The final episode of Stargate Atlantis was “Enemy at the Gate,” aired on January 9, 2009. This action-packed conclusion saw the Atlantis expedition facing their most daunting threat yet: a fully powered Wraith hive ship utilizing Asgard technology.
The Curtain Falls: “Enemy at the Gate” Deconstructed
“Enemy at the Gate” marked the end of Stargate Atlantis after five seasons. The episode wastes no time in throwing viewers into the thick of the action. The story revolves around a Wraith hive ship, upgraded with Asgard technology stolen from the Odyssey in Stargate SG-1. This formidable weapon is poised to attack Earth, potentially devastating the planet.
The episode showcases the strategic brilliance of John Sheppard and the Atlantis team as they race against time to intercept the hive ship. They utilize various strategies, including the Daedalus-class starship Apollo and the Atlantis’s own impressive defenses. The team faces numerous challenges, including internal sabotage and overwhelming firepower from the Wraith vessel.
The core conflict arises from the Wraith’s enhanced capabilities. The Asgard technology grants them shields far beyond anything previously seen, rendering most weapons ineffective. This forces the Atlantis team to rely on desperate gambits and innovative thinking to stand a chance.
Ultimately, the episode is a testament to the ingenuity and resilience of the Atlantis crew. Despite facing insurmountable odds, they manage to disable the hive ship and prevent it from reaching Earth. However, the victory comes at a cost, highlighting the sacrifices made throughout the series. The episode concludes with Atlantis cloaked and hidden near Earth, ready to defend the planet if needed. This open-ended conclusion left fans hoping for a continuation of the story, though a sixth season never materialized. The episode serves as a fitting, albeit bittersweet, ending to the Atlantis chapter of the Stargate universe.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Stargate Atlantis Finale
What was the central conflict in “Enemy at the Gate”?
The central conflict stemmed from a Wraith hive ship being upgraded with Asgard technology, making it an unprecedented threat to Earth. The Atlantis team had to find a way to stop it before it reached and potentially destroyed their home planet.
What Asgard technology did the Wraith acquire?
The Wraith acquired advanced Asgard shields and weapons, significantly enhancing the hive ship’s defensive and offensive capabilities. This technology was taken from the Odyssey in Stargate SG-1 during a previous encounter.
How did the Wraith obtain the Asgard technology?
The Asgard technology was taken from the Odyssey by a group of Replicators in Stargate SG-1. While not explicitly stated in “Enemy at the Gate,” it’s implied the Wraith acquired it through scavenging or trading with other entities, possibly Replicators who then dealt with Wraith.
What role did the Daedalus-class starship Apollo play in the episode?
The Apollo played a crucial role in intercepting the Wraith hive ship. It served as the primary offensive force against the Wraith vessel, employing its weapons and shields to engage in combat. Although outmatched, the Apollo bought crucial time for the Atlantis team.
Was there any internal conflict within the Atlantis team during the episode?
Yes, there was a plot element involving internal sabotage. A member of the Atlantis expedition was revealed to be working with the Wraith, providing them with information and weakening the city’s defenses. This added a layer of suspense and mistrust to the already dire situation.
How did the Atlantis team ultimately defeat the Wraith hive ship?
The Atlantis team used a combination of tactics, including exploiting weaknesses in the Wraith’s defenses and utilizing the Atlantis’s superior strategic positioning. They also used a modified ZPM (Zero Point Module) to overload the hive ship’s Asgard core, ultimately disabling it.
What happened to the Atlantis after the Wraith hive ship was defeated?
After the battle, the Atlantis was cloaked and hidden near Earth. This was done to protect the city and serve as a hidden defense platform in case of future threats.
Did the ending of “Enemy at the Gate” leave the door open for a continuation of the story?
Yes, the ending was somewhat open-ended. While it concluded the main storyline of the fifth season, the fact that Atlantis was hidden near Earth and ready to defend it implied that there could be future adventures. However, a sixth season was never produced.
Why was Stargate Atlantis canceled after five seasons?
The cancellation of Stargate Atlantis was attributed to a combination of factors, including declining ratings and budgetary constraints. MGM, the studio behind the show, decided to focus on other Stargate projects, including Stargate Universe.
Was there ever a movie planned to conclude the Stargate Atlantis storyline?
Yes, there were plans for a Stargate Atlantis movie titled Stargate: Extinction that would have resolved some of the unresolved plot threads from the series finale. However, the project was ultimately shelved due to the cancellation of Stargate Universe.
How does “Enemy at the Gate” compare to other Stargate Atlantis finales?
As the actual finale, “Enemy at the Gate” is significantly more impactful and action-packed than finales of previous seasons, which often left storylines open for continuation. It provides a sense of closure, albeit bittersweet, to the Atlantis story. Its stakes are higher, the threat is greater, and the sacrifices are more poignant.
What is the legacy of Stargate Atlantis and “Enemy at the Gate”?
Stargate Atlantis is remembered as a popular and well-received spin-off of Stargate SG-1. “Enemy at the Gate” serves as a fitting conclusion to the series, showcasing the characters’ bravery, ingenuity, and unwavering dedication to protecting both Earth and the Pegasus galaxy. The episode continues to be appreciated by fans for its action, suspense, and emotional depth. The cliffhanger ending, although never fully resolved on screen, fuels fan theories and keeps the spirit of Atlantis alive. The series helped expand the Stargate universe, introducing new races, technologies, and challenges, solidifying its place in science fiction history.