TV episode review
US airdate 18 July 2008 (Sci Fi Channel)

Woolsey’s arrival at Atlantis is initially underwhelming, but puts pressure on Keller to proceed with tests for her treatment for Beckett’s condition - though she is hiding some problems of her own. She revives Beckett and her serum works, which given her own deterioration, is timely. When Woolsey quarantines the rest of the team who were in Michael’s destroyed lab fearing they are infected too, it is up to Beckett to determine the threat to Keller and all of Atlantis…

Nice to see Beckett back in action and leading an episode, but he looks distractingly odd all the way through, with far too much make-up slapped on. Perhaps he’s meant to look ill or perhaps it’s a result of the high definition filming, but it detracts a little too much.

Oh, but what an intriguing storyline this episode has. It explores an interesting example of Wraith technology that, while not entirely original within the realms of science fiction, provides a powerful and captivating theme. If only we could have seen a Wraith ship grow to completion, now that would have been something.

Alongside this the character interaction is a little flat – as if the cast and crew hasn’t quite gelled back together again yet. Still, it works in terms of action to get the final series underway, and the effects are as classy as ever. Brigid Cherry

VERDICT: 8/10

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