Stargate: Atlantis launched with a feature length debut episode on 16 July, 2004. It was written by Robert C. Cooper and Brad Wright. O’Neill (Richard Dean Anderson) and Daniel (Michael Shanks) shows up to assist in the launch. It’s fun, looks great and expands the Stargate universe.

Dr. Weir (now played by Torri Higginson) has taken up command of the Antarctic installation, investigating the Ancient outpost left there. She is aided by an international team, including Canadian Dr. Rodney McKay (David Hewlett) and Scot Carson Beckett (Paul McGillion) – who make for a wonderful pairing.

Daniel has figured out that the Lost City, the Atlantis of Earth mythology was an Ancient city that left millions of years ago (a flying city?!). It’s gone to another galaxy, the Pegasus galaxy, and Daniel has figured out how to dial the gate to get there.

O’Neill arrives with pilot Major John Sheppard (Joe Flannigan) who, conveniently, also has the gene that powers Ancient technology. He elects to join Weir’s team, but they’ve learned they need the recovered ZPM (Zero Point Module) to power the gate.

O’Neill gives the okay, and the international team, with some military forces led by Colonel Sumner (Robert Patrick) head through the gate.

A galaxy away, they find the submerged city of Atlantis. Success! But the shield protecting the city from the waters’ depths is slowly coming down as the power is rerouted to awaken the city now that its occupied again.

McKay suggests going to another world through the gate to find more ZPMs to help hold the power, and save the city. Sumner, his squad including Lt. Aiden Ford (Rainbow Sun Francks) and Sheppard head out.

They meet a civilization of humans, including Teyla (Rachel Luttrell) and Halling (Christopher Heyerdahl). They warn the visitors that the Wraith may be coming. And this introduces the the big bad of the series. (and also take up residence in Atlantis with our team).

The Wraith find on human life energy, and will cull civilizations when they are hungry, after they’ve been awakened.

And guess who’s mistakenly awakened them? Will they be able to elude the Wraith? Will they be able to save the city before it’s crushed underwater? What other secrets does the Pegasus Galaxy hold?

There’s lots going on, there’s a great sense of wonder as the stargate team discover the wonders of Atlantis; from tech to puddle-jumpers to stargates in space.

The script is laced with lots of action, humor, and the introduction of all the major players. Launching off of SG-1, there’s a bit of catch-up in the beginning to make sure new viewers are brought up to speed, and while it’s nice to see O’Neill and Daniel shepherd the series into existence, it is very much it’s own thing from the get go.

Each character has their own trait to make them unique and a member of the team, and it’s obvious that Sheppard and Weir are going to be the military versus civilian angle. There should be some ethical episodes, some action packed episodes, and McKay and Beckett will no do doubt be a lot of fun together.

It’s a very good pilot, works incredibly well, looks great and sets up the series nicely.

Let’s see how Season One plays out!