Review: 'Stargate: Atlantis' – Enemy At The Gate

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[Kosh GTO]

This review contains MAJOR SPOILERS for "Enemy At The Gate," the series finale of "Stargate: Atlantis."

Was this the "Stargate Atlantis" series finale fans were hoping for? Probably not; it's been widely reported that the producers of "Atlantis" learned the show would be cancelled while they were still writing this episode. They had to retool the script in a hurry in order to turn a season ender into a series finale. So we ended up with an episode that felt too short (only one hour?), too rushed, and plot developments that felt too unbelievable and convenient. But I can forgive all that.

I loved "Stargate Atlantis," but I knew better than to take it too seriously. This wasn't "Battlestar Galactica" or "The Sopranos" we're talking about here. "Atlantis" was a fun sci-fi show, but it wasn't exactly original or groundbreaking. It was great entertainment -- sometimes cheesy, but sometimes riveting -- and nothing more. It was the unexpected poignant moments, the witty scripts, the charming cast, the solid effects and action, and the show's sense of exploration that made it work. "Enemy at the Gate" delivered all of those things, and the final moments left the door open for what I'm guessing will be a great TV movie. That's what really matters to me. The cast and crew will reportedly be back for more, but I'm really going to miss my weekly dose of "Stargate Atlantis."

What Worked:

I loved the idea of a big bad ZPM-powered Wraith Hive ship. After receiving the transmission from the goth-rockin' Wraith in "Vegas," this ever-evolving monster set its sights on Earth and knocked out two of the IOA's best battleships. It's a good thing our heroes weren't facing a fleet of these things.

The episode opened with a transmission from Todd (Christopher Heyerdahl), who I was really looking forward to seeing again. I loved Michael and Kolya, but Todd always brought an edge to the show that those guys never did. Like always, he knew just how to push Sheppard's buttons in this episode, and I really believed it when Sheppard threatened to kill him. The crazy thing is that Todd ended up saving the day. If it weren't for his stash of ZPMs, Atlantis would've never been able to warp-speed its way to Earth and defeat the Hive ship. I look forward to seeing Todd as a big part of the television movie.


All the performances worked, especially the trio of Sheppard (Joe Flanigan), McKay (David Hewlett) and Woolsey (Robert Picardo). They all received a fair amount of screen time and really got a chance to shine. I was glad to see Dr. Beckett (Paul McGillion) get in on the action too.

It's been a few weeks since Atlantis delivered a good space battle, and these didn't disappoint. The attack on Earth was especially good, and it's always a pleasure to watch the city go into orbit.

I also loved the sight of Atlantis floating on the San Francisco Bay. I can't believe the entire city made it to Earth. Have I told ya I'm lookin' forward to that tele-movie yet?

The cameos, even Amanda Tapping, were a lot of fun. (I never thought I'd see Kavanagh again!). And I didn't mind the tribute to Don Davis/Major General George Hammond at all.

What Didn't Work:

It all went by so fast. In a perfect world, this would've been a two-parter, and some of the plot developments, especially the solutions to some of the big problems, probably wouldn't have seemed so trite or unearned. The scope of the episode also seemed a little too small. I was hoping to see the Wraith attack a big city Like New York or L.A. (I would've even settled for Toronto).

Where was Teyla (Rachel Luttrell) in this episode? I know she was in it, and I'm sure she did something, but I don't remember her getting any cool scenes or lines. I think some of Amanda Tapping's scenes could've been cut down to give Teyla-- a character who's been part of the show for all five years -- some more screen time. Same goes for Dr. Keller (Jewel Staite). She's not really a vet like Teyla, but she deserved more screen time.

So Ronon (Jason Momoa) died, but not really. Ronon's resurrection really rang false for me. I was glad to see the character live, but his comeback could've been handled a lot better. As it played out, it felt a little sloppy and ridiculous. Why kill him off only to bring him back five minutes later? I think Ronon deserved better. But at least he's alive, which means we'll see him again.

Giving Credit Where Credit Is Due:

"Enemy at the Gate" was written by Joseph Mallozzi and Paul Mullie and directed by Andy Mikita. "Stargate: Atlantis" aired at 9 p.m. (8 p.m. Central) on SciFi Channel and starred Joe Flanigan, David Hewlett, Rachel Luttrell, Jason Momoa, Jewel Staite and Robert Picardo.




Well Since this was the last show for Atlantis i decide to add this up.One thing i can say about Altearen tech.Once the power source run's out,your dead in the water.If you don't know how to refuel it up again. Also i know it's a show,but since they could have gate right into the Hive ship,why not send in there 3 Mark VIIII Naguadria enhance Nuke in there.5 sec count down Boom.  GTO

[Muad_dib]

Once set in the same perpective as you, last epz, the end of SGA, got to agree with mostly all you say, except

Also i know it's a show,but since they could have gate right into the Hive ship,why not send in there 3 Mark VIIII Naguadria enhance Nuke in there.5 sec count down Boom.  GTO

You seem to forget that the gates linking together were Atlantis and the one on the Mega Hive ship, as the nukes were on earth.
But as they got time to make contact with earth between the learn of the Mega Hive and it's arrival they could send it to Atlantis first except that at time they didn't know this link.

The only thing you don't mention is the new instant travel Mc Kay found earlier and they finally use in this desperate situation, I gonna accept this unbelievable turn of event just because the writers had to cut the story short.

If there is to be a SGA movie let's hope it'll be a good conclusion to this universe of fun-sci-fi we learned to like over these 5 seasons.