much audience delight by the talented David Hewlett, who has maintained this character's arrogant yet effective persona going through both Stargate franchises.
A Few Familiar Faces
With the untimely demise of Dr. Weir, the show brings forth new leadership in the form of seasoned Stargate veteran Samantha Carter, once again well inhabited by actress Amanda Tapping. Her presence on the show not only provides a welcome link to the original Stargate SG-1 series, but also ensures that legions of viewers now have additional reason to tune in. Think of this as the same technique used by Star Trek Voyager, when its producers called upon new viewers, by introducing a sultry, yet deadly new character in the fom of Seven of Nine. By bringing forth Tapping's memorable character to the frontline, the showrunners have guaranteed tangible continuity with the longest running science-fiction franchise in television history, not to mention hopeful higher ratings.
Add to this a visit by another familiar SG-1 cast member, Teal'c (the always enjoyable Christopher Judge), who appears in episode 18 titled 'Midway', as well as as the unexpected return of a former Atlantis cast member (spoiler alert: he's a fan fave), and you have the makings of another great season.
Note, another nod to the sci-fi community picking its own favorites, is clearly visible with the addition of former Firefly cast member Jewel Staite, playing Dr. Jennifer Keller.
Notable Stargate Atlantis Season Four Episode
Look for a few praiseworthy episodes in this DVD set, namely the season opener 'Adrift' which maintains a suspense level matching most Hollywood actioners; 'Quarantine', which finds the many team members isolated all over the base, allowing for much needed character development; 'Trio' is another great example of quality writing over mindless explosion and space dogfights; also look for 'Midway' where the aforementioned Teal'c meets with Ronon Dex, helping him prepare to deal with his review by the International Oversight Advisory committee (think of a watchdog group overseeing Atlantis' dealings, and its members).
As with many other shows finding footing after shaky first seasons, Stargate Atlantis is now well on its way, and promises to offer even more impressive storylines in upcoming Season Five, with sci-fi staple and SG-1 veteran Robert Picardo (aka The Doctor, on Star Trek Voyager), returning as bureaucrat Richard Woolsey, next leading the team.
Overall, this season comes highly recommended; though the box set itself has many small informative featurettes helping further decipher the Stargate universe, they pale in comparison to the actual episodes themselves, which outshine any other bonuses offered this time around.
