TV Show Review: Stargate: Atlantis

Stargate, the film and the show that followed, explored the possibility of ancient alien structures serving as gateways to other worlds across the universe.  I honestly haven't seen much of SG-1, but it's a familiar structure, where a group of armed explorers go from world to world and confront a new problem every week.  In this spin-off series, however, the saga is elevated to the next level as the lost city of Atlantis is discovered, and then utilized as a forward base of operations for the Pegasus galaxy.  In this tangent of the Stargate universe, a new group of characters face a new group of otherworldly challenges.

The neat thing about SG:  Atlantis is that it requires little foreknowledge of SG-1; the connection between the two shows is pretty faint, and it is entirely possible to watch Atlantis on its own merits.  The bulk of the show focuses on a war between a race of vampiric aliens, known as the Wraith, but there are numerous other subplots and stand-alone episodes.  Many episodes have some pretty tense militaristic and political situations.  Some are loaded with action and thrills.  Some are just plain silly and humorous (there's even an episode that parodies a CSI episode).  There are a few that have some spectacular battle scenes.  Most of the episodes do offer something entertaining, and there are very few I'd consider dull.

The stories are generally fine and dandy; the overarching plot involving the Wraith is full of ups and downs, and it can get interesting as all the side-factions get involved.  Most of the stand-alone episodes have good stories.  But what makes them all work is the cast of characters, and they are a pretty fun bunch.  They fulfill the typical archetypes in science fiction, much like watching a typical Star Trek crew, but each team member has a personality that makes them lovable; it gets to the point where you can care for them, and you want to keep watching to make sure they get out of everything okay.  The show does pull off a few bold twists and developments with the characters, and it helps keep things from getting too stale.

This show is pretty well-filmed and edited.  Acting can be a little over-the-top, but it helps add to the personality of the characters and the show overall, and keeps it all fun.  Writing is okay.  This production has good-looking sets, props, and costumes.  Prosthetic effects aren't always convincing, but they are pretty cool.  Special effects are often pretty cool, but some have not aged well.  Music is not bad.

For its entire five seasons, Stargate:  Atlantis is consistently entertaining, not only because of its intriguing stories and thrilling action, but also because of its enjoyable group of characters.  It's worth watching for sci-fi fans.

4/5 (Entertainment:  Good | Stories:  Pretty Good | Show:  Good)

Favorite episodes:  Rising Parts 1 and 2, Thirty-Eight Minutes, Letters From Pegasus, The Siege Parts 1, 2, and 3, Runner, Instinct, Conversion, Epiphany, Critical Mass, The Long Goodbye, No Man's Land, Irresistible, The Real World, Echoes, Irresponsible, Sunday, Tabula Rasa, Trio, The Daedalus Variations, Inquisition, Brain Storm, Vegas, Enemy at the Gate, and probably more.