It seems that we're back to a "alien-of-the-week" format for now. This means that nothing too significant will happen today, and honestly the basic idea for the plot is none too original, but this is still a pretty watchable episode.
This time Atlantis has to deal with an entity that feeds on fear, inspiring everybody with rather freaky nightmares, some of which reflect "real-life" perils, such as the Replicators or Sheppard's transformation into a bug. (I find Teyla's nightmare particularly fascinating, as Sheppard will hallucinate a rather similar setting at the beginning of season 5.) Also, the fact that every single illusion includes a really weird version of Sheppard adds a nice and unexpected twist to the team's investigation. Still, on the whole the nightmares regrettably say very little about the characters' hidden fears and traumas --at least until the last part: those last 10mn are the most interesting of the whole, as the team finally find a way to fight back. Once again, I am amazed at how great Rodney and Sheppard are together; against all odds, they are the ultimate team, making up for each other's weaknesses and doubts. I find their willingness to rescue each other at all cost very touching. (And: Moby Dick as a pet peeve?! I wish there had been someone to analyse that for us --oh, wait, there *used to* be... Atlantis really has had an awful casualty rate recently)
Apart from that very good scene, frankly, this is not one of the best episodes. It lacks a bit in the comedic department, and I regret that Carter gets little to do since this was a good opportunity to introduce her a bit better. Still, you don't get bored watching Doppelganger, so it is still worth a viewing.
This time Atlantis has to deal with an entity that feeds on fear, inspiring everybody with rather freaky nightmares, some of which reflect "real-life" perils, such as the Replicators or Sheppard's transformation into a bug. (I find Teyla's nightmare particularly fascinating, as Sheppard will hallucinate a rather similar setting at the beginning of season 5.) Also, the fact that every single illusion includes a really weird version of Sheppard adds a nice and unexpected twist to the team's investigation. Still, on the whole the nightmares regrettably say very little about the characters' hidden fears and traumas --at least until the last part: those last 10mn are the most interesting of the whole, as the team finally find a way to fight back. Once again, I am amazed at how great Rodney and Sheppard are together; against all odds, they are the ultimate team, making up for each other's weaknesses and doubts. I find their willingness to rescue each other at all cost very touching. (And: Moby Dick as a pet peeve?! I wish there had been someone to analyse that for us --oh, wait, there *used to* be... Atlantis really has had an awful casualty rate recently)
Apart from that very good scene, frankly, this is not one of the best episodes. It lacks a bit in the comedic department, and I regret that Carter gets little to do since this was a good opportunity to introduce her a bit better. Still, you don't get bored watching Doppelganger, so it is still worth a viewing.