Search and Rescue

Search and Rescue is the first episode of the fifth season of Stargate Atlantis.

Summary
Carter launches a rescue operation for several victims of a huge off-world explosion, but the rescue party must also combat Michael and his army who also wish to recover the survivors. Captain Alicia Vega joins the expedition.

Doctor Alison Porter, a 28-year-old new addition to Atlantis, speaks with Colonel Carter about her lack of an assignment. When the Stargate activates, the two rush down the stairs to meet Lt. Edison. Edison has rushed back from Michael's compound, where a number of Atlantis personnel are now trapped. He has come for back-up and to secure rescue for his team and the others. Carter and Porter, joined by Dr. Keller and a contingent, gear up and head to the planet in a cloaked Jumper. They begin searching for their missing people -- including McKay and Lorne, who find themselves trapped together with no way out. But the team is being watched from overhead: Michael is on board a cruiser orbiting the planet, scanning their life signs. When he determines that the Atlantians are there and may still prove useful to his agenda, he launches Wraith Darts to capture them. The search team falls back to their Jumper to wait for reinforcements, but it's too late to use the Stargate: the Wraith have dialed into the planet, preventing their escape. Now they, like their missing friends, are trapped.

Production

 * On February 8th, Leela Savasta was casted for the role of Alicia Vega.
 * Production on the set for "Search and Rescue" began on the week of February 18th, 2007.
 * The director's cut was screened on March 5th, 2007.