The
first plot information on the premiere episode of Stargate Atlantis
has surfaced! The episode is tentatively titled "Rising" (or
"Rise.") The report also includes details on the spin-off
series' regular cast of characters, for which actors are currently being
auditioned. Beware of spoilers for the 2-part premiere in the report
below:
Teyla
(formerly "Mikala") now has a last name, "Emmagan."
Locations in the first episode include Atlantis, Athos city ("Athos"
may be the name of the planet), and an alien encampment. The team from
Earth is in a distant galaxy far from home, and are looking for something
called ZPMs. The Wraith are believed to be aliens that defeated the
Ancients long ago (possibly the virus that nearly wiped out the Ancients
was no accident).
The
inhabitants of the world featured in this episode -- apparently a different
world than the one where Atlantis is located, the show's home base --
were once advanced, but when the Wraith attack happened, they where
decimated. These are Teyla's people, and they fear to return to the
great city their ancestors once inhabited, believing that the Wraith
will return. They now live in a primitive state, at least by appearances,
but still possess some high-level technology and the knowledge of how
to use it. They do not allow themselves to become too advanced, because
every few hundred years the Wraith return to "cull their human
herd." They believe that if they advance to their previous level,
the Wraith will annihilate them completely.
The
new series is based in the lost city of Atlantis, in another galaxy.
Under the command of Dr. Elizabeth Weir, the team will eventually establish
a base in the city, which includes a Stargate. But in the premiere,
Atlantis seems to be underwater, or at least at the edge of an ocean,
so that a great energy shield must hold back the waters. The team's
arrival damages this, forcing them at one point to abandon the city
before the shield fails completely. (The episode's title, "Rising,"
could refer to the eventual destination of the city and the new base.)
Other
characters, both regulars and guest characters for the premiere, include
Colonel Marshall Sumner (the military commander), Major John Sheppard
(a team member, who builds a relationship with the alien Teyla), Lieutenant
Aiden Ford (another team member), Bates, (another team member), Wex,
Jinto, Halling, and Toran (four of Teyla's people), Dr. Benjamin Ingrim
(a scientist), and Grodin (apparently a scientist or engineer, who works
with Dr. Ingrim).
Based
on previous reports, it appears as though the series regulars for Atlantis
include at least Weir, Sheppard, Ingrim, Ford, and Teyla. Though only
a major in rank, Sheppard will probably become the commander of the
exploratory team after Colonel Sumner meets an ill fate. Weir will likely
remain at the Atlantis base, in a role similar to that played by General
Hammond on SG-1.
Stargate
Atlantis premieres this June on The Sci-Fi Channel, and is expected
to air alongside SG-1's eighth season on Friday nights.
