Sheppard’s (Joe Flanigan) team receives an invitation to a meeting that may lead to a Federation (nicely played Woolsey (Robert Picardo)). Unfortunately, it’s a ploy. The team is put on trial for their actions since arriving in the Pegasus Galaxy.

That’s right, we’re getting a clip show.

Kind of.

Written by Alex Levine, and featuring clips by Carl Binder, Robert C. Cooper, Ken Cuperus, Peter DeLuise, Martin Gero, Alan McCullough and Brad Wright, Inquisition first aired on 24 October, 2008.

A tribunal of three judges oversees the case and questions the team, and Sheppard works to defend their actions. But their guilt may have been predetermined. In the end, Woolsey, himself comes to testify.

Once Woolsey cottons to the game that is actually being played, the Genii are behind this, he plays the game, and is able to save the day. Picardo is fantastic as his character does more than we’ve seen before. We know he’s in charge of the expedition, but now we see that he’s a solid negotiator, and can work the system fo save his people.

There is truth to both sides of the argument. But has the Atlantis Expedition done harm than good since their arrival in Pegasus?

The episode also gives a good recap of everything that has gone before it. Setting us up nicely for the run towards the series conclusion. It reminds us of narrative threads and characters, and also lets us look at the actions and decisions of the Expedition and the impact they have had.

The Prodigal was written by Carl Binder and debuted on 7 November, 2008.

The episode opens with some fun stuff between Woolsey and Ronon (Jason Momoa) about reports, and Sheppard and McKay (David Hewlett) racing RCs. Both are great character beats.

The power is shut down all over Atlantis, locking people down, and trouble arrives in the form of Michael (Connor Trinneer) and his people looking for Teyla’s (Rachel Lutrell) child. He believes there is something in the child’s genetic makeup that could help him in his quest of galaxy conquest.

He demands Teyla and the child surrender to him, or he’ll activate the city’s self-destruct.

McKay and Sheppard try to reach McKay’s lab and also working on getting access to a puddle-jumper so they can retake the Gate Room. Ronon and a security team are also at work on taking on Micheal’s people.

Zelenka (David Nykl) is able to help coordinate things, and the fight sequences that follow are solidly impressive. Through it all, Teyla works to keep her child hidden and safe. She is determined to defend her child, however, and shows just in time during the climactic fight between Sheppard and Michael, and the two heroes may finally vanquish the Wraith baddie, wrapping up one more story thread before series’ end.