Stargate Atlantis

10 Best Episodes of Stargate Atlantis - Season 3

Step through the Stargate and enter a world of adventure, mystery, and danger with the hit TV show, Stargate Atlantis. Join Dr. Elizabeth Weir and Major Sheppard as they lead a scientific expedition to the ancient abandoned city of Atlantis in the Pegasus Galaxy. But what they find there is far from what they expected. Unable to contact Earth, the team must not only uncover the secrets of Atlantis, but also face a deadly enemy - The Wraith. Hungry for new prey, these formidable foes make survival a constant battle for our heroes.

With its captivating storyline and thrilling action, Stargate Atlantis has captured the hearts of fans worldwide. Immerse yourself in the rich mythology of this beloved show as you follow the Atlantis Team on their quest for survival and discovery. But it's not just the intense battles and ancient secrets that make this show a must-watch. It's also the strong bonds formed between the team members and the alliances they forge with the locals, like Teyla Emmagan, who becomes a valuable ally in their fight against the Wraith.

Now is the perfect time to dive into Stargate Atlantis. Whether you're a sci-fi fanatic or just looking for your next binge-worthy TV obsession, this show has it all. So grab your popcorn, settle in, and get ready to be transported to a world beyond your wildest imagination. Stargate Atlantis is available on Syfy, so you can start the adventure today. Don't miss out on six seasons of thrilling episodes that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Written by Sophie and last updated on nov 08, 2023.

PS: The following content contains spoilers!

PPS: I will admit that parts of this page was written with the help of AI - it makes my work so much easier to not start from a blank page!

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Stargate Atlantis - S3E16

#15 - The Ark (Season 3 - Episode 16)

The team discovers the last of a civilization in suspended animation, whose survival is at risk when their station is critically damaged.

The episode was rated 7.69 from 578 votes.

Stargate Atlantis - S3E18

#14 - Submersion (Season 3 - Episode 18)

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The team discovers an Ancient drilling station deep beneath the surface of the ocean, only to find that a Wraith queen is still alive there.

The episode was rated 7.70 from 547 votes.

Stargate Atlantis - S3E2

#13 - Misbegotten (3) (Season 3 - Episode 2)

The Atlantis team must decide the fate of a colony of Wraith they have turned into humans. Dr. Weir must defend her leadership when she is evaluated by the I.O.A.

The episode was rated 7.71 from 593 votes.

Stargate Atlantis - S3E5

#12 - Progeny (Season 3 - Episode 5)

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Weir and the team visit an advanced civilization that split off from the Lanteans thousands of years ago, but discover that they may not have left Atlantis in peace.

The episode was rated 7.80 from 607 votes.

Stargate Atlantis - S3E12

#11 - Echoes (Season 3 - Episode 12)

The inhabitants of Atlantis begin to suffer ill effects when the planet's whale population begins migrating to the island city, bringing an unexpected harbinger of doom.

The episode was rated 7.83 from 562 votes.

Stargate Atlantis - S3E15

#10 - The Game (Season 3 - Episode 15)

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Sheppard and McKay discover that their competitive video game has been controlling a planet of real people, who now stand on the brink of war.

The episode was rated 7.83 from 555 votes.

Stargate Atlantis - S3E4

#9 - Sateda (Season 3 - Episode 4)

Ronon Dex is captured by the Wraith and returned to his homeworld, where he is haunted by his past as he is forced to once again become their prey.

The episode was rated 7.85 from 568 votes.

Stargate Atlantis - S3E10

#8 - The Return (1) (Season 3 - Episode 10)

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The Atlantis expedition is stunned to learn that a ship full of Ancients is returning to reclaim their lost city.

The episode was rated 7.91 from 625 votes.

Stargate Atlantis - S3E1

#7 - No Man's Land (2) (Season 3 - Episode 1)

The team desperately attempts to stop two Wraith hive ships from reaching Earth. Sheppard must rely on an old foe to rescue McKay and Ronon.

The episode was rated 7.94 from 660 votes.

Stargate Atlantis - S3E8

#6 - McKay and Mrs. Miller (Season 3 - Episode 8)

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Rodney McKay, our beloved scientist from Stargate Atlantis, has a family reunion in the episode "McKay and Mrs. Miller". He is finally reunited with his estranged sister, Jeannie, who has left her successful career as a scientist to focus on raising a family. What makes this episode even more special is the fact that David Hewlett, the actor who plays McKay, and Kate Hewlett, the actress who portrays Jeannie, are real-life siblings.

Fans of the show have praised David Hewlett's acting abilities, especially in this episode. He skillfully portrays McKay's wide range of emotions and personalities, impressing viewers with his talent. The chemistry between Rodney and Jeannie is also a highlight, with great humor and banter between the siblings. It's a heartwarming and relatable dynamic that resonates with the audience.

Despite some minor flaws in the plot and scientific explanations, "McKay and Mrs. Miller" is still a well-executed episode. The complexity of the sibling relationship feels real, thanks in part to the genuine connection between David Hewlett and Kate Hewlett. Viewers are drawn into the story as they witness the ego and family dynamics at play. The episode also raises questions about the sacrifices and choices individuals make in their personal and professional lives.

Overall, "McKay and Mrs. Miller" is a fan-favorite episode of Stargate Atlantis. It showcases the talents of the actors, provides great humor, and explores the complexities of family relationships. Despite its minor flaws, it remains a well-done and enjoyable installment in the series.

The episode was rated 7.96 from 615 votes.

Stargate Atlantis - S3E17

#5 - Sunday (Season 3 - Episode 17)

In the Stargate Atlantis episode titled "Sunday," the team is looking forward to a mandatory day off to relax and unwind. However, their plans are abruptly shattered when an explosion rocks their world, leaving three people dead. As the team investigates, they uncover a shocking revelation - one of their own scientists is a ticking time bomb. With tension and suspense building, the episode takes viewers on a rollercoaster ride of emotions and unexpected twists.

This episode follows a "catastrophe, then cause" structure that keeps the audience on the edge of their seats. While some viewers may find the constant back and forth between different perspectives a bit annoying, the multiple skips in time offer a unique approach to storytelling. Despite a few repetitive moments, the impact of the story on viewers' hearts cannot be denied. It proves once again just how dangerous it is to be a doctor on a Stargate series.

One particular character, Dr. Carson Beckett, receives mixed reactions from fans. Some see his demise as a necessary plot development, applauding the episode for getting rid of an annoying character. Others, however, feel that his death was unnecessarily stupid and disrespectful to the character. Regardless of opinions, the final scene of the episode leaves a lasting impression, tugging at the heartstrings and leaving viewers with a sense of loss.

Overall, "Sunday" delivers a compelling storyline and an emotional rollercoaster that keeps viewers engaged. Whether you're a die-hard fan of Stargate Atlantis or new to the series, this episode will leave you wanting more and eagerly anticipating what's to come.

The episode was rated 7.98 from 570 votes.

Stargate Atlantis - S3E14

#4 - Tao of Rodney (Season 3 - Episode 14)

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In the episode "Tao of Rodney" from the hit TV show Stargate Atlantis, things take a dramatic turn when Rodney gains superhuman powers from an Ancient device. As his intelligence reaches new heights, his life is also hanging in the balance. Will he be able to unlock the secret to ascending and save himself from impending doom?

Fans of the show have hailed this episode as one of their all-time favorites. With its gripping storyline and intense character development, it's no wonder viewers were captivated. But amidst the praise, some eagle-eyed fans couldn't help but notice a small detail that seemed out of place. Ronon, a beloved character, is seen grabbing a bottle of Evian water, causing some confusion. Why would Atlantis, situated in a different galaxy, import Earth-branded bottled water? Nevertheless, this minor blip didn't detract from the overall execution of the story, keeping audiences on the edge of their seats.

For those who are familiar with classic sci-fi shows, you may notice some similarities between "Tao of Rodney" and a Star Trek episode called "The Nth Degree." While there may be parallels between the two, Stargate Atlantis puts its own unique twist on the concept, making it a must-watch for fans of the genre. So buckle up and get ready for an action-packed episode filled with suspense, excitement, and the exploration of extraordinary powers.

The episode was rated 8.00 from 611 votes.

Stargate Atlantis - S3E20

#3 - First Strike (1) (Season 3 - Episode 20)

In the Stargate Atlantis episode titled "First Strike (1)", the city of Atlantis finds itself under siege after Earth launches a preemptive attack against a formidable enemy's homeworld. An unstoppable energy weapon brings chaos and excitement as space battles unfold on screen, showcasing the thrilling action that TV does so well. As the plot thickens, viewers can't help but notice the clever casting choices, with Jewel Staite's new character adding a shiny and refreshing touch to the show. It's fascinating to see the interconnectedness between different sci-fi series, with callbacks to Firefly evident in both Stargate Atlantis and Stargate SG-1.

One intriguing question that arises from this episode is the peculiar positioning of the city of Atlantis. Instead of flying along the axis aligned with the engines below, it ends up flying sideways, parallel to the six piers. This unexpected twist leaves viewers wondering about the logic behind this decision. As the episode unfolds, fans are also treated to a delightful surprise with the appearance of Kaylee from Firefly, adding an extra layer of nostalgia and excitement to the storyline. Tune in to experience the thrilling space battles, captivating casting choices, and the mysteries that await in "First Strike (1)".

The episode was rated 8.08 from 642 votes.

Stargate Atlantis - S3E11

#2 - The Return (2) (Season 3 - Episode 11)

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In "The Return (2)," the Atlantis team takes matters into their own hands, defying orders to save their city from the clutches of the Replicators. But that's not all they're after - they're also on a mission to rescue General O'Neill and Richard Woolsey, who find themselves trapped in the occupied city. This action-packed episode is full of suspense and surprises, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats.

Fans of Stargate Atlantis will be thrilled to see the return of Richard Woolsey, one of the show's beloved characters. His presence adds an extra layer of excitement to the episode. However, some viewers felt that "The Return (2)" was missing something. The absence of the Ancients, a key element in the show, left some disappointed. It's a shame that such a promising plot point was overshadowed by other aspects of the episode.

Despite some criticisms, "The Return (2)" still manages to deliver the thrilling and engaging storytelling that Stargate fans have come to expect. It's another solid installment in the series, even if it doesn't quite live up to its title's promise. So grab your popcorn and get ready for a wild ride as the Atlantis team fights against the odds to reclaim their city and rescue their comrades.

The episode was rated 8.08 from 623 votes.

Stargate Atlantis - S3E7

#1 - Common Ground (Season 3 - Episode 7)

In the Stargate Atlantis episode "Common Ground," Colonel Sheppard finds himself in a precarious situation. He becomes the prisoner of a Genii commander, but that's not all - he's also trapped with a Wraith who is desperate for sustenance after being separated from his hive. This episode introduces a fascinating character named Todd, who quickly becomes a fan favorite.

One of the reasons why Colonel Sheppard is such a compelling character is his ability to set aside his prejudices when it matters most. He may have his reservations about the Wraith, but he's willing to put them aside in order to survive. Plus, Sheppard has a knack for making friends with just about anyone, even if they're not from his species. It's a testament to the human capacity for forming connections outside of our own kind.

However, not everyone is impressed with the decisions made in this episode. Some viewers believe that Ronon should have been reprimanded for his disrespectful behavior, and that Sheppard's choice to spare Koya was a mistake that now haunts him. Additionally, some fans criticize Weir for making what they perceive as the wrong choice in keeping Ladon in Atlantis, suggesting that she doesn't truly prioritize Sheppard's well-being.

Despite these differing opinions, one thing is for certain - the introduction of the Wraith character adds an interesting dynamic to the show. While some viewers found his story arc to be somewhat predictable, it was still a highly enjoyable aspect of the episode. Plus, viewers are treated to new information about the Wraith, which may have been previously known to some or simply seemed obvious. Overall, "Common Ground" is an episode that leaves viewers on the edge of their seats, eager to see what happens next in the world of Stargate Atlantis.

The episode was rated 8.11 from 576 votes.

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