Stargate: Atlantis (TV Series) Doppelganger (2007) User Reviews

Sweet dreams

[owlaurence · 8/10 · 29 August 2011]

It seems that we're back to a "alien-of-the-week" format for now. This means that nothing too significant will happen today, and honestly the basic idea for the plot is none too original, but this is still a pretty watchable episode.

This time Atlantis has to deal with an entity that feeds on fear, inspiring everybody with rather freaky nightmares, some of which reflect "real-life" perils, such as the Replicators or Sheppard's transformation into a bug. (I find Teyla's nightmare particularly fascinating, as Sheppard will hallucinate a rather similar setting at the beginning of season 5.) Also, the fact that every single illusion includes a really weird version of Sheppard adds a nice and unexpected twist to the team's investigation. Still, on the whole the nightmares regrettably say very little about the characters' hidden fears and traumas --at least until the last part: those last 10mn are the most interesting of the whole, as the team finally find a way to fight back. Once again, I am amazed at how great Rodney and Sheppard are together; against all odds, they are the ultimate team, making up for each other's weaknesses and doubts. I find their willingness to rescue each other at all cost very touching. (And: Moby Dick as a pet peeve?! I wish there had been someone to analyse that for us --oh, wait, there *used to* be... Atlantis really has had an awful casualty rate recently)

Apart from that very good scene, frankly, this is not one of the best episodes. It lacks a bit in the comedic department, and I regret that Carter gets little to do since this was a good opportunity to introduce her a bit better. Still, you don't get bored watching Doppelganger, so it is still worth a viewing.

Remember Wolf in the Fold?

[Mischief810 · 7/10 · 27 August 2014]

Wolf in the Fold was an episode from the second season of Star Trek (original series), in which the crew had a murder investigation that resulted in the discovery of an entity that feeds on fear.

Doppelganger doesn't exactly parallel with the ST:TOS episode because no one's been murdered (though there is a fatality involved), but the similarities in plot theme are made clear as this episode unfolds.

There's another thinly veiled reference to a Sci-Fi classic in the opening scene, where McKay asks if the team has any idea of the number of stargates in the Ancients' database with no information about the planets they're found on.

Sheppard's response: "42." Douglas Adams would have been proud, because I laughed right away.

Then there's the reference to the Alien movie, where Dr. Keller has a dream about an alien "thing" bursts through Teyla's abdomen and the characters discuss the effects that film had on them.

This is kind of a spooky episode, so if you like a little spookiness with your Sci-Fi, you'll probably like it. I only gave it a 7 because McKay's annoyance factor is off the charts in Doppelganger.

Better than expected

[TheDudeReviewsStuff · 9/10 · 22 February 2023]

Some nice twists and turns in this story. What's real life and what is a dream? Not the most original story of the SG series, but an enjoyable one with some solid acting. I typically prefer a bit of humor in SG to offset the action, but this episode had few lighthearted moments.

The concept of a being that feed off fear is not new, but it is handled nicely with the added ability to jump from host to host. It gives the actors a good opportunity to show some of their acting chops and all make the most of their moment. It was especially nice to see Ronan step up his game beyond frightening stares and few words. Given that this was Jason Momoa's second series, he showed he can show emotion.

All-in-all another good SGA episode.

A damn shame it's such a weak episode

[foghorn_clj · 3/10 · 8 May 2020]

Honestly the idea of evil Sheppard uniquely torturing each of his colleagues in their dreams was kinda cool. But almost everything else about the episode was bloody awful.

The Bad

1. Glaring repeat of plotline of SG1 episode from Season 1 (SEASON 1!!!!!)

2. Woeful miss use of Samantha Carter. As is the theme throughout season 4 of SGA, Carter is underused and relegated to the background. It's like they forgot how to write her character.

In this episode she ends up acting like an encyclopaedia of SG1's prior missions instead of adding real substance to the story line. And Sam not having a dream where Sheppard tortures her about not cutting it as the new Atlantis leader was a missed opportunity.

3. How the evil entity was defeated was lazy writing.

4. The death of the shrink felt like an afterthought. Something added at the last minute to try and create drama where there wasn't any.

The Good

1. Major Lorne sleep walking and holding a gun on Sheppard was pretty good. But the again I've always had a soft spot for Lorne...

2. Hilarious personal stories from McKay. I especially enjoyed him admitting/warning Sheppard just how messed up he is.

A Subpar Ripoff of

[Easygoer10 · 3/10 · 30 June 2021]

You can thank Robert Cooper for being the most unoriginal writer/director involved with this series. He unashamedly uses multiple scenes from well known movies, and TV shows. This just goes to show it's not what you know, but who you know. Here is yet another example of someone with too much money and not enough talent. Skip this trash. Shame on you Cooper. I'll give you a tip: Write something original.