Robert Picardo's Robert Woolsey will take command of the Atlantis expedition in the fifth season of The Sci Fi Channel's Stargate Atlantis, which starts filming this month.

The new 20-episode season, which will include the 100th episode of the Stargate spin-off series, will also see Paul McGillion reprise his role as Dr Carson Beckett for five episodes. Stargate: SG-1's Amanda Tapping and Michael Shanks will be special guest stars.

Sci Fi is promising "new and surprising developments" this season, as the status quo is shaken after the events of season four. "Some cherished friends are lost," the channel says, "and others are found. New alliances are forged while new races are introduced."

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