Stargate Atlantis
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225695587
2008-07-14T23:11:39Z
SynergyBlades
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/* Season 5 */ made it a bit more current
{{Infobox Television
| show_name = Stargate Atlantis
| Episode list = [[List of Stargate Atlantis episodes]]
| image = [[Image:Stargate Atlantis intro.jpg|250px]]
| caption = Stargate Atlantis intro card
| genre = [[Science fiction]]
| runtime = approx. 42 minutes
| creator = [[Brad Wright]] <br /> [[Robert C. Cooper]]
| director = [[David Winning]]
| executive_producer = [[Brad Wright]] <br /> [[Robert C. Cooper]] <br /> [[Joseph Mallozzi]] <br /> [[Paul Mullie]]
| starring = [[Joe Flanigan]]<br />[[David Hewlett]]<br />[[Amanda Tapping]]<br />[[Rachel Luttrell]]<br />[[Jason Momoa]]<br />[[Robert Picardo]]<br />[[Jewel Staite]]<br />[[Torri Higginson]]<br />[[Paul McGillion]]<br />[[Rainbow Sun Francks]]
| country = {{CAN}}<ref name="country of origin">{{cite video|people=Brad Wright & Robert C. Cooper|title=Stargate Atlantis Season 1 Volume 1 "Rising" (credits)|medium=DVD|publisher=MGM Global Holdings, Inc|date=2004}}</ref><br />{{USA}}
| language = [[English language|English]]
| network = [[Sci Fi Channel (United States)|SCI FI]]
| first_aired = [[July 16]], [[2004]]
| last_aired = present
| num_seasons = 5
| num_episodes = 81 <!--(as of July 11, 2008)-->
| list_episodes = List of Stargate Atlantis episodes
| related = ''[[Stargate SG-1]]''<br />''[[Stargate Universe]]''
| website = http://www.scifi.com/atlantis/
| imdb_id = 0374455
| tv_com_id = 11415
| }}
'''''Stargate Atlantis''''' (often abbreviated as '''SGA''') is an American-[[Canada|Canadian]] [[science fiction]] [[television program]], part of the [[Stargate|Stargate franchise]] owned by [[Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer|MGM]]. Developed by longtime ''SG-1'' producers [[Brad Wright]] and [[Robert C. Cooper]], it is a [[List of television spin-offs|spin-off]] from the [[television series]] ''[[Stargate SG-1]]''. It is filmed and produced in [[Canada]].
''Stargate Atlantis'' follows the adventures of a human expedition to the lost city of [[Atlantis (Stargate)|Atlantis]] in the [[Pegasus Galaxy (Stargate)|Pegasus Galaxy]]. The Stargate has brought humanity into contact with other cultures, including new and powerful enemies: the [[Wraith (Stargate)|Wraith]], the [[Genii (Stargate)|Genii]], and later the [[Asurans]], all while trying to uncover the secrets the [[Ancient (Stargate)|Ancients]] left behind.
''Stargate Atlantis'' premiered on the [[Sci Fi channel (United States)|US Sci Fi Channel]] on [[July 16]], [[2004]] with "[[Rising (Stargate Atlantis)|Rising]]", a movie-style two-part episode, that [[guest star]]red [[Richard Dean Anderson]] and [[Michael Shanks]] from ''Stargate SG-1''. The series is broadcast in [[High-definition television|HD]] in selected countries.
==Production==
When ''[[Stargate SG-1]]'' producers, Brad Wright and Robert C. Cooper thought the series was going to end after season five, due to [[Showtime]]'s announcement that they were canceling the show, they came up with the idea of making a new feature film. However, as the ratings on its new home at the [[Sci Fi Channel (United States)|Sci Fi Channel]] were quite good, the idea was pushed after season six and later, after season seven. Talk then began of a spin-off series and the producers were left with a serious dilemma, since the seventh season of ''Stargate SG-1'' had been planned to lead up to the great discovery of the lost city of the [[Ancients (Stargate)|Ancients]], Atlantis. The ''Stargate SG-1'' seventh season ending two part episode "[[Lost City (Stargate SG-1)|Lost City]]," was supposed to be a bridge between ''[[Stargate SG-1]]'' and a new spin-off, either a show or a movie, which was not planned to run at the same time as ''[[Stargate SG-1]]''. Wright and Cooper rewrote the script as the two-part season seven finale, and moved the setting of the story. The city of Atlantis, originally planned to be on Earth under [[Antarctica]] in place of the [[Stargate Command|SGC]], was moved to the Pegasus Galaxy. The change was to prevent fans from wondering why Stargate Command would not come to help them, and also gave the producers the chance to start afresh and not be an identical copy of the original show.<ref name="watergate">{{cite book
| last = Gosling | first = Sharon | authorlink = Sharon Gosling | title = Stargate Atlantis: The Official Companion Season 1 | origdate = | origyear = 2005 | origmonth = July | publisher = Titan Books | location = London | id = ISBN 1-84576-116-2 | pages = 10-19 | chapter = Watergate }}</ref>
The series received the green light on [[November 17]], [[2003]] and started shooting in February 2004.<ref name="watergate"/> It premiered on July 16 of the same year.
From the start, Wright and Cooper ruled out casting "star names", on the basis of the financial pressures they were already experiencing with "star names" on ''Stargate SG-1''. The casting was made more complicated because ''Atlantis'' got the go-ahead in November, and had to compete with other networks during [[Television pilot|pilot]] season.<ref name="watergate" />
The character most difficult to cast was the then-called Dr. Ingram, an unexcitable scientist expert in the Stargate. As the first day of shooting drew nearer and they were unable to find the right actor, they came to realize they had brought in the wrong character. Longtime Stargate director [[Martin Wood]] and Brad Wright thought it should be Dr. [[Rodney McKay]], who had already appeared in a guest role in three episodes of ''Stargate SG-1''. Actor [[David Hewlett]] was contacted and arrived at the set the day after filming had started.<ref name="watergate" /> Dr Ingram had already been written in to the pilot episode of the show and so the same script was used and the character's name simply changed to Dr McKay. Later scripts were written with Dr. McKay in mind.
Season 2 brought casting changes. The creators found themselves with a problem with the character of Lt. [[Aiden Ford]] ([[Rainbow Sun Francks]]), a first season regular that the producers, and the actor himself, felt had not worked as intended and was highly underused as a result. Unwilling to write him out, the writers came with an idea to make the character more important, but that downgraded him to recurring. To replace him, they created [[Ronon Dex]] as a sidekick for Lt. Col. [[John Sheppard (Stargate)|John Sheppard]], but finding an actor with the physical presence and the acting ability necessary was not easy until they saw [[Jason Momoa]]'s tape.<ref name="into season 2">{{cite book | last = Gosling | first = Sharon | authorlink = Sharon Gosling | title = Stargate Atlantis: The Official Companion Season 2 | origdate = | origyear = 2006 | origmonth = July | publisher = Titan Books | location = London | id = ISBN 1-84576-163-4 | pages = 10-17 | chapter = Into season 2 }}</ref> ''[[X-files]]'' veteran [[Mitch Pileggi]] was added to the cast in the recurring role of Col. [[Steven Caldwell (Stargate)|Steven Caldwell]].<ref name="into season 2" /> [[Paul McGillion]]'s character, Dr. [[Carson Beckett]], became a regular in season two.
Seasons 3 and 4 changed the cast lineup again. Paul McGillion's Dr. Carson Beckett was killed in the season 3 episode "[[Sunday (Stargate Atlantis)|Sunday]]", then brought back at the end of season 4 as a recurring character. [[Amanda Tapping]]'s [[Samantha Carter]] crossed from ''Stargate SG-1'' for 14 episodes in Season 4, as the new leader of the expedition,<ref>[http://www.chevron26.com/enews/?p=76 Carter Gates to Atlantis]</ref> while [[Torri Higginson]]'s [[Elizabeth Weir (Stargate)|Elizabeth Weir]] became a recurring character in season 4 instead of a regular.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://stargate-sg1-solutions.com/blog/?p=734|title=Cooper, Wright talk Stargate's future| publisher = michelle| work=Stargate SG-1 Solutions| accessdate=2007-01-14}}</ref>
Each season of ''Stargate: Atlantis'' features 20 episodes, and in the United States they are broadcast in two series of 10 episodes. The first 10 episodes air from mid-July to September in the United States, ending in the cliffhanger of a two-parter episode. The second half airs first in Canada, from November to January, ending also with a cliffhanger. In the United States, the second half aired from January to March during seasons 1 and 2, but season 3 aired from April to June 2007.
''Stargate: Atlantis'' episodes feature a self-contained story that also contributes to the larger storyline of the war against the Wraith and their search for the means to destroy their enemy. Each season has also featured a two-parter episode, and a few episodes that, while not technically two-parters, had continued directly the story of the previous episode (for example, season 3 "[[Progeny (Stargate Atlantis)|Progeny]]" and "[[The Real World (Stargate Atlantis)|The Real World]]").
Each show begins with a [[cold open]], sometimes preceded with a recap of events relevant to the upcoming narrative. The [[opening credits]] feature an original theme by [[Joel Goldsmith]]. Though they were drastically cut at the start of season 2, the full credits were recovered after the mid-season parter.
The show blends different types of approaches to science-fiction, from action to [[comedy]].
''Stargate Atlantis'' is shot at [[Bridge studios]] in [[Vancouver]] and on location in several places in [[British Columbia]]. The Pemberton Glacier doubled for Antarctica during the opening flying sequence in series premiere "[[Rising (Stargate Atlantis)|Rising]]".<ref>{{cite book | last = Gosling | first = Sharon | authorlink = Sharon Gosling | title = Stargate Atlantis: The Official Companion Season 1 | origdate = | origyear = 2005 | origmonth = July | publisher = Titan Books | location = London | id = ISBN 1-84576-116-2 | pages = 26 | chapter = Rising (I) }}</ref> [[Lynn Canyon Park|Lynn Valley Canyon]] was, for example, where the episode "[[Instinct (Stargate Atlantis)|Instinct]]" was filmed.<ref>''Stargate Official Magazine'' issue 6</ref>
''Stargate Atlantis'' inherited ''[[Blade Trinity]]'''s effects stage. The ''Blade Trinity'' production gave the set to ''Stargate Atlantis'' to save the high cost of dismantling the massive construct. The set has appeared several times. For example, the walkway Sheppard walks in "[[The Storm (Stargate Atlantis)|The Storm]]" is the topmost part of the ''Blade Trinity'' set.<ref>{{cite book | last = Gosling | first = Sharon | authorlink = Sharon Gosling | title = Stargate Atlantis: The Official Companion Season 1 | origdate = | origyear = 2005 | origmonth = July | publisher = Titan Books | location = London | id = ISBN 1-84576-116-2 | pages = 134-139 | chapter = Production Design: Bridget McGuire }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title = Stargate Atlantis: Atlantis Rising |work = [[SFX magazine]] #129 |publisher = [[Future Publishing]] |pages = 62-66 |date = [[2005-03-16]]}}</ref>
The majority of episodes have used [[James Bamford (stunt coordinator)|James Bamford]] as a [[stunt coordinator]]. He specializes in [[martial arts]] and has the nickname of ''Bam Bam''.
==Plot==
{{main|List of Stargate Atlantis episodes}}
''Stargate Atlantis'' is set in the city of [[Atlantis (Stargate)|Atlantis]], on a planet called "Lantea" in the [[Pegasus Galaxy (Stargate)|Pegasus galaxy]], built millions of years ago by the most advanced race of the Stargate universe: the [[Ancients (Stargate)|Ancients]]. Five to ten million years ago, due to a plague in the Milky Way Galaxy, they were forced to flee to a planet in the Pegasus Galaxy and there they seeded life on hundreds of worlds as they had done in the Milky Way. After encountering a powerful enemy known as the Wraith and going to war with them for more than one hundred years, the Ancients ultimately lost and were forced to submerge their city into the ocean, which, in the Stargate universe, is the source of the [[Ancient Greece|Greek]] [[mythology|myth]] of the Lost City of [[Atlantis]].
The city of Atlantis hosts much of the action in the series and is the source of much of the technology which the characters employ. While trying to uncover the secrets the city still holds from her new human inhabitants, the Atlantis expedition also use the Stargate to explore the Pegasus galaxy, looking for [[Zero Point Module|energy sources]] and other technology that the Ancients may have left behind and that may help them defeat the Wraith.
The events of ''Stargate Atlantis'' follow the cliffhanger ''Stargate SG-1'' seventh [[season finale]] "[[Lost City, Part 1 (Stargate SG-1)|Lost City]]", where [[SG-1]] found an outpost made by the race known as the Ancients in Antarctica. After the events of ''Stargate SG-1'' season eight premiere "[[New Order (Stargate SG-1)|New Order]]", the Stargate Command sends an international team to investigate the outpost. Soon, [[Daniel Jackson|Dr. Jackson]] discovers the location of the greatest city created by the Ancients, Atlantis.
As of Season 4, the city of Atlantis has been moved by the expedition to a new planet, currently designated M35-117, to avoid destruction at the hands of the [[Asurans]].
<!-- This is just a general, not detailed information about the plot. Please keep the details for the individual articles and keep article size in mind!-->
===Season 1===
{{main|Stargate Atlantis (season 1)}}
[[Image:SGA-poster.jpg|thumb|150px|Season 1 cast from left to right: Lt. Aiden Ford, Teyla Emmagan, Maj. John Sheppard, Dr. Elizabeth Weir and Dr. Rodney McKay.]]
Season 1 began airing in the United States on [[July 16]], [[2004]]. The Atlantis expedition, led by [[Elizabeth Weir (Stargate)|Dr. Weir]], arrives at the city of the Ancients and quickly find themselves in a dire situation that forces them to seek new friends, the [[Athosians]], but that also lands them with a powerful new enemy: the Wraith. Cut off from Earth, the expedition must survive in a new galaxy, while deciphering the Ancients' technology and finding a way to destroy the Wraith. Major Sheppard puts together a team consisting of himself, Dr. McKay, Lt. Ford and the Athosian leader [[Teyla Emmagan|Teyla]], who serve as Atlantis' first contact team. In one of their first missions, they make another enemy in the [[Genii (Stargate)|Genii]], a human militaristic civilization with a 1950s level of technology. After they learn of several more revelations about the Wraith, Atlantis prepares to evacuate. But right before they can, a contingent from Earth arrives with a way to help defend the city against the impending attack from the Wraith until their latest battleship can arrive. The season closes with a cliffhanger, as the Wraith continue their siege of the city.
===Season 2===
{{main|Stargate Atlantis (season 2)}}
[[Image:Stargate Atlantis Team Season 2.jpg|thumb|150px|Season 2 cast from left to right: Teyla Emmagan, Dr. McKay, Dr. Weir, Col. Caldwell, Dr. Beckett, Ronon Dex, Lt. Col. Sheppard.]]
Season 2 began airing in the United States on [[July 15]], [[2005]] and it picked up just where season 1 ended. The Atlantis expedition successfully avoids being culled by the Wraith by making them believe Atlantis has been destroyed, and recover semi-regular contact with Earth thanks to the [[Daedalus class battlecruiser|Daedalus]] and the new [[Zero Point Module|ZPM]]. Sheppard is promoted to Lt. Colonel and former [[Runner (Stargate)|Runner]] [[Ronon Dex]] replaces Lt. Ford, now [[Missing in action|MIA]].
The central plot of this second season is the development of Dr. [[Carson Beckett|Beckett]]'s retrovirus, which can, theoretically, turn a Wraith into a human. While an incomplete version makes a [[Wraith characters in Stargate#Ellia|young Wraith girl]] lose all her humanity and almost turns Sheppard into an [[Iratus bug]], a more developed version is tested in a living Wraith, "[[Wraith characters in Stargate#Michael|Michael]]", with mixed results. Michael's wraith faction proposes an alliance with Atlantis, but they betray the team. The season closes again with a cliffhanger - The Wraith on their way to Earth.
===Season 3===
{{main|Stargate Atlantis (season 3)}}
Season 3 premiered in the United States on [[July 14]], [[2006]], picking up just where season 2 ended. Having stopped the Wraith from reaching Earth and having achieved another failure with the Wraith retrovirus, the expedition faces its third year in the Pegasus galaxy with the Wraith still a threat and a new powerful enemy bent on destroying the expedition and Atlantis: the [[Asuran (Stargate)|Asurans]]. The situation becomes complicated when an experiment gone awry drains their only ZPM, leaving them without a power source for the city's shields. Soon thereafter, they find a lost Ancient vessel and subsequently lose the city of Atlantis when the crew of the Ancient ship reclaims it. The SGC sends General O'Neill and Richard Woolsey to try to negotiate an agreement between Earth and the Ancients to allow the expedition back in Atlantis. O'Neill and Woolsey dial Earth and inform them that the Asurans (self-replicating nanobots) are taking over the city. They kill off the Ancient crew who reclaimed the city after 10,000 years. The main members of the Atlantis expedition on Earth disobey the orders and go back to the city, rescue it, and destroy all the Asurans. The season finale starts off with Earth launching a first strike against the Asurans who are building an armada to attack Earth. The Asurans counterattack by attacking Atlantis by means of a powerful beam weapon fired through a satellite housing a Stargate. As the last resort, the Atlantis team fires up the city's stardrive and escapes into space. The finale ends when the hyperdrive malfunctions, leaving the city flying through uncharted space with a day's worth of energy left in their sole ZPM and Dr. Weir critically injured.
===Season 4===
{{main|Stargate Atlantis (season 4)}}
[[Image:stargateatlantis4.png|150px|thumb|Season 4 cast from left to right: Dr. Rodney McKay, Col. Samantha Carter, Lt. Col. John Sheppard, Teyla Emmagan, and Ronon Dex.]]
Season 4 premiered in the US on [[September 28]], [[2007]],<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.gateworld.net/news/2007/02/season_four_to_premiere_this_fal.shtml|title=Season Four to premiere this fall|work=[[GateWorld]]|date=2007-02-20|accessdate=2008-01-12}}</ref> and in the UK on October 9, 2007. The writers stated that season 4 would take the series in a new direction. The future appears bleak with the incapacitation of Weir and multiple injuries among the senior members of the expedition. With the city damaged, running out of power and drifting in space, cut off from Earth, the Atlantis expedition raids [[Asuran|Asuras]] to obtain a [[ZPM]] and is able to travel to a nearby planet. Weir is captured by the Asurans and Colonel Samantha Carter joins as a regular and acts as the expedition leader.<ref>[http://www.chevron26.com/enews/?p=76 Carter Gates to Atlantis]</ref> She appeared in the episode "Lifeline" after helping to find and land Atlantis on its new home planet; however, it is stated that she has been ordered back to the SGC at this point. In episode 3, however, under the IOA's orders, Carter returns to Atlantis as the new leader of the expedition after Atlantis lands. Generally, the season focuses on the main antagonists the [[Asurans]] and the [[Wraith (Stargate)|Wraith]], as early on the Asuran base code is reprogrammed by McKay to start a war with the Wraith. Midway through the season the Asurans are seemingly destroyed, and the remaining episodes concentrate mainly on [[Wraith characters in Stargate#Michael|Michael]]'s efforts against both humans and the other Wraith. Carson Beckett and [[Teal'c]] both appear in several episodes
===Season 5===
{{main|Stargate Atlantis (season 5)}}
The fifth season began production in February, 2008<ref name="scifi5">{{cite web |url=http://www.scifi.com/scifiwire/index.php?category=2&id=48051 |title=Atlantis To Start Season 5 |publisher=Sci Fi Wire |date=2008-02-06 |accessdate=2008-02-06}}</ref> and began airing on July 11, 2008.<ref>[http://www.stargatenews.com Stargate News - Offline<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> Actors [[Joe Flanigan]], [[Rachel Luttrell]], [[Jason Momoa]] and [[David Hewlett]] return, reprising their roles as Lt. Col. [[John Sheppard (Stargate)|John Sheppard]], [[Teyla Emmagan]], [[Ronon Dex]] and Dr. [[Rodney McKay]] respectively. Due to the SciFi Channel's acquisition of the ''[[Sanctuary (web series)|Sanctuary]]'' web-series, [[Amanda Tapping]] (Col. [[Samantha Carter]]) will not be a regular cast member in Season 5, but will return as a special guest star for "...several episodes."<ref name="scifi5"/> Actress [[Jewel Staite]] ([[Dr. Jennifer Keller]]) will be returning and has been promoted to series regular.<ref name="jm080206">{{cite web |url=http://josephmallozzi.wordpress.com/2008/02/05/february-5-2008-extra-extra-read-all-about-it/ |title=Extra! Extra! Read all about it! |accessdate=2008-02-05 |author=Mallozzi, Joseph |date=2008-02-05 |publisher=Joseph Mallozzi's Weblog}}</ref> The season will feature two new characters, Captain Alicia Vega ([[Leela Savasta]]) and Alison Porter ([[Nicole de Boer]]). Captain Alicia Vega, a new member of the Atlantis expedition's military contingent, was introduced in the season opener "[[Search and Rescue]]" and will be a member of an all-woman recon team by the episode "[[List_of_Stargate_Atlantis_episodes#Season_5|Whispers]]" <ref>{{cite web |url=http://gateworld.net/news/2008/02/robert_picardo_joins_iatlantisi_.shtml |title=Robert Picardo joins Atlantis cast |publisher=GateWorld |date=2008-02-05 |accessdate=2008-02-06 |author=Sumner, Darren}}</ref>. Alison Porter will be introduced in the episode "Whispers" <ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gateworld.net/atlantis/s5/507.shtml</ref>. [[Robert Picardo]] ([[Richard Woolsey]]) will join the show as a regular cast member and become the new commander of the Atlantis Expedition. He will appear in 14 of the 20 episodes for the new season.<ref>[http://gateworld.net/news/2008/02/picardo_in_14_episodes_of_season.shtml GateWorld - Picardo in 14 episodes of Season Five<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> The season will also see [[Paul McGillion]] (Dr. [[Carson Beckett]]) return for five episodes and [[Michael Shanks]] (Dr. [[Daniel Jackson]]) appear in at least two episodes.<ref name="jm080206"/> Despite earlier plans, [[Torri Higginson]] (Dr. [[Elizabeth Weir (Stargate)|Elizabeth Weir]]) will not be returning for the fifth season. According to executive producer Joseph Mallozzi, the actress has turned down an offer to guest star in the fifth season.<ref>[http://gateworld.net/news/2008/02/higginson_out_for_season_five.shtml GateWorld - Higginson out for Season Five<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> During the course of the season a new race will be introduced and the show will celebrate the milestone of 100 episodes.<ref name="scifi5"/>
==Cast==
<!-- Please, keep the casting news in the casting section above. This is for the current cast. Do not duplicate information. Thanks! -->
''Stargate Atlantis'' employs an [[ensemble cast]] to portray the members of the multinational Atlantis expedition, their friends and enemies. Also, since season 2, some characters from sister series ''[[Stargate SG-1]]'' appear in guest roles.
{| border="0" align="center" width="100%"
|+ '''Regular characters:'''
|- bgcolor="#e6e9ff" align="center"
| '''Character''' || '''Actor''' || '''Seasons''' || '''Ranks Held / Position'''
|-
| [[John Sheppard (Stargate)|John Sheppard]] || [[Joe Flanigan]] || Seasons 1–present || [[Major]] (Season 1), [[Lieutenant Colonel]] (Seasons 2-), [[United States Air Force|U.S.A.F.]]<br />Military Commander
|-
| colspan="4" style="background: #e6e9ff;"|
|-
| [[Samantha Carter (Stargate)|Samantha Carter]] || [[Amanda Tapping]] ||Season 4, <br />recurring in Seasons 1-3 & 5 || [[Lieutenant Colonel]] (Seasons 1-3), [[Colonel]] (Season 4-), U.S.A.F.<br />Expedition Leader (Season 4)
|-
| colspan="4" style="background: #e6e9ff;"|
|-
| [[Teyla Emmagan]] || [[Rachel Luttrell]] || Seasons 1–present || Native of the Pegasus Galaxy<br />Diplomatic and Trade Advisor
|-
| colspan="4" style="background: #e6e9ff;"|
|-
| [[Ronon Dex (Stargate)|Ronon Dex]] || [[Jason Momoa]] || Seasons 2–present || Native of the Pegasus Galaxy<br />Warrior/Specialist
|-
| colspan="4" style="background: #e6e9ff;"|
|-
| [[Rodney McKay]] || [[David Hewlett]] || Seasons 1–present || Civilian Scientist<br />Chief Science Advisor
|-
| colspan="4" style="background: #e6e9ff;"|
|-
| [[Richard Woolsey]] || [[Robert Picardo]] ||Season 5, <br />recurring in Seasons 3 & 4 || [[International Oversight Advisory (Stargate)|International Oversight Advisory]] Representative (Seasons 3 & 4)<br />Expedition Leader
|-
| colspan="4" style="background: #e6e9ff;"|
|-
| [[Elizabeth Weir (Stargate)|Elizabeth Weir]] || [[Torri Higginson]] || Seasons 1-3,<br />recurring in Season 4 || Civilian Diplomat<br />Former Expedition Leader
|-
| colspan="4" style="background: #e6e9ff;"|
|-
| [[Jennifer Keller]] || [[Jewel Staite]] || Season 5, <br />recurring in Season 4 || Chief Medical Advisor <br />Civilian Doctor
|-
| colspan="4" style="background: #e6e9ff;"|
|-
| [[Carson Beckett]] || [[Paul McGillion]] || Seasons 2-3,<br />recurring in Seasons 1, 4 & 5<ref name="jm080206" /> || Civilian Doctor<br />Former Chief Medical Advisor
|-
| colspan="4" style="background: #e6e9ff;"|
|-
| [[Aiden Ford]] || [[Rainbow Sun Francks]] || Season 1,<br />recurring in Season 2 || [[1st Lieutenant]], [[United States Marine Corps|U.S.M.C.]]
|-
| colspan="4" style="background: #e6e9ff;"|
|}
{| border="0" align="center" width="100%"
|+ '''Recurring characters:'''
|- bgcolor="#e6e9ff" align="center"
| '''Character''' || '''Actor''' || '''Seasons''' || '''Ranks Held / Position'''
|-
| [[Radek Zelenka (Stargate)|Radek Zelenka]] || [[David Nykl]] || Seasons 1–present || Civilian Scientist
|-
| colspan="4" style="background: #e6e9ff;"|
|-
| [[Evan Lorne]] || [[Kavan Smith]] || Seasons 2–present || [[Major]], U.S.A.F.
|-
| colspan="4" style="background: #e6e9ff;"|
|-
| [[List of Tau'ri characters in Stargate Atlantis#Steven Caldwell|Steven Caldwell]] || [[Mitch Pileggi]] || Seasons 2–present || [[Colonel]], U.S.A.F.<br />Commanding Officer, ''[[Daedalus class battlecruiser#Daedalus|Daedalus]]''
|-
| colspan="4" style="background: #e6e9ff;"|
|-
| [[Wraith characters in Stargate#Michael|Michael]] || [[Connor Trinneer]] || Seasons 2–present || [[Wraith (Stargate)|Wraith]] hybrid
|-
| colspan="4" style="background: #e6e9ff;"|
|-
| [[List of Tau'ri characters in Stargate Atlantis#Kate Heightmeyer|Kate Heightmeyer]] || [[Claire Rankin]] || Seasons 1-4 || Civilian Psychologist
|-
| colspan="4" style="background: #e6e9ff;"|
|-
| [[List of Tau'ri characters in Stargate Atlantis#Chuck|Chuck]] || [[Chuck Campbell]] || Seasons 1–present || Civilian Technician
|-
| colspan="4" style="background: #e6e9ff;"|
|-
| [[List of Tau'ri characters in Stargate Atlantis#Abe Ellis|Abraham Ellis]] || [[Michael Beach]] || Seasons 3–present || [[Colonel]], U.S.A.F.<br />Commanding Officer, ''[[Daedalus class battlecruiser#Apollo|Apollo]]''
|-
| colspan="4" style="background: #e6e9ff;"|
|-
|[[Asuran characters in Stargate#Oberoth|Oberoth]] || [[David Ogden Stiers]] || Seasons 3 & 4 || Asuran Leader
|-
| colspan="4" style="background: #e6e9ff;"|
|-
| [[List of Tau'ri characters in Stargate Atlantis#Bates|Bates]] || [[Dean Marshall]] || Seasons 1 & 4 || [[Sergeant]], U.S.M.C. (Season 1)<br />Special Agent, [[International Oversight Advisory|IOA]] Field Operations Division (Season 4-)
|-
| colspan="4" style="background: #e6e9ff;"|
|-
| [[Asgard characters in Stargate#Hermiod|Hermiod]] || [[Trevor Devall]] || Seasons 2-3 || Asgard Technician
|-
| colspan="4" style="background: #e6e9ff;"|
|-
| [[Acastus Kolya]] || [[Robert Davi]] || Seasons 1, 3 & 5 || Genii Commander
|-
| colspan="4" style="background: #e6e9ff;"|
|-
| [[List of Tau'ri characters in Stargate Atlantis#Peter Grodin|Peter Grodin]] || [[Craig Veroni]] || Season 1 || Civilian Scientist
|-
| colspan="4" style="background: #e6e9ff;"|
|-
| [[List of Tau'ri characters in Stargate Atlantis#Katie Brown|Katie Brown]] || Brenda James || Seasons 2 - 4 || Civilian Scientist
|-
| colspan="4" style="background: #e6e9ff;"|
|-
| [[Wraith characters in Stargate#"Todd"|Todd]] || [[Christopher Heyerdahl]] || Seasons 3–present || [[Wraith (Stargate)|Wraith]] scientist
|-
| colspan="4" style="background: #e6e9ff;"|
|}
==Races==
{{main|Human civilizations in Stargate Atlantis|Alien races in the Stargate universe#Pegasus Galaxy aliens|l2=Alien races in Stargate}}
Apart from the Terran ([[Tau'ri]]), humans from Earth who came to the Pegasus galaxy in search of the mythical city of Atlantis, where they now reside, the Pegasus galaxy is inhabited by several major human civilizations. These civilizations are the result of the Ancients seeding several planets with human life upon their arrival in the Pegasus galaxy. Most of these planet's civilizations are pre-industrial, but a few have developed more advanced technology.
A formerly advanced turned pre-[[industrialization|industrial]] civilization, the [[Athos (Stargate)|Athosians]] were the first Pegasus natives the Atlantis expedition encountered, just after arriving to Pegasus.<ref name="rising">{{cite episode| episodelink=Rising (Stargate Atlantis)| title=Rising| series= Stargate Atlantis}}</ref> Their planet was culled (eaten by wraith) shortly thereafter, and they moved to Atlantis' mainland. Their leader, Teyla, stayed in Atlantis and became a member of Major Sheppard's team.
In one of the team's first missions, they meet the [[Genii (Stargate)|Genii]], an advanced, militaristic culture with a technology level similar to mid-20th century Earth, that hide under the mask of simple, [[Amish]]-like farmers.<ref>{{cite episode| episodelink=Underground (Stargate Atlantis)| title=Underground| series= Stargate Atlantis}}</ref> They were at odds with the Atlantis expedition up until the "[[Coup D'etat (Stargate Atlantis)|Coup D'etat]]", when they arrived at an uneasy truce.
''Stargate Atlantis'' also features a number of non-human races. The most important are the two main enemies of the [[Ancient (Stargate)|Ancients]]: the [[Wraith (Stargate)|Wraith]] and the [[Asurans]], though an [[Asgard (Stargate)|Asgard]] and a [[Goa'uld]] (main races in sister series ''Stargate SG-1'') are also featured.
Though long gone from this plane of existence, the influence of the Ancients (or Alterans or 'Lantians) is felt deeply in the Stargate universe, for both good and bad. A highly technologically advanced race that once existed on [[Earth]] and other planets throughout the [[Milky Way]] Galaxy, the Ancients were the builders of the [[Stargate (device)|Stargates]]. Many million years ago, the Ancients travelled from Earth to a planet in the Pegasus Galaxy using their space faring city Atlantis. In Pegasus, after a long period of colonisation, they encountered an enemy, the Wraith (who had mutated as a result of some Ancients being attacked by a parasitic bug) who despite their inferior technology overwhelmed the Ancients with their strength of numbers. Besieged in Atlantis, the remaining Ancients submerged the city to prevent its technology from being exploited by the Wraith, before retreating to Earth, passing on not only the legend of Atlantis but also the gene that will be known as [[Ancient Technology Activation gene|ATA gene]] to the humans of Earth.<ref name="rising" />
A hive-based species that once drove the Ancients out of the Pegasus galaxy, the Wraith are the primary [[antagonist]]s of the Atlantis expedition. They feed off the life force of humans following a regular feeding cycle. That cycle, however, was upset when Major John Sheppard accidentally awoke all the Wraith from hibernation about 50 years ahead of schedule. Having learned of a new feeding ground, Earth, the Wraith's main purpose is to find the way there through Atlantis.<ref name="rising" />
First appearing in the episode "[[Progeny (Stargate Atlantis)|Progeny]]", the [[Asuran]]s (which are similar to the Milky-Way Replicators) are another powerful enemy of the Atlanteans (although created by the Lanteans as weapons). They are artificial life forms that evolved from an Ancient experiment to create powerful and aggressive nanites to attack the Wraith on a cellular level.<ref>{{cite episode| episodelink=Hot Zone (Stargate Atlantis)| title=Hot Zone| series= Stargate Atlantis}}</ref> However, the microscopic creatures came together to form increasingly larger and more complex organisms, eventually imitating their creators to become human in appearance. When the Ancients realized their experiment had gotten out of hand, they attacked this new race with their fleet of warships and nearly wiped them out. The Atlantis expedition became their enemies when they learned that the humans from Earth were descendants of the Ancients and living in Atlantis.
It has been stated that there will be a new race revealed in season 5, however it is currently unknown whether or not this race will be from the Pegasus Galaxy or not.
==Other media==
[[Image:SGA Reliquary.jpg|thumb|150px|Cover of the novel Stargate Atlantis: Reliquary by [[Martha Wells]]|right]]
===Fiction Books===
{{main|Stargate literature#Stargate Atlantis|l1=Stargate Literature}}
In late 2005, Fandemonium Press, which also publishes ''Stargate SG-1'' books, launched a new series of books based on ''Stargate Atlantis''. These books are available in all English-speaking countries and through online bookstores.
The official Stargate Magazine, produced by Titan Publishing, began publishing short stories written by Fandemonium authors in their 8th issue. The stories alternate between both SG-1 and Atlantis.
===Non-fiction books===
Stargate Atlantis Official Companions are published by [[Titan Books]].
* ''Stargate Atlantis: The Official Companion Season 1'' by Sharon Gosling.
* ''Stargate Atlantis: The Official Companion Season 2'' by Sharon Gosling.
* ''Stargate Atlantis: The Official Companion Season 3'' by Sharon Gosling.
===Comics===
{{main|Stargate Comics#Stargate Atlantis|l1=Stargate Comics}}
In 2006, [[Avatar Press]] launched a series of comics based on ''Stargate Atlantis''. Set in season 1, ''Wraithfall'' features story by Stewart Moore and art by Mauricio Melo. In this story, the Atlantis team meets the Karrans, a race that has made a bizarre deal with the Wraith.
===Soundtrack===
{{sample box start variation 2|Audio samples from original soundtrack composed by [[Joel Goldsmith]]:}}
{{multi-listen start|Audio samples of:}}
{{multi-listen item|filename=Stargate Atlantis Main Title.ogg|title="Stargate Atlantis Main Title" (2005)|description=Main title theme.|format=[[Ogg]]}}
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Stargate Atlantis features a [[symphonic orchestra]] soundtrack composed by [[Joel Goldsmith]]. Goldsmith's first task for the series was to compose the main title song, which was nominated for the '''Outstanding Main Title Theme Music''' [[Primetime Emmy Award|Emmy award]] in 2005. When composing the music, Goldsmith went for a more pastoral, [[Europe]]an and [[Americana]] approach, while keeping the adventurous, symphonic approach the producers wanted.<ref>{{cite book
| last = Gosling | first = Sharon | authorlink = Sharon Gosling | title = Stargate Atlantis: The Official Companion Season 1 | origdate = | origyear = 2005 | origmonth = July | publisher = Titan Books | location = London | id = ISBN 1-84576-116-2 | pages = 152-153 | chapter = Music: Joel Goldsmith}}</ref> Goldsmith's score for season 2 episode "[[Grace Under Pressure (Stargate Atlantis)|Grace Under Pressure]]" was nominated for an [[58th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards|Emmy Award]] for '''Outstanding Music Composition For A Series (Dramatic Underscore)''' in 2006.<ref>[http://www.emmys.org/downloads/images/2006emmys/PrimetimeNoms.php The 58th Primetime Emmy Awards and Creative Arts Emmys Nominations]</ref>
On November 22, 2005, [[Varèse Sarabande]] Records released the '''Stargate Atlantis Original Television Soundtrack''' CD. It contains 16 tracks, all from the series pilot "''[[Rising (Stargate Atlantis)|Rising]]''", with a total running time of 42:18.
===DVDs===
{{Stargate DVD Dates|Atlantis}}
The first [[United States of America|U.S.]] Stargate DVD release from [[Sony Pictures Home Entertainment]], [[Stargate SG-1]], or Atlantis, was the [[Television pilot|pilot]] [[episode]], [[Rising (Stargate Atlantis)|Rising]], as a standalone episode. It was released, in [[North America]], on [[June 7]], [[2005]]. <ref>{{cite web |url=http://tvshowsondvd.com/newsitem.cfm?NewsID=3176|title= Atlantis - Pilot Episode DVD Announced: Cover Art Details!| publisher=TVShowsOnDVD.com| work=David Lambert| accessdate=2006-10-17}}</ref> The full first [[Television season#Seasons.2FSeries|season]] was released, in North America, on [[November 15]], [[2005]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://gateworld.net/news/2005/09/iatlantisi_season_one_dvd_set_an.shtml|title= Atlantis Season One DVD set announced| publisher=Gateworld| work=Darren Sumner| accessdate=2006-10-17}}</ref> in new slim line cases.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://gateworld.net/news/2006/04/sony_switching_to_slim-line_isg-.shtml|title= Sony switching to slim-line SG-1 DVD sets| publisher=Gateworld| work=Darren Sumner| accessdate=2006-10-17}}</ref> Soon after the release of the first season set Sony received complaints that some [[Canada|Canadian]] customers bought sets that had the same content on both disk 1 and 5. Sony quickly offered a replacement disc. <ref>{{cite web |url=http://tvshowsondvd.com/newsitem.cfm?NewsID=4525|title= Stargate:Atlantis - Production problems plague Canada again!| publisher=TVShowsOnDVD.com| work=Gord Lacey| accessdate=2006-10-17}}</ref> In early [[2006]], Sony announced that Atlantis would become the first TV series released on the next generation [[Blu-ray]] platform. <ref>{{cite web |url=http://gateworld.net/news/2006/01/iatlantisi_among_sonys_first_blu.shtml|title= Atlantis among Sony's first Blu-ray offerings| publisher=Gateworld| work=Darren Sumner| accessdate=2006-10-17}}</ref> In mid-2006 [[MGM]], the producers of both Stargate series, switched DVD distribution companies from Sony to [[20th Century Fox Home Entertainment]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://tvshowsondvd.com/newsitem.cfm?NewsID=5891|title= Stargate SG-1 - Where's Season 9, and what about the slim packaging?| publisher=TVShowsOnDVD.com| work=Gord Lacey| accessdate=2006-10-17}}</ref> The distributor switch led to a delay in the release of the Season 2 box set, which was released on [[March 6]], [[2007]], in North America. <ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/newsitem.cfm?NewsID=6672|title= Stargate: Atlantis - Season 2 Date, Specs and Extras!| publisher=TVShowsOnDVD.com| work=Gord Lacey| accessdate=2006-12-30}}</ref>
==Awards==
*''Stargate Atlantis'' was voted as the inaugural "Favorite [[science fiction|Sci-Fi]] Show" during the 34th [[People's Choice Awards]]. It beat ''[[Battlestar Galactica (2004 TV series)|Battlestar Galactica]]'' and ''[[Doctor Who]]'' for the honor.
*The season one episode, ''[[Stargate Atlantis (season 1)#Episodes|Childhood's End]]'' won 3 international awards for Direction in 2005; New York, Houston and Chicago. Directed by Sci Fi veteran [[David Winning]].
==References==
{{reflist}}
==External links==
{{portalpar|Stargate}}
{{wikiquote}}
'''Official sites'''<br />
*[http://www.stargateatlantis.com MGM: ''Stargate Atlantis'']
*[http://www.scifi.com/atlantis SCI FI: ''Stargate Atlantis'']
'''Miscellaneous sites'''<br />
*{{imdb title|id=0374455|name=Stargate: Atlantis}}
*[http://www.gateworld.net/atlantis/ ''Stargate Atlantis'' episode guide] at [[GateWorld]]
*{{tv.com show|id=11415|name=Stargate Atlantis}}
{{StargateTopics}}
[[Category:Canadian science fiction television series]]
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[[Category:2004 Canadian television series debuts]]
[[Category:Wormholes in fiction]]
[[Category:Atlantis in fiction]]
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