GateWorld is counting down the final five episodes of Stargate Atlantis, a series that over the past five years has helped to make the SCI FI Channel a top ten cable network.
After the holiday break, Atlantis returns this Friday with the first of its final two episodes. This week is the premiere of "Vegas," the nineteenth episode of the show's final season. In an alternate reality John Sheppard is not a member of the Atlantis expedition, but a detective in the city of Las Vegas. But when a very unusual serial killer turns up in his town, Sheppard is introduced to Rodney McKay and a world he never dreamed possible.
Neil Jackson ("Khalek" in SG-1's "Prototype") guest stars as a Wraith. Also keep an eye out for The Sopranos' Steve Schirripa and Frank Vincent at the poker table, plus Stargate composer Joel Goldsmith, MGM exec (and Stargate fan) Charlie Cohen, and poker all-star Todd Brunson.
Here is how the SCI FI Channel describes this week's episode:
Police find a desiccated corpse on a desert road outside Las Vegas, Nevada, the seventh victim of a bizarre serial killer. Detective John Sheppard, called in to assist, is baffled by these murders. Then a clue, traces of radiation found on the bodies, leads him to a strange looking man with super human attributes who easily evades capture.
Some time later, Sheppard is detained and driven to Area 51. There he meets Dr. Rodney McKay who reveals that the suspect is, in fact, an alien -- a Wraith -- who feeds on human energy. What's more, McKay and his team have traveled to Earth from the Pegasus Galaxy, by way of a Stargate, to prevent this Wraith from compromising the security of the planet. But so far, Sheppard is the only one who's been able to get close to him.
And from TV Guide:
Detective John Sheppard investigates murders in Las Vegas linked to an unusual man with superhuman abilities. Steve Schirripa and Frank Vincent of The Sopranos fame guest star.
Click below to watch SCI FI's on-air advertisement:
And MGM's preview video:
Finally, here's a peek at some of the episode photos -- head over to the Stargate Image Gallery to see the rest!
"Vegas" is written and directed by series co-creator Robert C. Cooper. He previously wrote and directed Atlantis's "Sateda" and "Doppelganger."
Tune in Friday, January 2 at 9 p.m. (8 Central) on SCI FI in the United States! Visit GateWorld's episode guide to read more on the episode.
