This episode is one of my favourites. A combination mystery / action plot, the story kept me on the edge of my seat throughout and had a nice twist at the end. In terms of plot, the danger that Atlantis faces escalates smoothly from a contained threat to a wholly uncontained and terribly threatening one. The ending has a beautifully unexpected twist, the implications of which are unfortunately not fleshed out in later episodes.
In spite of the tension, the writers also work in some good humour (using Zelenka and Lee). A few episodic characters are brought back, including Kavanaugh (who turns in a consistently realistic performance as the annoying, self-absorbed civilian with authority issues). The characters, especially Weir, are willing to own up to and consider the ethical dilemmas raised by their actions, a refreshing step in light of some of the episodes at the beginning of Season 3. And there's a lot of McKay in this episode (Confession time: McKay is my favourite character. Probably I'm one of the few people who is happy to see a lot of him in any given episode.)
Weak points: Teyla's emotional, poorly-considered decision will annoy some viewers who should see a much more obvious solution to the problem.
Still, good episode: Nice plot, nice characters, better-than-average treatment of ethical problems. Enjoy!
In spite of the tension, the writers also work in some good humour (using Zelenka and Lee). A few episodic characters are brought back, including Kavanaugh (who turns in a consistently realistic performance as the annoying, self-absorbed civilian with authority issues). The characters, especially Weir, are willing to own up to and consider the ethical dilemmas raised by their actions, a refreshing step in light of some of the episodes at the beginning of Season 3. And there's a lot of McKay in this episode (Confession time: McKay is my favourite character. Probably I'm one of the few people who is happy to see a lot of him in any given episode.)
Weak points: Teyla's emotional, poorly-considered decision will annoy some viewers who should see a much more obvious solution to the problem.
Still, good episode: Nice plot, nice characters, better-than-average treatment of ethical problems. Enjoy!