Dr. Carson Beckett will not survive the third season of Stargate Atlantis, which returns to U.S. television this Friday (story). But he will be back next year, executive producer Joseph Mallozzi revealed to SaveCarsonBeckett.com this week.

Beckett, played by actor Paul McGillion, was killed off in the very memorable episode “Sunday,” which has already aired in Canada and the United Kingdom. The death of the Scottish doctor launched a passionate response from fans, who even protested in the rain outside of the show’s set (story).

McGillion has signed to appear in a two-part story in the second half of Season Four. The writers are also working on a possible third episode for the doctor.

But wait … is this a writer’s trick? Will fans get to see a hologram, or alternate universe Beckett, or an alien impersonation? “When he returns for the two-parter, it will be Carson Beckett in the flesh,” Mallozzi assured fans. “Late in Season Three, we discussed the manner in which the character had been written out and the possible ways in which he could be brought back. I threw out an idea that not only brought Carson back, but answered a very big question I had concerning a late-season arc.

“In order to lay the groundwork for his possible return, we threaded a subtle hint into one of the late Season Three episodes. So, if fans want to know how we plan on bringing the good doctor back from the dead, they should seek out the hidden clue when the back half of Season Three returns to SCI FI this Friday, April 13th.”

The return appearance will also leave open the door for Beckett’s potential return in a fifth season of Atlantis, he said.

Mallozzi promised fans at the March rally that, if their campaign managed to get publicity for the show from a major U.S. source such as Entertainment Tonight or Access Hollywood, he would write Beckett into the back half of Season Four. The campaign has been covered by multiple print, radio, and television shows (primarily in Canada), and fans recently displayed a campaign sign in the on-camera window at The Today Show in New York City.

“I’m a man of my word,” Mallozzi told the site. “The SCB Campaign upheld their end of the bargain, so I’m upholding mine. I am pleased to announce that Carson Beckett will be returning to Atlantis for a two-part story in the back half of Season Four.”

The show’s fourth season promises a darker tone and some significant developments. “Fans can look forward to some major developments and revelations regarding the Wraith, the Replicators, and our characters. Year four is going to be a little darker than past seasons as a lot of elements we have put in play since the premiere being to gel and pay off.”

New episodes of Stargate Atlantis kick off this Friday, April 13, at 9 p.m. Eastern/Pacific on SCI FI Channel! Season Four is now in production, headed for a fall 2007 premiere. Read the full Q&A with Joseph Mallozzi now at SaveCarsonBeckett.com.