5.0 out of 5 stars
A matter of survival..., June 14, 2011
This review is from: Stargate Atlantis Season 1 (Amazon Instant Video)
***Spoilers Ahead***
General Synopsis:
With the Wraith bearing down on Atlantis the team gets together to find a way to advert certain destruction. After rejecting some ideas, Dr. McKay announces that he may be able to use the stargate to reconnect with Earth. The problem with this plan is that the connection will only last 1.3 seconds, hardly enough time to send people through the gate. The brilliance in the plan is the Dr. McKay can use a compression code to compile massive amounts of data into a short burst allowing the team to send data back to Earth and also to warn Stargate Command of the Wraith threat.
Not sitting on his hands, Major Sheppard sets out to gather information on the Wraiths movements. Since Wraith technology does not allow them to travel in hyperspace for extended periods of time, Major Sheppard and Tayla Amogin gate to a planet near where the Wraith will come out of hyperspace in order to feed and rest their ships.
Meanwhile back on Atlantis, McKay continues to work on the gate project while Dr. Weir orders Lt. Ford to videotape team members messages to family and friends before their possible doom. As the episode goes on Lt. Ford records team members memories of their experiences on Atlantis and battles against the Wraith in a sort of series overview.
During their intelligence gathering Sheppard and Tayla attempt to return to Atlantis after seeing three Wraith hive ships and a dozen battle cruiser escorts, but as they dial out the Wraith dial in blocking their exit. While hovering over the planet the Wraith begin to send darts down to the planets surface to capture the planets inhabitants. After reluctantly agreeing to take a family known to Tayla through the gate, Sheppard sets out to see some new technology the Wraith are using and to find the family.
After finding Orin's family, Sheppard and Tayla return to Atlantis and brief Dr. Weir on the enemy numbers and strength. Disheartened by the briefing Dr. Weir refocuses the team on dialing Earth. After successfully connecting to Earth, Samantha Carter and Walter receive the transmission.
***Spoilers End***
My Thoughts:
Although there is little in the way of action or doom that needs to be diverted in the last second, this episode focuses more on human connections and what may be lost if the Wraith succeed in defeating Atlantis. The writers included personal conflict, humor, sadness and a compelling storyline to give the viewer a more in depth experience. The balance used throughout the episode is well done especially with the Tayla and Sheppard parts. Parts of the episode that are fun and humorous are balanced perfectly with sadness and thought provoking elements.
A great addition to the Atlantis archive and one of my favorite episodes.
All Feedback is Appreciated. Thanks and Good Viewing.
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