Stargate Atlantis: The Complete Fifth Season
Reviewed By: Jessica Grabert
Atlantis, set in the Pegasus galaxy far away, where giant
CGI towers protect a conglomerate of earthlings from a race known as
the Wraith whose sole purpose in life is, conveniently, to suck the
life out of mass human populations (They all speak English!), turning
them into grotesque masses of jerky. Sounds a little over-the-top and
silly? That’s because it is…
5 / 10 stars
Rating:
2.5/5
Season five doesn’t waste any time, shocking audiences off the bat by
firing strong, intellectual, often hot-as-hell (but only with long
hair) Stargate alum Samantha Carter (Amanda Tapping), replacing her
with Richard Woolsey (Robert Picardo), whose list of adjectives would
not be nearly as exciting to word vomit into print. You probably don’t
remember him as Coach Cutlip on The Wonder Years, a show that has not
yet made it to DVD. Once the Atlantis base settles down, the team
continues their work fighting Wraith and saving various races from
whatever trials and obstacles that may come their way.
It seems silly that Brad Wright’s formulaic babies would continually
disband to be sent to another galaxy once the villains have grown
stale. It may be easier to build a new cast in a new place every now
and again to keep the average audience member interested; however, the
audience then loses the on-screen rapport that is one of the most
charming components of this final season. McKay (David Hewlett)
fighting with Ronan (Jason Momoa) over Dr. Keller’s (Jewel Staite)
affections may not be the most brilliantly affected moments—this may
have something to do with Momoa’s verbal acting deficiencies.
Regardless, several moments where little action is required, for
instance in “The Shrine” when Sheppard (Joe Flanigan) and McKay drink
and exchange sentiments before McKay’s succumbing to disease or in
“Remnants” where the entire team jokes and relaxes in a lazy evening
light capably show onscreen rapport to full effect.
The episode “Vegas” is shot CSI style, a refreshing change-up for
Stargate: Atlantis, one with many a copied camera angle, plot line,
and film coloring. Honestly, I would have much preferred an homage
to Bones, but probably I’m biased. The episode does bring a little of
Earth’s flavor into the show’s normally otherwise off world plotlines
and is noticeably sweeter because of the addition of Marilyn Manson,
The Rolling Stones, and Johnny Cash. Producers must have tossed most
of their budget into licensing those big boys. It’s almost like
watching Freaks and Geeks, you know, sans awkward adolescence. And
with explosions.
In season five, true to the Stargate franchise, the villainous
Wraiths wreak havoc, build alliances, and occasionally ask for help in
a matter much like their SG-1 counterpart the Goa’uld. There are
several stock episodes based on mysterious diseases—one in which McKay,
normally ever the cocksucker, falls ill and shows a rarely divulged
vulnerable side. The infiltration episode requirement for the season
is filled by Teyla (Rachel Luttrell) who is able to cross enemy bounds
by turning herself into a Wraith. At some point Sheppard and his team
are forced to deal with pesky, less educated villagers who aren’t
entirely down with the bold and brazen Earth (or American) way. None
of these plotlines are remotely new. But that’s not why people watch
Stargate. They watch it because it’s campy, kitschy, and fun—a guilty
or not-so-guilty pleasure. Unfortunately, without a drastic change in
villains or environment, tired plotlines will eventually hit a wall.
When this happens, there is nowhere to go…except a new galaxy…or
universe, if you will.
8 / 10 stars
Rating:
4.0/5
The discs are fanfare-filled—possibly attempting to keep sci fi fans
from wondering why they are spending money for a ridiculous television
endeavor when they could be saving money for when ASIMO hits the
public market. Highlights include: Mission Directives, otherwise known
as Behind-the-Scenes explanations for “Search and Rescue,” “Whispers,”
“Tracker,” and “Brain Storm,” respectively.
There are also two sets of
deleted scenes introduced by ultra-animated, awkwardly endearing
co-producer Martin Gero. The real gem within these scenes is a
nostalgic moment where guest star Bill Nye does his “science guy”
thing—it’s too bad they couldn’t find an extra fifty seconds of film
to throw audiences back into nineties-style educational programming.
I’ve oft seen worse extras and sometimes seen better, but I certainly
do not usually see as many options as these discs have to offer.
Side note: If interested in the upcoming release of Stargate:
Universe, the first disc features a pretty spectacular preview. Here’s
to hoping this won’t be a Medellin-like trailer tease.
Release Details
Release Date:
2009-06-30