History Recap / StargateAtlantisS02E01TheSiegePart3

* DeusExNukina: As per longstanding ''Stargate'' tradition.

* DeusExNukina: As per longstanding ''Stargate'' tradition.

* ArtEvolution: The design of ''Daedalus'', which differs significantly from the schematics glimpsed over on ''SG-1'' the previous year. The initial design was closer to the ''Prometheus'' whereas the final design here has signgifantly evolved away from the X-303's template.

* BatmanGambit: One of the big flaws of the 'Fake the Destruction of Atlantis' plan is that the Wraith know the Ancients, and now the Expedition, have access to cloaking technology. So, there's a good chance they'll quickly realize what's going on once they implement the ruse. Teyla's solution is to connect to the Wraith Hive Network and feed them false impressions of impending destruction. Convinced the Expedition is going to destroy the city, the Wraith will break off their attack rather than aid their enemies (which will give the Expedition the breathing room to switch over to the cloak).

* GunshipRescue: Daedalus begins a career of these here, making short work of a hive ship and sending the cruisers fleeing into hyperspace.

* OhCrap: The look on Rodney's face when his pistol's magazine falls out. Also, the look on the Marine Colonel's face when he comes face-to-face with a Wraith... and point-blank pistol fire does nothing to stop it from feeding on him.

* ContestWinnerCameo: The scientist who delivers the ZPM
* DeusExNukina

* WhatYouAreInTheDark: When his bodyguards are felled by Wraith soldiers, Rodney stands up to them with only a pistol.

* MercyKill: Discussed in-story. After having been partially fed upon by a Wraith in the Teaser, Everett ''finally' understands what Sumner went through during "Rising" -- and that Sheppard was completely justified doing a mercy kill. Everett forgives Sheppard for killing Sumner and wishes the Major had been there for him too.

* NothingIsTheSameAnymore: Atlantis now has a ZPM and can finally utilize systems they were unable to power during Season One (such as the Shield). They also have now re-established contact with Earth and now have a supply line and access to the SGC's spacecraft. While the Wraith believe Atlantis has been destroyed, the Expedition now has to be ''very'' careful, as any Expedition personnel sighted or captured on Pegasus worlds will shatter the charade. Finally, Ford has gone reneage and the Expedition's flagship team has lost one of its original members.

* UncertainDoom: Colonel Everett after being partially fed upon by a Wraith. While he's shipped out with the other casualties, his ultimate fate is never revealed. The closest we ever get to an answer is Season Three's "Common Ground", where Becket grimly reveals that a large percentage of those who survive a partial feeding die anyway from complications as a result of strain on the body systems. So, Everett may very well have succumbed to his injures after returning to Earth.

* EurekaMoment: When the Expedition realizes they can't win the Siege, Zelenka grimly notes that as long as the Wraith know they're there, they'll just keep coming (as Atlantis is their only way to get to Earth). This grim observation gives Sheppard the inspiration for how they can end the Siege: They don't have to beat the Wraith. They just have to trick them into thinking Atlantis was destroyed by their bombardment.

* SpannerInTheWorks: The 'Fake the Destruction of Atlantis' plan is nearly single-handedly derailed by the now-insane Ford. He steals a Puddle Jumper and activates the Gate...just after they've switched off the shield and activated the cloak. It's sheer luck that the Wraith's sensors don't detect the Gate activity through the nuclear fallout.

* CrowningMomentOfFunny: Rodney stands up to a pair of Wraith soldiers with just his sidearm. He's ready to go out fighting - and then, ''the magazine falls out of his pistol.''

* VisualEffectsOfAwesome: The Wraith assault on Atlantis looks incredible. The characters even comment at one point that the bombardment is "almost beautiful."

* WhatYouAreInTheDark: When his bodyguards are felled by Wraith soldiers, Rodney stands up to them both with only a pistol.

* CrowningMomentOfFunny: McKay stands up to a pair of Wraith soldiers with just his sidearm. He's ready to go out fighting - and then, ''the magazine falls out of his pistol.''

* CrowningMomentOfFunny: McKay stands up to a pair of Wraith soldiers with just his sidearm. He's ready to go out fighting - and then, '''the magazine falls out of his pistol.'''

* OhCrap: The look on McKay's face when his pistol's magazine falls out. Also, the look on the Marine Colonel's face when he comes face-to-face with a Wraith... and point-blank pistol fire does nothing to stop it from feeding on him.

* WhatYouAreInTheDark: When his bodyguards are felled by Wraith soldiers, McKay stands up to them both with only a pistol.

* VisualEffectsOfAwesome: The Wraith assault on Atlantis looks incredible. The characters even comment at one point that the bombardment is "almost beautiful."

-->'''[=McKay=]:''' [''to Zelenka''] What are you, [[TakeThat Union?]]

--> ''This is Colonel Steven Caldwell, commander of the Daedalus. We are ready to assist you.''

-->'''Weir:''' ''(calmly walks up then hugs him)'' Yes... yes, you are...
* BigDamnHeroes: Caldwell and the Daedalus

-->'''[=McKay=]:''' ''(to Zelenka)'' What are you, [[TakeThat Union?]]

* TheCavalry: The Daedalus, arriving to save the day.