Actor Robert Picardo will appear in 14 of 20 episodes in the upcoming fifth season of Stargate Atlantis, according to executive producer Joseph Mallozzi (blog).

Picardo joins the show’s regular cast as Richard Woolsey, the role he has played on both Stargate SG-1 and Atlantis in numerous guest appearances over the last four years (story). Woolsey first appeared in the SG-1 Season Seven episode “Heroes, Part 2.”

Woolsey takes over as the commander of the Atlantis expedition, after the departure of Colonel Samantha Carter (Amanda Tapping) early in Season Five. With his brash personality, loyalties to the I.O.A., and questionable command decisions (“The Seer”), it will no doubt be a challenge for Colonel Sheppard and his team to adjust to their new leader.

It is not yet known which episode will be Picardo’s first as a regular cast member, but it is probably not the season premiere — “Search and Rescue,” which guest stars Tapping and will lead up to her character’s departure.

Season Five goes before cameras this week! Learn more in GateWorld’s episode guide.