is the season two premiere of the military science fiction series Stargate Atlantis , originally airing on July 15, 2005. The episode concludes a high-stakes three-part arc where the Atlantis expedition faces an overwhelming invasion by the Wraith. Key Plot Summary
: Paul McGillion (Dr. Carson Beckett) and Mitch Pileggi (Colonel Steven Caldwell) join the recurring or main cast. [S2E1] The Siege: Part 3
: This episode marks the beginning of the departure arc for Rainbow Sun Francks (Aiden Ford) as a series regular. Reception and Impact is the season two premiere of the military
"The Siege: Part 3" was a critical and commercial success for the Sci-Fi Channel, achieving high Nielsen ratings during its initial run. It is often cited by fans as one of the strongest season openers in the franchise due to its mix of large-scale space battles and significant character shifts. AI responses may include mistakes. Learn more Carson Beckett) and Mitch Pileggi (Colonel Steven Caldwell)
: Realizing they cannot win a direct confrontation, the team uses a Zero Point Module (ZPM) brought by the Daedalus to power the city's shield and then fakes the city's destruction by detonating a nuke above the shield while simultaneously engaging the cloak . The Wraith, believing the city destroyed, depart.