10 Most Disturbing Stargate Moments
6. The Satellite Is Destroyed By The Wraith
The end of the first season of Stargate Atlantis saw a fleet of Wraith hive ships bearing down on the city. Without the proper means to defend themselves, such as a ZPM to power the city's shield and weapons systems, there is little to no hope that Atlantis will survive the assault.
However, McKay finds and sets about repairing an Ancient Lagrangian Satellite that he and Sheppard discover in their system. With this weapon operational, they will be able to target and attack any hive ships that drop out of hyper-space.
McKay, Lt. Miller and Dr. Peter Grodin (who had appeared in most episodes of the first season) travel to the Satellite and find it in need of repairs, which they get to work on. Knowing time is short, McKay begins to rewire the Satellite as fast as possible, which allows it to be powered up as the three Wraith ships drop out of hyper-space nearby.
Grodin is on board the Satellite, with Miller and McKay in a nearby, cloaked Puddle Jumper. Grodin activates the weapon, which fires a beam that slices through the first ship. It is destroyed and the humans begin to celebrate.
And then McKay's repairs short circuit.
The Satellite is unable to fire again. Grodin knows this spells doom and tells McKay and Miller to escape, though they try to rescue to him. It is too late and the Wraith rain fire down on it, destroying it and killing Grodin.
Horrified, the others return to the city, now with two hive ships in tow.