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Stargate Atlantis Episode Guide: Your Essential Viewing Order

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Embarking on a journey to the Pegasus Galaxy with Stargate Atlantis (SGA) is an exciting venture for any science fiction enthusiast. However, navigating the Stargate universe can be a little daunting, especially when considering its connection to Stargate SG-1 (SG-1). For newcomers eager to dive into SGA without committing to all ten seasons of SG-1, this Stargate Atlantis Episode Guide offers a streamlined path to ensure you grasp the essential backstory and fully appreciate the Atlantis expedition.

This guide is designed for first-time viewers of Stargate Atlantis who want to enjoy the series with crucial context from SG-1, without needing to watch hundreds of episodes. It highlights the prerequisite SG-1 episodes that lay the foundation for SGA and suggests key tie-in episodes to enhance your viewing experience as you progress through each season of Atlantis.

Prerequisite Episodes: Launching Your Atlantis Mission

Before you set foot in the Lost City, these Stargate SG-1 episodes are essential viewing. They introduce vital characters, overarching themes, and critical plot points that directly impact Stargate Atlantis.

  • “Children of the Gods, Parts 1 and 2” (Stargate SG-1 Season 1, Episodes 1 & 2): This foundational two-parter introduces the core SG-1 team and establishes the Stargate universe, including the Stargate itself, Goa’uld threats, and the fundamental premise of the franchise. Understanding these basics is crucial before moving to Atlantis.

  • “48 Hours” (Stargate SG-1 Season 5, Episode 14): This episode marks the debut of Dr. Rodney McKay. McKay becomes a pivotal character in Stargate Atlantis, so this introduction is highly recommended to understand his initial character and background within the Stargate program.

  • “Redemption, Parts 1 and 2” (Stargate SG-1 Season 6, Episodes 1 & 2): Featuring Rodney McKay again, these episodes showcase his expertise and further develop his character. They also touch upon advanced Ancient technology, a recurring theme in Atlantis.

  • “Full Circle” (Stargate SG-1 Season 6, Episode 22): This episode signifies the beginning of the search for the Lost City of the Ancients, known as Atlantis. It sets the stage for the entire premise of Stargate Atlantis and the expedition to the Pegasus Galaxy.

  • “Fallen” (Stargate SG-1 Season 7, Episode 1) & “Homecoming” (Stargate SG-1 Season 7, Episode 2): These episodes directly precede the discovery of Atlantis and involve crucial developments related to Ancient technology and the ongoing SG-1 storyline that has ramifications for the Atlantis mission.

  • “Heroes, Part 2” (Stargate SG-1 Season 7, Episode 18) & “Inauguration” (Stargate SG-1 Season 7, Episode 20): These episodes introduce Richard Woolsey, a character who plays a significant role in later seasons of Stargate Atlantis. Understanding his initial involvement with the Stargate program provides context for his subsequent appearances.

  • “Lost City, Parts 1 and 2” (Stargate SG-1 Season 7, Episodes 21 & 22): Absolutely critical viewing! These episodes introduce Dr. Elizabeth Weir and depict the actual discovery of Atlantis on Earth. They directly lead into the pilot episode of Stargate Atlantis and explain the origins of the Atlantis expedition.

  • “New Order, Parts 1 and 2” (Stargate SG-1 Season 8, Episodes 1 & 2): Featuring Elizabeth Weir and directly preceding the Stargate Atlantis pilot “Rising,” these episodes are the final piece of essential SG-1 viewing. They set up the departure to Atlantis and are crucial for understanding the immediate context of the Atlantis mission. You must watch these before starting Stargate Atlantis.

Tie-In Episodes: Enhancing Your Atlantis Experience

While watching Stargate Atlantis, these SG-1 episodes offer enriching tie-ins. They feature crossovers, character appearances, or plot elements that resonate with and enhance the Atlantis narrative. Viewing these in conjunction with your Atlantis watch-through will deepen your understanding and enjoyment of the wider Stargate universe.

  • “Moebius, Parts 1 and 2” (Stargate SG-1 Season 8, Episodes 19 & 20): Featuring Rodney McKay, this time-travel adventure is best viewed between The Gift (SGA Season 1, Episode 18) and The Siege, Part 1 (SGA Season 1, Episode 19). It provides further insight into McKay’s character and his history.

  • “Prototype” (Stargate SG-1 Season 9, Episode 9): Richard Woolsey is featured in this episode, which is best placed between Trinity (SGA Season 2, Episode 6) and Instinct (SGA Season 2, Episode 7). It further develops Woolsey’s character and his interactions within the Stargate universe.

  • “The Scourge” (Stargate SG-1 Season 9, Episode 17): Another Richard Woolsey appearance, this episode is suggested viewing between The Long Goodbye (SGA Season 2, Episode 16) and Coup D’Etat (SGA Season 2, Episode 17). It adds to Woolsey’s ongoing storyline and his role within the Stargate command.

  • “Flesh and Blood” (Stargate SG-1 Season 10, Episode 1) & “Morpheus” (Stargate SG-1 Season 10, Episode 2): These episodes both feature Richard Woolsey and are recommended between Michael (SGA Season 2, Episode 18) and Inferno (SGA Season 2, Episode 19), and Misbegotten (SGA Season 3, Episode 2) and Irresistible (SGA Season 3, Episode 3) respectively. They continue to build Woolsey’s character arc and his involvement in Stargate affairs.

  • “The Pegasus Project” (Stargate SG-1 Season 10, Episode 3): This episode is best viewed between Irresistible (SGA Season 3, Episode 3) and Sateda (SGA Season 3, Episode 4). It directly ties into the Atlantis storyline and involves crossover elements that impact both series.

  • “The Road Not Taken” (Stargate SG-1 Season 10, Episode 13): Rodney McKay returns in this SG-1 episode, best viewed between Echoes (SGA Season 3, Episode 12) and Irresponsible (SGA Season 3, Episode 13). It offers a different perspective on McKay and his capabilities.

  • “The Shroud” (Stargate SG-1 Season 10, Episode 14): Featuring Richard Woolsey again, this is recommended between Irresponsible (SGA Season 3, Episode 13) and Tao of Rodney (SGA Season 3, Episode 14). It further explores Woolsey’s character development within the overarching Stargate narrative.

  • “Stargate: The Ark of Truth” (SG-1 Movie): This movie is best viewed between Vengeance (SGA Season 3, Episode 19) and First Strike (SGA Season 3, Episode 20). While primarily focused on the SG-1 storyline, it occurs within the same timeframe as SGA and expands the universe.

  • “Stargate: Continuum” (SG-1 Movie): This second SG-1 movie is suggested viewing between Search and Rescue (SGA Season 5, Episode 1) and The Seed (SGA Season 5, Episode 2). Similar to Ark of Truth, it enriches the overall Stargate canon experienced while watching SGA.

  • “Air, Parts 1, 2, and 3” (Stargate Universe Season 1, Episodes 1, 2, & 3): While this launches Stargate Universe, it is best viewed after completing Stargate Atlantis, specifically following Enemy at the Gate (SGA Season 5, Episode 20). It provides a glimpse into the next chapter of the Stargate saga.

  • “Seizure” (Stargate Universe Season 2, Episode 15): Featuring Richard Woolsey and Rodney McKay, this SGU episode is also best viewed after Enemy at the Gate (SGA Season 5, Episode 20). It offers a sense of closure for these characters after the events of Atlantis.

Stargate Atlantis Seasons: Episode by Episode

Once you’ve covered the essential SG-1 groundwork, you’re ready to fully immerse yourself in Stargate Atlantis. Here’s a straightforward stargate atlantis episode guide by season, listing all episodes in their viewing order.

Season 1: First Steps in a New Galaxy

  • Rising, Parts 1 and 2
  • Hide and Seek
  • Thirty Eight Minutes
  • Suspicion
  • Childhood’s End
  • Poisoning the Well
  • Underground
  • Home
  • The Storm
  • The Eye
  • The Defiant One
  • Hot Zone
  • Sanctuary
  • Before I Sleep
  • The Brotherhood
  • Letters from Pegasus
  • The Gift
  • The Siege, Parts 1 and 2

Season 2: Expanding Horizons and Facing New Threats

  • The Siege, Part 3
  • The Intruder
  • Runner
  • Duet
  • Condemned
  • Trinity
  • Instinct
  • Conversion
  • Aurora
  • The Lost Boys
  • The Hive
  • Epiphany
  • Critical Mass
  • Grace Under Pressure
  • The Tower
  • The Long Goodbye
  • Coup D’Etat
  • Michael
  • Inferno
  • Allies

Season 3: Deeper Mysteries and Growing Stakes

  • No Man’s Land
  • Misbegotten
  • Irresistible
  • Sateda
  • Progeny
  • The Real World
  • Common Ground
  • McKay and Mrs. Miller
  • Phantoms
  • The Return, Parts 1 and 2
  • Echoes
  • Irresponsible
  • Tao of Rodney
  • The Game
  • The Ark
  • Sunday
  • Submersion
  • Vengeance
  • First Strike

Season 4: Alliances Tested and New Dangers Emerge

  • Adrift
  • Lifeline
  • Reunion
  • Doppelganger
  • Travelers
  • Tabula Rasa
  • Missing
  • The Seer
  • Miller’s Crossing
  • This Mortal Coil
  • Be All My Sins Remember’d
  • Spoils of War
  • Quarantine
  • Harmony
  • Outcast
  • Trio
  • Midway
  • The Kindred, Parts 1 and 2
  • The Last Man

Season 5: The Final Chapter and Looming Conflicts

  • Search and Rescue
  • The Seed
  • Broken Ties
  • The Daedalus Variations
  • Ghost in the Machine
  • The Shrine
  • Whispers
  • The Queen
  • Tracker
  • First Contact
  • The Lost Tribe
  • Outsiders
  • Inquisition
  • The Prodigal
  • Remnants
  • Brain Storm
  • Infection
  • Identity
  • Vegas
  • Enemy at the Gate

With this stargate atlantis episode guide, you are now well-equipped to embark on an unforgettable journey through the Pegasus Galaxy. Enjoy exploring Atlantis and unraveling its mysteries!

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