Stargate: Atlantis Season 5 Update

The Sci Fi Channel announced today that Season 5 of Stargate: Atlantis will begin later this month with a 20-episode order. There are also news of returning and leaving castmembers. Of note is Amanda Tapping, who will be doing “guest star” work while Sci Fi revs up production on her new series, Sanctuary. Paul McGillion, meanwhile, will return for a multi-episode arc, and Robert Picardo’s Woosley character has been given an upgrade in status — he’ll be joining the cast as a regular, and his character will assume command of the Atlantis expedition. And oh yeah, Michael Shanks will also be making appearances.

More:

Fan favorite Paul McGillion will return for five episodes to reprise his role as Dr. Carson Beckett. Amanda Tapping (Col. Samantha Carter) will appear as a special guest star in several episodes, and Stargate SG-1 star Michael Shanks (Dr. Daniel Jackson) will appear as a special guest in episodes as well.

Robert Picardo, who plays International Oversight Committee rep Richard Woolsey, joins the Atlantis cast this season as Woolsey assumes command of the Atlantis expedition. The team, led by Lt. Col. Sheppard (Joe Flanigan), Dr. Rodney McKay (David Hewlett), Teyla (Rachel Luttrell), Ronon (Jason Momoa) and Dr. Jennifer Keller (Jewel Staite), must adjust to his unique leadership style.

For my money, they should bring back Torri Higginson. I really loved her Doctor Weir.