As a spin-off of the long-running and popular "Stargate SG-1", the second live-action Stargate series was faced with the difficult task of maintaining the elements of its parent show while establishing its own identity. Season 1 generally succeeded in establishing a new team, a new galaxy, and a new foe. It was as impressive a backdrop as SG-1 had established in its inaugural season. But would Season 2 manage to up the ante? The answer is a definite yes.

Season 2 picks up right where the Season 1 cliffhanger left off. The Wraith's siege of Atlantis is entering its final stages when reinforcements from Earth finally arrive. After repelling the main incursion, the team must now formulate a new strategy that will allow them to survive future Wraith attack and thus continue unlocking the secrets of the Lost City. The aftermath of the siege also leads to the departure of Rainbow Sun Francks (Lt. Aiden Ford), whose status is reduced to a recurring character. Taking his place Ronon Dex (Jason Momoa), an ex-soldier who has spent the last decade being hunted by the Wraith. Ronon is a fun inverse of noble alien warrior archetype that Teal'c and Teyla presented on their respective shows. If Teal'c is a Samurai, then Ronon is a Viking (or Chewbacca if he were a Viking). His introduction unfortunately makes Teyla somewhat redundant and the character suffers this season. Recurring character Dr. Beckett (Paul McGillion)is elevated to the main cast and his increased presence (and Scottish brogue) is welcomed.

While there stand alone episodes, the season is primarily driven by several story arcs which come to a head by the season finale and leave the Atlantis Expedition in a precarious situation. The writing is much stronger as the characters are now established and the writers have fun with them. Highlights include "The Siege - Part 3", "The Tower", "Trinity", "Duet", "Critical Mass", "Michael", and many others. Indeed, there aren't any major duds in this season, which is part of the reason why Season 2 is my favorite of the 5.

The biggest contribution to the show this season is the battle cruiser Daedalus and its crusty commander, Colonel Caldwell (Mitch Pileggi of "The X-Files"). The ship becomes to SGA what the USS Defiant was to "Star Trek Deep Space Nine": a heavily armed, cool ship and a device for telling stories not possible in Season 1. The reestablishment of contact with Earth allows for more interaction with its parent show, as this season and SG-1's 9th season aired simultaneously. Events in Pegasus affect the Milky Way Galaxy and vice-versa. It's not necessary to see both shows, but it's fun to see the continuity overlap and the appearances of several SG-1 faces, such as General Landry, Dr. Lee, and Major Lorne who joins SGA as a recurring character.

If you liked SGA's first season, then jump back into the water, because Season 2's even better.

Ireceived DVD for Stargate Atlantis in a few days shorter period than expected which was great, the second season was great the family thoroughly enjoyed it, my kids who very rarely watch Stargate Atlantis when it was showing on a regular basis was into the show, I'm definately going to get all the 4 seasons now. Definately loved the second season.

I bought this as a gift. It is not as good as the original SG-1 series, but, if it is requested, I have no problem buying it....

Have had no problems with the readability of the DVD's. Our whole family are big Stargate fans.

I'm not an unbiased reviewer, because this was a beloved show. I just had to have the DVDs to watch my favorite episodes over again. I enjoyed the show for its mix of action and humor, for its quirkiness, for its enjoyable cast, and for its overall sci-fi goodness.

Now I'm waiting for the promised Stargate: Atlantis movie to come out so that I can buy it as well!
::taps foot impatiently::