It's suddenly struck me that I've yet to review last week's new episode.

Probably the weakest episode to air so far. The kind of episode that's been seen many, many times before, not least of which being Star Trek. Having said that it didn't turn out as badly as I thought it might have done at one point.

I like the kind of Anti-Star Trek Prime Directive principles of McKay though. "They don't know about this here device that protects them from the Wraith, so it won't be wrong if I steal it....." :lol:

No real change here either in the characterisation, with Shepherd and McKay once again hogging the lion's share of it. One thing that has struck me thus far is that Weir as a leading character isn't that prominent, her role is quite subdued over the past 2 or 3 episode, in fact it's Shepherd that seems to be frontlining the series.

As episodes go, I'd have to say I found this one slightly disappointing, although, I've seen far worse episodes of other series.

Had it not slightly picked up from when McKay was with the children, I was sorely tempted to turn this episode off.

The whole thing was a cliché, filled with obvious plot elements, ranging from the 'shoving our unwanted oar into established tradition', to the 'leader who sides with our heroes while the second in command distrusts them, and gets the militia to side with him'. Hell, I've got SG-1's 'Memento' on right now, and the entire stand-off at the end is virtually identical to this episode!!!
And let's not go anywhere near the tired old children who love chocolate/other Earth delicacy...

Quite frankly, were I not a Stargate fan, I'd have given up on Atlantis by now. The Wraith are carbon copies of the Goa'uld, except rather than take people over, they feed on them. The series itself is derirative of Voyager, taking the entire 'stranded on their own' concept, and then copying certain concepts (such as Suspicions's traitor storyline feeling just like Voyager's 'State of Flux'.) Plus, Shephard bores me, McKay annoys me with his dicking around, Tayla feels just like a weaker Teal'c with boobs, Ford doesn't even register most of the time (Mayweather, anyone?) and Weir needs to go to Tact 101. In fact, the only character who I liked was the Doctor!

Unimpressed doesn't begin to describe how I'm feeling about this series....

I'd agree with a few points there Phillip.

Certainly the characters of Ford and Tayla need work, Ford inparticular, I thought of the same analogy a few weeks ago. One of the other things that struck me was that Weir's supposed to be the primary character. This was supposed to emphasise the fact that the Atlantis team is not militarily led. However, with each passing episode she's being overshadowed by Shepherd.

With regards to the series itself, I'm still enjoying it. Is it derivative ?? Yes, to a degree, but not many shows aren't in their first season. Anyone remember TKO or Infection from B5's first year ?? ;)

Is it as good as SG1 ?? Of course not, not yet, and not by some way, but SG1's had over 7 years to iron out it's flaws. There's enough in Atlantis to keep me watching and hopeful for the future. As far as the Wraith go, I have to say they're a major improvement upon the Goa'uld who now represent little more than a parody of their once former great selves.

I'll be interested to see where the latter half of the season goes, but so far, acceptable. Although fewer episodes likes CHILDHOOD'S END would be nice :)

I'm not so cute I'd agree with Weir being the primary character though - if so wouldn't she get the top billing in the opening credits? From what I've seen, she's more of a Hammond-type character in terms of exposure: always there, but rarely in the thick of things. However, I'd have thought she was moredeserving of McKay's slot in the credits...

While it's true the Goa'uld have gone downhill, my problem is that the Wraith feel just like the Goa'uld, just with a slight few tweaks. Surely someone should have noticed this in the early days? Plus, while it is true that we should be lenient as it's the early episodes, surely the fact they've had 7 seasons of SG-1 behind them means they shouldn't need this excuse - after all, we all know Enterprise doesn't get this kind of leniency :)

TNG was granted two seasons' worth of leniancy ;)

I find the Wraith more appealing as a nemesis than the Goa'uld I have to say. Ever since the Apophis arc concluded, they've amounted to little more than a parody. It's one of the few things about the last few seasons that I'd have changed. They seriously need ditching now, they've played that particular story out.

I guess the only thing that irks me a bit about the Wraith is that they may be in danger of turning into SG's very own Borg. Ultra badass to weaklings in the space of a few seasons. For saying that these are the guys that took down the Ancients, the SG gang don't apear to have had too many problems just yet. Granted they're only just coming out of 'hibernation', but they should really have swatted Atlantis like flies :rolleyes: