Stargate: Atlantis (TV Series) The Prodigal (2008) User Reviews

Bitter sweet brilliance

[n-middleton-117 · 9/10 · 12 September 2020]

This episode doesn't get the credit it deserves. The episode does a good job of maintaining continuity, with a simple yet effective storyline, and once again demonstrates why Michael is one the best characters from the Stargate franchise.

The story manages to build suspense and strikes a fair balance between the protagonists and antagonists and they battle for control of the main tower. There's no "cheating" in this episode, where a hidden plan suddenly emerges out of no where to sway the balance either side. Instead, Shepard and the rest of the Atlantis expedition work together in smart, calculated moves to try regain control from Michael.

Throughout the episode Michael once again shows a depth and ruthless cunning, unlike most other characters we've grown used to in the show. It's almost a shame to see his time finally come to an end, as his character has not only provided the show with a great additional storyline, but has been a character that explored the idea of empathy for your enemies, forced audiences to question the ethics of the Atlantis team, and has always been portrayed in a very believable manner. You're happy to see the team win, but sad that character that brought so much to show will give us no more.

A very good episode, providing a nice send of for a quality character.

Good episode after a real bad one

[marcuscoltro · 8/10 · 4 January 2021]

Well, this was a nice episode - the only weird thing is how the baby grew like 12 months in a few hours by the end of the story 🤣🤣🤣

A fitting end, to a fitting villain

[bradyc-92927 · 9/10 · 26 June 2017]

Although out of the blue, Michael's sudden and final return to the franchise is as brilliant as it is cunning. Having been captured, experimented on and, in a sense, born on Atlantis, it is only fitting that the prodigal son returns to meet his demise. In a way, you almost feel sorry for Michael as he shows an essence of compassion, dare I say, love, for Tayla, who tried to treat him with care and compassion in the beginning, and by the time he is being chased and hunted by the Atlantis team at the end of the episode, you can't help but feel remorse for him. In his own words, 'the funny thing is, I didn't ask for any of this'.

One Of My Favorite Atlantis Episodes

[XXniteXX · 10/10 · 23 May 2022]

I originally saw this episode when it was first aired, it was great then, even better on re-watches. Talk about a great and fitting end to a fantastic villain, the whole episode kept you engaged.

good episode with one exception

[iuzarneimaveilabal · 8/10 · 24 June 2020]

It was a good episode with a good story. One minor detail... if you look at the end (37:10) you will see the moon, not an alien moon from another galaxy as expected, but eart's moon :)