Stargate Atlantis Rewatch: The Gift
OMG! Tayla's a Wraith! (Photo from GateWorld.net)
The Gift
Story by Martin Gero & Robert C. Cooper
Teleplay by Robert C. Cooper
Directed by Peter DeLuise
Guest starring Claire Rankin (Dr. Kate Heightmeyer), Paul McGillion (Dr. Beckett), David Nykl (Dr. Zelenka), Ben Cotton (Dr. Cavanaugh), Dean Marshall (Sgt. Bates), Brenda McDonald (Charin), James Lafazanos (Wraith), Chuck Campbell (Technician), Daniel Boileau (Cocooned Victim)
WARNING: SPOILERS ABOUND!
Summary
Tayla’s recurring nightmares about turning into a Wraith lead to a discovery about her family history and an ability that could help the expedition against the approaching Wraith fleet.
General Impressions
Tayla’s part Wraith…who knew? This explains much, however. She demonstrates an ability to sense the approach of Wraith throughout the first season and in this episode we learn why: A Wraith scientist did genetic experiments on humans. Creepy. This could have been an ass pull (Stargate does those from time to time), but the hints about it were made throughout the season. The story Tayla hears from an elder of her people about those who returned from cullings is interesting.
Tayla being Tayla, she finds a way to use her ability to help save the city.
The Good
I like the character of psychiatrist Dr. Heightmeyer. I’m just surprised that such an expedition, cut off from Earth and facing peril all the time wouldn’t have more than one shrink. This is the therapist I’d like to have. She knows how to draw Tayla out and make her feel comfortable.
It didn’t surprise me to learn that the Wraith experimented on humans. After all, we experiment on our food animals, right? Why wouldn’t they. I was surprised, however, to discover that Wraith forbid it, and the scientist who experimented on Tayla’s ancestors had to do so in secret. His experiments granted humans the ability to communicate telepathically with the Wraith and hear their minds, which was not his intent.
The Bad
Sergeant Bates getting a hate-on for Tayla again and under similar circumstances: The Wraith are somehow tipped off about the expedition’s off-world movements, and Bates blames someone who isn’t from Earth. His concern is understandable on some level, but he once again goes a bit over the top with it.
Why would Tayla gain super strength just because a Wraith is connected to her mind? That makes no sense.
The Awesome
I really loved getting an explanation for Tayla’s ability to sense the Wraith. It needed to be explained since it played such a key role in several episodes, most notably the pilot. I also liked that she had trouble contacting Wraith minds at first, that it actually put her in danger, and didn’t work miraculously and provide valuable intel on the first go. It’s horrible that she inhabits a Wraith as it feeds on a human. That the Wraith are able to posses her in return is scary.
Tayla is very brave, but we knew that. She gamely keeps working to perfect her gift, no matter the set backs (like being possessed by a Wraith).
Rating
8 out of 10. Tayla becomes as strong as a Wraith just by having one contact her mind. Yeah. Right. Maybe I can mind meld with Jackie Chan and know Kung Fu.
