Stargate Atlantis 4.04 Doppelganger review

Original US airdate: 19/10/07

Why you can trust GamesRadar+ Our experts review games, movies and tech over countless hours, so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about our reviews policy.

Written by: Robert C Cooper

Directed by: Robert C Cooper

Rating:

The One Where: Sheppard touches a strange crystal offworld. After returning, people have nightmares featuring an evil Sheppard. When crew members die as a result of their nightmares, Zelenka discovers the entity can move from person to person and is in McKay. Using alien tech, Sheppard enters McKay’s dreams to fight his doppelganger.

Verdict: Filler, only four episodes in? Blimey. It’s pretty dark, with Keller’s nightmare about a bug bursting out of Teyla’s stomach. And despite her being a recurring character, and thus expendable, Dr Heightmeyer’s death is genuinely surprising. As such, the comedy moments feel somewhat out of place. It’s an enjoyable ep though.

Stargate Universe: The mission Carter refers to, with the civilisation held in a virtual world, is SG-1’s season two episode “The Gamekeeper”.

Nitpick: McKay has recurring nightmares about whales, but didn’t he semi-befriend one in “Grace Under Pressure”?

Fourth Wall: When the team is in the jungle Sheppard says: “I’m wondering if somebody in a warm, cosy room, typing at their computer, sent us out here for their own amusement.”

References: Keller’s nightmare is a lift from Alien. Sheppard’s reply that there are “42” undescribed gate addresses is a reference to Hitchhiker’s. And that premise is similar to Elm Street’s.

Best Line:
Sheppard: "Looks like one of those toys you play with when you’re a kid."
McKay: "Commodore 64?"
Ronon: "Triple-barrel shotgun?"
Sheppard: "... a kaleidoscope."

Leah Holmes

SFX Magazine is the world's number one sci-fi, fantasy, and horror magazine published by Future PLC. Established in 1995, SFX Magazine prides itself on writing for its fans, welcoming geeks, collectors, and aficionados into its readership for over 25 years. Covering films, TV shows, books, comics, games, merch, and more, SFX Magazine is published every month. If you love it, chances are we do too and you'll find it in SFX.