Stargate: Atlantis 3.16: "The Ark"

Written by Ken Cuperus and Scott Nimerfro
Directed by Martin Wood

“Stargate: Atlantis” is approaching an interesting crossroads. While the flagship “SG-1” is approaching the end of its run, “SGA” is coming to the end of its current incarnation. After this season, cast changes will take place as characters from “SG-1” are absorbed. So while the series is not ending this season, for many, the feeling is much the same. Any episode that seems extraneous or self-contained is an episode that doesn’t deal with the big picture as originally conceived with the current cast.

Of course, the series is hardly a stranger to cast changes, and there’s no reason to think that the series will suddenly fall apart at the seams. It’s possible to enjoy the material on its own merits. Similarly, this episode can be enjoyed for what it is, warts and all. There are some flaws, and it lacks much connection to the current plot threads, but it’s still a competent stand-alone.

In essence, this episode gets back to some of the earliest episodes, where the team would encounter the legacy of the Ancient-Wraith war on world after world. The incursions of the Wraith are always a matter of tragedy, and this episode’s situation is no exception. In fact, by the time Jamis gives his confession to Teyla, the level of sacrifice is staggering.

For the most part, this is another Sheppard/McKay show, with a liberal dose of Ronon and Teyla tossed in for fun. It’s great to see Teyla get more screen time, even if her character continues to be relatively simple and a bit of a stereotype. Ronon, on the other hand, continues to be fun but offers nothing new. There are some good McKay moments (despite a seeming lack of change after the previous episode), and Sheppard is heroic, but this is not an episode devoted to character.

For me, the episode was elevated by Kenneth Welsh, an actor that has been on my radar since his time on “Twin Peaks”. If nothing else, he’s demonstrated an ability to transcend some questionable writing with a committed performance. This time around, he’s given a fairly meaty role and he sells it.

It’s not a perfect episode. There are few odd plot conveniences and logic problems. My favorite is the scene where Sheppard and Ronon struggle to seal the room they’re in as the moon base vents atmosphere. They struggle to close one door, and then struggle to close the other door in the opposite direction. That makes absolutely no sense at all, but despite those writing woes, I was quite entertained.

Writing: 1/2
Acting: 2/2
Direction: 2/2
Style: 2/4

Final Rating: 7/10