Early iTunes release for ‘Midway’

Fans of Stargate Atlantis are dusting off their Jaffa dictionaries in preparation for Teal’c’s appearance on this Friday’s episode — but some have already gotten an early peek. iTunes had the episode “Midway” available for download on Monday morning.

The episode costs $1.99 (plus tax).

Assuming the early release is an error, it is the second iTunes error of the season. “Doppelganger” was accidentally released shortly after the season premiere, “Adrift,” aired on television (story). “Doppelganger” was filmed out of order, giving it the production number “401” and likely leading to the behind-the-scenes confusion.

Much of the second half of Season Four was also filmed out of order, and GateWorld sources indicate that “Midway” may have carried a production number of “416,” though its airing number is 417.

iTunes correctly released last week’s episode, “Trio,” on Saturday morning — making the error all the stranger.

“Midway” guest stars Stargate SG-1 co-star Christopher Judge as (a now long-haired) Teal’c, who visits Atlantis to coach Ronon Dex (Jason Momoa) before he is interviewed by the I.O.A. to determine his fitness for duty. The episode airs Friday, February 15 at 10 p.m. (9 Central) on SCI FI Channel in the U.S., and Tuesday, February 19 at 8 p.m. on Sky One in the U.K.

Learn more about “Midway” in GateWorld’s episode guide, and watch a preview scene now on GateWorld Play!

(Thanks to Jonathan Babb for the tip!)