Stargate Atlantis Returns with Search and Rescue

This Friday, Stargate Atlantis returns for a fifth season. How amazing is that!  The first episode, “Search and Rescue” picks up exactly where we left off with our heroes trapped in the debris of Michael’s collapsed compound.  It’s a race against time to escape the planet before the bad guys arrive and that’s just the beginning of their troubles. Teyla is still in the hands of the hybrid-Wraith and she’s about to give birth. Will they shut down Michael’s operation?  Will they do the time-honored, ‘I don’t know nothing about birthing babies, gag?  And if the baby is born, after which hero will it be named?

The answers to these and all of your questions can be found. . well, not here.  You see, I received a preview copy of this episode weeks ago and have been in a quandary ever since.  I couldn’t figure out how to review the episode without giving away too many spoilers. In the end, I decided that it was impossible.

Sure I could say things like, “it’s action packed,” “full of suspense,” “out of the frying pan and into the fire,” but what would be the point. If you’ve ever seen Stargate Atlantis then you know it’s all those things.

What I will say is that I enjoyed this opener more than last year’s and much more than the previous finale.  In previous years it often felt like one, long, endless string of McKay muttering “we’re doomed” and Sheppard saying, “no, we’re not.” This time around the obstacles fit the storyline and they’re dispatched with great enthusiasm and flair.

In other words, I’m not going to tell you how it all comes out.  You’ll have to watch and see for yourself.

Stargate Atlantis premieres Friday, July 11 at 10 pm on SCI FI Channel.

Photos courtesy of SCI FI Channel