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Stargate: Atlantis, SciFi, Airs Friday 9/8c

Episode: “Vegas” (Season Five, Episode 19)

Synopsis: Outside of Las Vegas, Nevada, Detective John Sheppard (Joe Flanigan) is on the trail of a serial killer. The victims appear dried up and prematurely aged with a wound in their chest that has been contaminated with radiation. During Sheppard’s investigation, he encounters the killer – a Wraith who has been moving among humans in disguise. When he’s contacted by Agent Woolsey of the FBI and the genius scientist Rodney McKay, he discovers the truth behind the killer.

Review: I had a feeling of melancholy as I watched this episode. On one hand, I thought this was pretty unique and different as a stand-alone episode. It was clear that the filmmakers were toying around with some genres they didn’t get much of a chance to play with, namely westerns and cop shows. With a Spaghetti Western soundtrack and a CSI feel to the show, it was a neat spin on the Stargate: Atlantis universe.

However, there was a bit of disappointment because this didn’t feel like the next-to-the-last show in the series. While I enjoyed the diversion, I probably would have enjoyed the show itself better if it were found somewhere in the middle of any other random season. I suppose I was just hoping for a longer build-up to the series finale next week.

Don’t get me wrong, there is a nice lead-in for what is to be a pretty awesome final episode. However, it is sad to see the series drop off of a regular run. And with the loss of Stargate: Atlantis and BSG after this year, all we have left is Sanctuary, and that show never seemed to get footing. (I’ll be honest, I stopped watching Sanctuary before the fifth episode, so it may have shaped up by now.)

Back to “Vegas”… I am now convinced that Joe Flanigan could make the leap into regular series television. With all the CSI and NCIS shows out there, I think the networks could make room for him.

Other plusses of this episode included seeing so many people in new light, such as Woolsey, Zalenka, Dr. Keller and even Gary Jones as Airman Harriman, thanks to the parallel universe twist. And, if you watch carefully, you’ll notice a wedding ring on Dr. McKay’s finger. I suppose he got with Dr. Keller in this universe as well,

Up Next: The series finale. Todd the Wraith returns. The Wraith attack Earth. Cats and dog, living together. Mass hysteria!

For more coverage of your favorite shows, check out the Control Freaks Archive.

Did you watch Stargate: Atlantis this week? If so, feel free to discuss below.