When Atlantis began pre-production late in 2003, the producers had already cast the role of Dr. Weir. The character — an experienced linguist and successful international diplomat — had been introduced in the recently aired SG-1 season finale, “Lost City.” But rather than bring actress Jessica Steen into the spin-off series, the producers chose to recast the role with Ontario native Torri Higginson. After studying at London’s Guildhall School of Music and Drama, Torri appeared in a wide variety of TV series and movies — notably, for sci-fi fans, the movies and short-lived television series based on William Shatner’s “TekWar” novels.
Elizabeth was a complex balance of strength and confidence on the one hand, and vulnerability and disquiet on the other. When she was written off the show in 2007, fans of the character mourned (and petitioned). But Torri and Elizabeth leave a terrific legacy that will forever be a part of Stargate history. Here are our five favorite episodes:
(Season Three, Episode 11)
From Day 1 Elizabeth was a strong and capable leader of the Atlantis expedition, but her personal issues are forced to the forefront when the Ancients return to their city and ask the team to leave. They resettle back on Earth, but Elizabeth finds returning to her old life unsatisfying. After Atlantis, how can any other job measure up? She works on her memoirs (which she admits could probably never be published) and stays mainly to herself, even avoiding contact with her friends from Atlantis — until Carson Beckett comes calling and encourages her to join them for dinner.
When they learn that Atlantis has been taken by the Replicators, Weir joins the team in defying orders, stealing a Puddle Jumper, and returning to the Pegasus Galaxy. After years of responsibly following the mandates of Stargate Command and the I.O.A., it is nice to see her demonstrate her priorities with a little defiance.
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man, I sorely miss Dr. Wier (Tori H). She is a great actor. SGA started going downhill after she left IMHO.
ghost in the machine? maybe not. But the rest are great!
Go Elizabeth! I'm pleased with GateWorld's choices, and pleasantly surprised that they didn't do The Long Goodbye. Because though it had some good action (and that kiss!) it wasn't Lizzie after all. ;)
this mortal coil, real world, adirft, the long goodbye Torri reprises her role on NCIS january 13
Thanks for this--I really miss Elizabeth's character. I agree with all the choices, though I think the Ghost in the Machine Elizabeth is the 'real' Elizabeth, not a copy. If I remember correctly she explains that she was fully assimilated by her nanites after Oberoth takes her captive in "Lifeline". And though it was a great story (kudos to Michelle Morgan) I can't honestly say I agree that it was a fitting conclusion--it will always break my heart that the character's ending was written as it was.
I was surprised at how much I missed Weir's character when she was gone. I never was that happy with how she was written, as they never seemed to know what to do with her. But she sure had chemistry with the rest of the cast, and it's sad to see the writers couldn't find anything good for a strong woman character like Weir.
I did like The Long Goodbby, it showed Torri's range. But The Real World has got to be among my least favorite episodes ever done on Atlantis.
Before i sleep is like her best episode
Before I Sleep, The Eye/Storm, Lifeline and Adrift.
I never liked Real World, and I don't think Ghost in the Machine really counts.
As I sit here watching the marathon, I too am finding it hard to watch episodes with Torri because it reminds me how much I miss her character. Her chemistry with the rest of the cast was great, and I thought she did a lot with what little material she sometimes had. I am also still irritated with the way SF replaced her, and then tried to get her back a year later. Which makes the selection of "Ghost in the Machine" a very poor choice IMO. Nothing against Michelle Morgan, she did a great job. But that was written with Torri Higginson in mind, and I honestly don't blame her for not coming back. "This Mortal Coil" would've been a far better choice. Or even "Sunday". While not a Weir centric episode, seeing the character totally out of her comfort zone was a hoot. We miss you Torri!
Ghost in the Machine would have been an outstanding episode if Torri H. had been in it. Her scenes with Shepard and Teyla would have had more emotional weight.