Stargate: Atlantis (2004 — 2009)

Stargate Atlantis (2004–2009) is a science fiction TV show within the Stargate franchise. It was developed by Brad Wright and Robert C. Cooper as a spin-off of Stargate SG-1, which was originally created by Wright and Jonathan Glassner and based on the 1994 film Stargate. The series aired for five seasons on the Sci-Fi Channel in the US and The Movie Network in Canada, premiering on July 16, 2004 and concluding its run on January 9, 2009. Filmed primarily in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

Seasons 1 (2004–2005). The first season of Stargate: Atlantis began airing in the US on July 16, 2004. Led by Dr. Elizabeth Weir, the Atlantis expedition arrives at the city of the Ancients. They encounter friendly Athosians and formidable enemies, the Wraith. Due to limited power, communication with Earth is impossible. Surviving in a new galaxy and mastering Ancient technology are crucial for defeating the Wraith and uncovering knowledge. Major Sheppard assembles his team – Dr. Rodney McKay, Lt. Ford and Athosian leader Teyla Emmagan – to initiate contact with other civilizations. However, their first mission results in another adversary – the technologically outdated Genii society. Further discoveries about the formidable Wraith lead to an evacuation plan, until a military group from Earth unexpectedly arrives to defend against the imminent attack. As they hold off the enemy, Earth’s powerful battleship is en route to Atlantis. The season concludes on a cliffhanger as the city remains under siege by the Wraith.

Seasons 2 (2005–2006). Stargate: Atlantis (2004-2009) the second season premiered in the United States on July 15, 2005. Continuing from where season 1 left off, the Atlantis expedition tricks the Wraith into thinking they have destroyed the city and regains semi-regular contact with Earth thanks to the Daedalus starship and a new ZPM (Zero Point Module) acquired by SG-1. As Sheppard receives a promotion to Lt. Colonel, Ronon Dex, a former Wraith captive, joins the team in place of the missing Lt. Ford. The main focus of this season is on Dr. Beckett’s retrovirus, designed to turn Wraiths into humans. However, an incomplete version inadvertently strips a young Wraith girl of her humanity and nearly transforms Sheppard into an Iratus bug. Later on, a more advanced version is tested on another living Wraith named ‘Michael’ with unpredictable results. Michael’s faction proposes an alliance with Atlantis but ultimately betrays them. Once again ending with a cliffhanger, the season concludes with the looming threat of Wraith heading towards Earth’s rich feeding grounds.

Seasons 3 (2006–2007). The third season of the show premiered in the United States on July 14, 2006, continuing the story from where season 2 left off. The expedition is faced with ongoing threats from the Wraith and a new enemy – the Asurans. An experiment gone wrong depletes their only ZPM, leaving them vulnerable without power for their shields. Luckily (or unluckily), they come across a lost Ancient vessel and are forced to relinquish control of Atlantis to its crew. The SGC sends General O’Neill and Richard Woolsey to negotiate with the Ancients for permission to return to Atlantis. However, an unexpected Asuran attack results in the death of all of the Ancients. O’Neill and Woolsey send a distress signal back to Earth before going into hiding. Despite strict orders not to do so, members of the expedition return to Atlantis and successfully defend against the Asuran invasion, rescuing O’Neill and Woolsey in the process.

Seasons 4 (2007–2008). The fourth season of Stargate: Atlantis premiered in the USA on September 28, 2007, and in the UK on October 9, 2007. According to the writers, this season would take the series in a new direction following the dramatic events of season three’s finale. As our heroes face numerous challenges, such as Weir’s incapacitation and a damaged city with dwindling power, they launch a mission to Asuras in search for a ZPM. However, their plans are thrown into disarray when Weir is captured by their enemies. To navigate through these difficult circumstances, Colonel Samantha Carter becomes a regular member of the team and takes over leadership of the expedition. In ‘Lifeline’, she plays a crucial role in finding a new home for Atlantis before being called back to the SGC.

Seasons 5 (2008–2009). In season five of Stargate: Atlantis, Richard Woolsey replaces Carter as the expedition leader. Teyla, previously captive to Michael, gives birth to Torren John and escapes with her team before they can defeat Michael. Despite his attempts to invade Atlantis and take Torren, Michael is ultimately killed thanks to the efforts of Sheppard, Teyla, and McKay. This season also introduces a group of rogue Asgard who conduct experiments on humans in order to prolong their own lives. They steal a device called ‘The Attero device’ but it is later destroyed. With the combination of this device and the Hoffan drug used by Michael, the Wraith’s power is significantly weakened, allowing the humans of Pegasus galaxy to form a coalition. Along the way, McKay develops romantic feelings for Keller and they eventually begin a relationship.