John Sheperd was introduced in the beginning of the series as having issues with the chain of command. This is something that is brought up in several episodes. Beyond that though he also makes some poor decisions.
1. In an earlier episode, there was suspicion of a possible Ethosian spy. Sgt Bates, correctly suspected Tayla. Though Tayla did not do it intentionally. Her necklace was giving off a signal. John Sheperd throughout dressed Sgt Bates down for doing his job as head of security. While in the end the figure out it was the jewelry and unintentional. John Sheperd still let emotion cloud his judgment.
2. John Sheperd forms an emotional attachment with what turns out to be an ancient. While nothing untoward was planned by the ancient. He did dismiss Rodney's suspicions due to his feelings for this beautiful woman.
3. In this particular episode The Siege. Sgt Bates once more makes a valid point about Tayla. Tayla formed a psychic link with the wraith and was taken over twice. The Alpha site was also compromised. Once more this was not done on purpose by Tayla, thus she can not be convicted. Sgt Bates in performing his duty makes a valid point. They could not be sure if the wraith could not connect with Tayla and glean information or see what she sees at will. He attempted to confront John Sheperd about his concerns and once more Sheperd dressed Sgt Bates down. John Shepered said they could not know if the wraith could see what she saw, which Sgt Bates said was the point. Yet John Sheperd argues she is integral to his team in an emotional defense. Regardless of her being integral to his team. If there is even the slightest possibly that she is a security risk, then Sgt Bates was in the right. Jack O'neill would have NEVER allowed Tayla to rejoin the team until they knew for sure that she was not compromised. This probably would have meant she would have had to be sent to another site, other then the Alpha site.
There is no doubt that John Sheperd is a heroic officer and has saved the day on countless occasions. However I question his ability as a officer and a leader. He too often let's his personal feelings override common sense and thus endangers those he is responsible for. Regardless that in the series things tend to work out in his favor. His questionable decisions would not have allowed for him to remain as head of the Military contingent in Atlantis. While he does not necessarily have to be taken out of Atlantis, a NEW head of the Military should have been chosen.
Stargate Atlantis is a fun series. It is not as good as SG-1 or as good as SGU is turning out to be. It is entertaining though and it is unfortunate you never really get a conclusion to it. (Though I hear rumors of a made for DVD Atlantis Movie).
1. In an earlier episode, there was suspicion of a possible Ethosian spy. Sgt Bates, correctly suspected Tayla. Though Tayla did not do it intentionally. Her necklace was giving off a signal. John Sheperd throughout dressed Sgt Bates down for doing his job as head of security. While in the end the figure out it was the jewelry and unintentional. John Sheperd still let emotion cloud his judgment.
2. John Sheperd forms an emotional attachment with what turns out to be an ancient. While nothing untoward was planned by the ancient. He did dismiss Rodney's suspicions due to his feelings for this beautiful woman.
3. In this particular episode The Siege. Sgt Bates once more makes a valid point about Tayla. Tayla formed a psychic link with the wraith and was taken over twice. The Alpha site was also compromised. Once more this was not done on purpose by Tayla, thus she can not be convicted. Sgt Bates in performing his duty makes a valid point. They could not be sure if the wraith could not connect with Tayla and glean information or see what she sees at will. He attempted to confront John Sheperd about his concerns and once more Sheperd dressed Sgt Bates down. John Shepered said they could not know if the wraith could see what she saw, which Sgt Bates said was the point. Yet John Sheperd argues she is integral to his team in an emotional defense. Regardless of her being integral to his team. If there is even the slightest possibly that she is a security risk, then Sgt Bates was in the right. Jack O'neill would have NEVER allowed Tayla to rejoin the team until they knew for sure that she was not compromised. This probably would have meant she would have had to be sent to another site, other then the Alpha site.
There is no doubt that John Sheperd is a heroic officer and has saved the day on countless occasions. However I question his ability as a officer and a leader. He too often let's his personal feelings override common sense and thus endangers those he is responsible for. Regardless that in the series things tend to work out in his favor. His questionable decisions would not have allowed for him to remain as head of the Military contingent in Atlantis. While he does not necessarily have to be taken out of Atlantis, a NEW head of the Military should have been chosen.
Stargate Atlantis is a fun series. It is not as good as SG-1 or as good as SGU is turning out to be. It is entertaining though and it is unfortunate you never really get a conclusion to it. (Though I hear rumors of a made for DVD Atlantis Movie).
