Reviews/Articles: Atlantis Season Four

[morjana]

SGA - IGN: Season Four Review:

From IGN:

http://tv.ign.com/articles/860/860174p1.html

(The review author rated SGA's season four with a 6.7 out of 10. Please follow the link for the complete review.)

Stargate Atlantis: Season 4 Review

We take a look at the somewhat troubled fourth season of SGA.

by Tory Ireland Mell


March 17, 2008 - Reflecting back on a sub-par fourth season, I'm reminded that it wasn't all bad; in fact it started pretty perfect and then progressively got worse. With a slew of rehashed SG-1 storylines, boring filler episodes, and poor character arcs it's a wonder Stargate Atlantis got picked up for a fifth season at all.

In Season 4 we saw a lack of "KAWHOOSH," and little actual gate travel - where the Stargate used to be a character in and of itself, it has become a special guest star. I think we saw the gate as much as we saw Teal'c this season.

**snippage**

One story arc that was insufferable was Teyla's pregnancy. When someone gets pregnant in the real world, you can write her off the show until after the birth, attempt to hide it, or choose to write the pregnancy into the show. But if you are going to use the person, be smart about it. Teyla's pregnancy was mistreated, from the father of the soon to be born child, to the things she actively did while pregnant.

**snippage**

So to sum it all up, Season 4 of Stargate: Atlantis was a less than perfect season, with lots of story problems. If you are a die-hard Stargate fan you will enjoy it and pray that they do better in its fifth season, recognizing that there were lots of problems. If you are new to the show and haven't seen it yet, there are a few episodes that will leave you slack-jawed and goggle-eyed, and a bunch that will have you wondering why it has been on for four seasons.

Go back, watch the first three seasons, and suffer through this one in hopes for a fantastic fifth season. One thing we have learned over the years from this franchise, is NEVER count them out!

[morjana]

SGA - Total SciFi: Review of Quarantine:

From Total SciFi:

http://www.dwscifi.com/reviews/1728-...n-4-episode-13

(Please follow the link for the complete review.)

Posted on Tuesday 18 March 2008

Stargate Atlantis: Quarantine (season 4, episode 13)

TV episode review

US airdate 18th January 2008 (Sci Fi Channel)

VERDICT: 5/10

**snippage**

Quite obviously, there was a budget splurge on the mid-season arc story, and the production belt had to be tightened in compensation. But that’s no excuse for a bottle show that is slow paced and occasionally excruciating, and a stock plot that seems brought in off the shelf.

There’s a little build up of tension around the other characters as they scurry about trying to solve the problem, but the emphasis on Rodney just leads to embarrassing moments. It was obviously designed to develop Rodney’s personal character arc – but, please, enough already! It’s getting painful.

Brigid Cherry

[morjana]

SGA - Total SciFi: Review of Harmony:

From Total SciFi:

http://www.dwscifi.com/reviews/1729-...n-4-episode-14

(Please follow the link for the complete review.)

Posted on Tuesday 18 March 2008

Stargate Atlantis: Harmony (season 4, episode 14)

TV episode review

US airdate 25 January 2008

VERDICT: 3/10

**snippage**

This is an absolute nadir for Stargate Atlantis. I’m pretty certain Atlantis has never fallen this low before, and Stargate SG-1 was never this abysmal.

**snippage**

Some Genii are thrown in to act as villains, but they’re absolutely wasted and given no dimension or depth. It all adds up to a big flat boring nothing of an episode.

Brigid Cherry

[morjana]

SGA - SFX Magazine Online: MORE Season 4 Episode Reviews:

SFX Magazine Online just posted additional reviews for SGA's season four (please follow the links for the complete reviews):

"Quarantine"

http://www.sfx.co.uk/page/sfx?entry=...te_atlantis_45

Verdict: Very much a bottle episode, this doesn’t really achieve much and was clearly made on a pretty small budget – with the exception of the scenes with Sheppard scaling the city tower, the fact that all the action takes place in small, locked rooms keeps it all low-rent. You’ve got to feel sorry for McKay though – although I can’t really imagine him being married, it’s sad that he’s sabotaged his own relationship. The poor guy just can’t get a break.

"Outcast"

http://www.sfx.co.uk/page/sfx?entry=...te_atlantis_47

Verdict: There was good potential for some exploration of Sheppard’s strained relationship with his family here, but although what efforts are made are executed well, it still feels like a missed opportunity. The whole escaped Replicator stuff is rather dull, and while having Ava turn out to be a Replicator too is a nice twist, it’s obvious from the outset that she’s not all she appears.

"Trio"

http://www.sfx.co.uk/page/sfx?entry=tv_review_stargate_atlantis_48

Verdict: Another weak, money-saving filler episode, once again stuffed with annoying “comedy” bickering. It’s really quite pointless, and we never even see if they manage to complete the mission they were supposed to be carrying out – convincing a former mining colony to move for their own safety.

"Harmony"

http://www.sfx.co.uk/page/sfx?entry=...te_atlantis_46

Verdict: Dreadful episode, full of irritating “comedy” scenes and bickering. The fact that you just want to grab Harmony and give her a good shake doesn’t help matters (although, to be fair, Harmony’s annoying because she’s been written that way, not because Jodelle Ferland falls into the category of “annoying child actor”).

[morjana]

SGA - MGM Stargate: Last Look: Season Finale:


http://forum.gateworld.net/showpost....&postcount=251

[morjana]

SGA - Total SciFi: Reviews of "Trio" & "Outcast":

From Total SciFi:

http://www.dwscifi.com/

Review of "Outcast"

http://www.dwscifi.com/reviews/1752-...n-4-episode-15

(Please follow the link for the complete review.)

Posted on Thursday 27 March 2008
Stargate Atlantis: Outcast (season 4, episode 15)

TV episode review
US airdate 1 February 2008 (Sci Fi Channel)

**snippage**

There’s some minor character development in this episode involving Sheppard’s antagonism towards his brother, but these scenes are rather irrelevant to the actual plot. Meanwhile, the funeral itself is mainly a plot device for Sheppard to run into his ex-wife, who is conveniently able to get him government information on the nanite project.

**snippage**

This is clearly Joe Flanigan’s episode (he devised the storyline), and there is some attempt to draw a link between him and his family with the position of the Replicators to their creator. OK, so it’s not the most original idea in the world, but it has its moments.

Brigid Cherry

<><><><>

VERDICT: 6/10

Review of "Trio"

http://www.dwscifi.com/reviews/1753-...n-4-episode-16

(Please follow the link for the complete review.)


Posted on Thursday 27 March 2008

Stargate Atlantis: Trio (season 4, episode 16)

TV episode review
US airdate 8 February 2008 (Sci Fi Channel)

**snippage**

Stuck in a hole, sadly, seems to be quite an apt allusion for this show. There have been some highlights this season, but in the main it has been pretty disappointing and there are too many filler episodes. Which is a shame, a real shame. As much as I hate to say it, I found this episode thoroughly un-entertaining, rather boring, and at times downright infuriating to boot.

When was it exactly that the production team forgot what Carter is capable of? Why does she defer to McKay, even though he is clearly so inept? And why do the women in Atlantis now seem so utterly dreary and vacuous?

**snippage**

VERDICT: 4/10

[morjana]

SGA - SFX Magazine Online: Reviews of Season 4 Episodes:

From SFX Magazine Online:

http://www.sfx.co.uk/

(Please follow the episode links for the complete reviews.)

"Midway"

http://www.sfx.co.uk/page/sfx?entry=tv_review_stargate_atlantis_49

Verdict: A great episode after the dullness of the previous few. The dynamic between Teal’c and Ronon is electrifying, fantastically well-played by Christopher Judge and Jason Momoa and enormous fun to watch. This may be yet another filler episode, but it gets the one thing right that the others have gotten wrong – it’s entertaining!

"The Kindred, Part One"

http://www.sfx.co.uk/page/sfx?entry=...e_atlantis_410

Verdict: This really feels like it’s building up to an awesome season finale, and since this season has been disappointing, it’s a welcome upswing. Great to have Michael back again, he’s a fantastic villain and he’s done some really interesting stuff since his last appearance. Fab twist with the reappearance of Beckett at the end, too!

(The review author rated this episode with 5 stars [out of 5])

"The Kindred, Part Two"

http://www.sfx.co.uk/page/sfx?entry=...e_atlantis_411

Verdict: The second part of the two-parter is decent enough, but it doesn’t quite have the punch of the first. It really feels more like a bridge, designed to connect the events of the last episode and the things to come in the season finale, and that’s probably why it feels comparatively sedate after the first part. So we’ll see what the finale is like...

"The Last Man"

http://www.sfx.co.uk/page/sfx?entry=tv_review_stargate_atlantis_412

Verdict: Much like the mid-season finalé, it really feels like they've tried to do too much in this episode, and although it works a lot better than "This Mortal Coil", it still doesn't quite feel like a season finalé. I do like the central idea and it's interesting to see how the plot strands develop, but there's still something about "The Last Man" that isn't quite working for me.

[morjana]

SGA - Total SciFi: Review of Midway:

From Total SciFi:

http://www.dwscifi.com/reviews/1816-...n-4-episode-17

(Please follow the link for the complete review.)

Posted on Wednesday 09 April 2008

Stargate Atlantis: Midway (season 4, episode 17)

TV episode review

US airdate 15 February 2008 (Sci Fi Channel)

**snippage**

A slow start to the episode with some rather yawn-inducing and scantily written conflict between Teal’c and Ronan suddenly segues into something more exciting and dynamic when the Wraith appear. It’s great the Atlantis writers haven’t (yet) turned the Wraith into total pussycats, but it also suggests something may be off-kilter in the show when the villains steal the show quite so effortlessly.

**snippage**

Still, at least he seems grateful to Ronan at the end. And I’m glad to see the writers were also on the ball with that ‘first wave’ reference! Brigid Cherry

VERDICT: 7/10

[morjana]

SGA - Total SciFi: Reviews of "The Kindred, Parts 1 and 2":

From Total SciFi:

http://www.dwscifi.com/reviews/1886-...n-4-episode-18

(Please follow the link for the complete review.)

Posted on Thursday 24 April 2008

Stargate Atlantis: The Kindred part 1 (season 4, episode 18)

TV episode review

US airdate 22 February 2008 (Sci Fi Channel)

**snippage**

This episode sees things coming to some sort of a climax with arcs from season 3 being brought back into the storyline. This is nicely balanced all in all, and the return of a couple of key characters is not only welcome but something of a surprise (well, if you haven’t been reading any spoilers).

There is something sad and tragic in the tone of this episode throughout that thankfully isn’t overdone. And on top, the tension between Teyla and Sheppard is subtly underplayed – a bittersweet one for the ‘shippers this.

**snippage**

VERDICT: 7/10


<><><><><>

http://www.dwscifi.com/reviews/1887-stargate-atlantis-the-kindred-part-2-season-4-episode-19


(Please follow the link for the complete review.)

Posted on Thursday 24 April 2008

Stargate Atlantis: The Kindred part 2 (season 4, episode 19)

TV episode review
US airdate 29 February 2008 (Sci Fi Channel)

**snipapge**

Beckett’s return may have been something of a surprise to viewers who were in a habit of reading spoilers, but this episode also holds a few twists centered on Carson’s bewilderment as he comes to terms with what is happening to him. Paul McGillion is obviously relishing every moment as he reprises his character, and it’s great to have him back (if only, for the moment, quite briefly).

The downside to McGillion stealing the episode is it that it highlights how Jewel Staite is clearly no replacement for him. This reprise for Beckett is a reminder of a key dynamic that has been sorely missing from the series this season.

**snippage**

VERDICT: 8/10

[morjana]

SGA - Total SciFi: Review of "The Last Man":

From Total SciFi:

http://www.dwscifi.com/admin/articles/show/1928

(Please follow the link for the complete review.)

Posted on Friday 02 May 2008

Stargate Atlantis: The Last Man (season 4, episode 20)

TV episode review
US premiere 7 March 2008 (Sci Fi Channel)

**snippage**

An extremely well constructed ‘what if’ plot presents Sheppard with a bleak view of the future. To the production team’s credit, this is an exceedingly exciting episode full of moments both cheer-raising and poignant. But it’s really an actors’ showcase, and several cast members get some moments of glory.

Admittedly, the storyline doesn’t offer a lot of suspense in its own right. But when Sheppard does get back to the world he knows, there’s enough of a dramatic cliffhanger to tide anyone over till season 5…

- Brigid Cherry

VERDICT: 8/10

[morjana]

SGA - Grey Hunter: Highlights of Season Four:

From Grey Hunter's blog, 'A Hand in the Act of Writing:'

http://grayhunter.wordpress.com/2008...f-season-four/

(Please follow the link for the complete blog article.)

Stargate: Atlantis: Highlights of Season Four

June 7, 2008

July 11 is the premiere date for Season Five of Stargate: Atlantis. To get ready for that, let’s consider the past season. It had some changes, to be sure. It wasn’t the best season, but it did the job of furthering Atlantis’ adventures.

The biggest change in the fourth season of SGA was at the ‘captain’s chair,’ so to speak. Weir was, basically, killed off and Samantha Carter from SG-1 took over. They gave her a nice offing: she sacrificed herself to them to save her team. This allowed the writers to pursue the Replicator storyline through the course of the season. Due to Weir’s knowledge of Atlantis, Replicators built a replica of the city. Only, these were good Replicators, those seeking ascension. That’s right, digital immortality. One of these good Replicators even went messianic - sacrificing herself to destroy the Replicator homeworld. The orbital battle above their world was outstanding - full of Earth battleships, Replicator battleships and even Wraith battleships.

**snippage**

Well, Season Four could have been much more powerful. The attempted character development wasn’t as successful as it could have been. “Midway” is a good example. Ronon didn’t change or grow that much. Not like he could have. He resented T’ealc, which was expected, and ended up respecting him in the end, but that was virtually a given. When being interviewed by the I.O.A, however, he responded with very brief “Yes” and “No” answers. What else would we expect? Did anyone really think he’d just blast them all? No. Plus, he’d just spent some time expending all his hostility on Wraith, so he was at ease when he was finally interviewed. Well, it’s not like the do a lot with Ronon’s character anyway, which is a shame.

Overall, it was a decent season, if a little slow. It set up a number of stories that need to be completed in the next season. I look forward to the new season, but I worry about SGA’s future. More on that in a future entry.

[prion]

http://www.syfyportal.com/news425115.html

SyFy 101: The Good, The Bad, The Disappointing Of 2007-08

Excerpt:

A combination of the 2008 SyFy Genre Awards and Alan Stanley Blair’s recent SyFriday column “Is This The End Of New Sci-Fi” put me in reflection mode.
Now that this television season, for all intents and purposes, is completed, I would like to reflect on what was, overall, a disappointing television season, with a few high points.

A few programs, like "Supernatural" (which happens to be my favorite program), "The Sarah Connor Chronicles," and "Pushing Daisies" pretty much met my expectations, therefore I see no reason to comment on them. They were entertaining and generally provided quality entertainment, but failed to surprise me one way or the other. "Battlestar Galactica" is in the middle of its final season, so I have decided not to judge it until "all is revealed."
Keep in mind this is one man’s list and is subject to my own personal biases, likes and dislikes. I can’t watch everything, so if a show isn’t on the list, like "Doctor Who," "Ghost Whisperer" or "Stargate: Atlantis," it is because I don’t watch them regularly and have no basis to judge the overall season.

[morjana]

Stargate Atlantis - Season 4 DVD Reviews:

http://forum.gateworld.net/showpost....56&postcount=1