Categories: Episodes

PREVIEW: ‘Enemy At the Gate’

Beware of SPOILERS for “Enemy At the Gate” in this report.

GateWorld is counting down the final five episodes of Stargate Atlantis, a series that over the past five years has helped to make the SCI FI Channel a top ten cable network.

On July 16, 2004, Stargate Atlantis premiered on the SCI FI Channel. It was the highest-rated original series ever for the cable network, which had found big Stargate success with SG-1 reruns and the sixth and seventh seasons of that show. While later series like Battlestar Galactica would win more accolades from the press, and series like Eureka would beat it in the ratings, Atlantis helped give the network solid footing as a top ten cable channel.

Tonight, the series comes to an end with the final episode, “Enemy At the Gate.” The episode picks up where “Vegas” left off, as the Wraith’s signal reaches our reality and points an advanced, Z.P.M.-powered hive ship toward Earth. The team must work with Stargate Command — and take drastic measures — to save their own home planet.

Look for appearances by Amanda Tapping (“Samantha Carter”) and Colin Cunningham (“Paul Davis”), plus returning SGA favorites like Christopher Heyerdahl (“Todd”), Mitch Pileggi (“Steven Caldwell”), and Paul McGillion (“Carson Beckett”). It is sure to be an hour that will impact the Stargate universe in remarkable ways.

Here is how TV Guide describes this week’s episode:

Todd warns Atlantis about a sophisticated hive ship and encourages the team to attack the vessel before it can pose a threat to Earth in the series finale.

And from SCI FI:

Todd contacts Atlantis and reveals that a Wraith subordinate has managed to acquire several Zero Point Modules that he has used to power a formidable new hive ship. He urges Woolsey to attack and destroy before it becomes a threat to Atlantis.

On board the Daedalus, Colonel Caldwell, Colonel Sheppard and the rest of the team, rush to engage the new hive ship. But the Z.P.M. powered vessel proves itself an impressive opponent, crippling the Daedalus before making a sudden and inexplicable jump into hyperspace.

Puzzled over the Wraith’s sudden departure, the team picks up a weak subspace signal in Wraith code. McKay is quick to recognize that the communique was sent, through subspace, from another reality. Once deciphered, their worst fears are realized. The Wraith message contains a familiar set of coordinates. The hive ship is on its way to Earth!

Click below to watch SCI FI’s on-air advertisement:

And MGM’s video preview:

Finally, here’s a peek at some of the episode photos — head over to the Stargate Image Gallery to see the rest!

The final episode of Stargate Atlantis airs Friday, January 9 at 9 p.m. (8 Central) on SCI FI in the United States! Visit GateWorld’s episode guide to read more on the episode, and don’t miss the rest of our Atlantis celebration this weekend.

Darren

Darren created GateWorld in 1999 and is the site's managing editor. He lives in the Seattle area with his wife and three spin-off Stargate fans.