Atlantis Returns with "Be All My Sins Remember'd"

Last Friday was the return of Stargate Atlantis, after only a month off during the holidays. I must say, I think this episode replaces "Missing" as my favorite episode of the season so far. After all the stuff SG-1 did with the replicators, its nice to know that there's still new stories and new twists they can write to keep the audience interested in the same old baddies (after all, they did it with the Go'auld for 10 years on SG-1).

The one and only part of the episode I thought could have been fleshed out more (but I know it was edited for time) was the moral dilemma of creating a sentient being in the form of a human-form replicator, and then sending her to her death. The thought came up, but was quickly bypassed. As Spock always said, "The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few", I suppose, right?

My favorite parts of the episode were: Teyla finally revealing "the news" to Shepperd and Ronon, the massive space battle scenes (those took four months to make!) and the huge twist at the very end of the episode, which they somehow managed to keep a secret from the grimy, needy hands of the spoiler-hungry fans.

Another scene that I really liked, although it may seem inconsequential to most, is when Rodney was explaining to Shepherd and Carter how they were going to destroy the replicators. Half way through the scene, a light finally flashes on in Carter's head and she understands what Rodney is talking about, and they both start finishing each other's sentences. I liked this scene because it was like the Carter we all know and love from SG-1 was back. I realize her job on Atlantis is more on the administration side of things - running the entire expedition - and that she usually takes a back seat to the team (Shepherd, Rodney, Teyla and Ronon), but I miss her coming up with all her crazy ideas to fix problems they get themselves into.

And, lastly, I must say that Rodney's idea to destroy the replicators comes close to topping Carter's "let's blow up the sun to destroy the Go'auld fleet" way back in early SG-1. Close...but not quite. Better luck next time Rodney. ;)