Despite the enmity they inspire, one of the Athosians joins the Atlantis gate team. This is Teyla, the leader of the Athosians. She becomes a regular member of the team. Since she knows many of the races in Pegasus she’s very helpful in setting up the stories in many episodes. A key objective in the off-world missions is to find a ZPM and restore full power to Atlantis. There are a few out there, but they often power defenses against Wraith. The team can’t take those ZPMs without endangering others.
Some key elements from the first season would, of course, be the introduction of the Wraith and the Athosians, who take refuge within Atlantis; also introduced were the Genii, a once sophisticated race spanning many planets now reduced to barely one by the Wraith. They have some technology left and hide it underground away from the eyes of the Wraith. They are not happy that the Atlantis team has awakened their old enemy. The Genii quickly become enemies of Atlantis themselves. In fact, they attempt to invade Atlantis; they are repelled, but this certainly established the Genii as a threat.
It is also discovered in the first season that Teyla has Wraith DNA. She has the ability to tap into the telepathic communications of the Wraith. This has advantages and disadvantages. She can see and hear them, and they can see and hear her – and take over her mind if she’s not very careful.
Season one ends with the Wraith attacking Atlantis en masse and the team must find a way to defend themselves. Season Two opens with the city figuring out a plan; they fake the destruction of Atlantis, cloak the city and the Wraith leave assuming they’ve accomplished their objective. Teyla’s ability to communicate with the Wraith helped sell the destruction.
Read part two of this article for an overview of seasons two and three and to see where the latest season is heading.
Article comments
1 - bibbyroo
thanks for the summary! ive only recently gotten into atlantis, and every once in a while something will come up that doesnt make sense to me, but this helps explain alot of that! cool!
2 - Angela
I'd also like to say thanks for the summary. I'm fairly new to the Stargate series and i'm just now coming to the end of SG-1, on my way into Atlantis. I'm really excited to see the new 'Ark of Truth' movie coming out March 11th too. I hope it answers some of my questions about the Ori. I've been getting info on it from Stargate Hub.
3 - Gray Hunter
Thanks for reading, I'm really glad it helped out. For the best coverage of the Stargate universe.