The first review is as dead wrong as it can be. It seems as if the first reviewer does not appreciate the things that make science fiction as captivating as it is to its fans. This pilot for Stargate Atlantis was very well received by its target audience, and with good reason. Atlantis' milieu is different enough from that of its parent, SG1, to afford earnest exploration, and yet retains strong connections with that original Stargate universe which converted so many leagues to scifi fandom. If Atlantis has a problem, it is only the handicap of starting in the huge shadow of its overwhelmingly popular parent. Scifi die hards, having experienced the delayed success of Star Trek spin offs like The Next Generation and Deep Space Nine, know to expect a gradual building of quality through the first season, or perhaps two, before the spin off can sufficiently distinguish itself from its parent. For Atlantis, the end of season one sees this show having built to a staggering crescendo of excitement. If you haven't started watching, begin here, and get ready for the steady growth of a fine program!
Atlantis' pilot is appropriately exciting, but does not have the benefit of years of back story to heighten the mood, as does SG1. That said, Atlantis does a fantastic job of stepping out from under SG1. Throughout the first season, the writers wisely build the show's foundation of character and back story, gradually building suspense only as they can afford it through the credibility they've built. This means that the first few episodes subsequent to the pilot do not move as quickly as most Stargate fans have come to expect -- but then, it wouldn't be very credible for this brand new Atlantis team to save humanity three times in one episode, as we expect of SG1.
The cast is well-chosen. Even the least-likable, the arrogant Dr. McKay, shows his endearing qualities over time. Teyla "kicks ass," Dr. Weir proves a capable leader, both strong *and* feminine, and Major Shepard provides just the infusion of charm and fun everyone needs.
All in all, Stargate: Rising is an excellent start for a show with a strong heritage and fantastic potential.
Atlantis' pilot is appropriately exciting, but does not have the benefit of years of back story to heighten the mood, as does SG1. That said, Atlantis does a fantastic job of stepping out from under SG1. Throughout the first season, the writers wisely build the show's foundation of character and back story, gradually building suspense only as they can afford it through the credibility they've built. This means that the first few episodes subsequent to the pilot do not move as quickly as most Stargate fans have come to expect -- but then, it wouldn't be very credible for this brand new Atlantis team to save humanity three times in one episode, as we expect of SG1.
The cast is well-chosen. Even the least-likable, the arrogant Dr. McKay, shows his endearing qualities over time. Teyla "kicks ass," Dr. Weir proves a capable leader, both strong *and* feminine, and Major Shepard provides just the infusion of charm and fun everyone needs.
All in all, Stargate: Rising is an excellent start for a show with a strong heritage and fantastic potential.
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