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Poisoning the Well is episode 7 of the first season of Stargate Atlantis. The episode first aired on August 20, 2004. Its first syndicated airing was on October 31, 2005. This episode was written by Mary Kaiser with the teleplay by Damian Kindler. It was directed by Brad Turner.
Spoiler Warning: Plot details and/or information about the ending follow. If you wish to enjoy the work first, stop reading here and return at another time.
Plot
Sheppard and his team visit he planet Hoff whose technology and culture appear similar to Earth in the 1920s. When the Hoffan's ascertain that they can be trusted they reveal their greatest accomplishment, a chemical they believe will prevent the Wraith from feeding.
Dr. Weir is informed of the chemical and volunteers their scientific aid to help the Hoffans make the project viable. Dr. Beckett returns with the team to Hoff where he begins to work with Hoffan scientist Perna. Perna explains that though the population has been culled several times, they persist. They have worked on the drug for over the last 150 years, painstakingly maintaining several vast libraries, backups in case any one is destroyed.
Beckett and Perna work on the chemical but in order to test it, they require live Wraith cells. Beckett returns to Atlantis and with the aid of a stunner, he gets a sample from the Wraith they have in custody who Sheppard nicknames Steve. Beckett returns to Hoff and discovers the chemical is indeed a success.
Perna and Hoffan Chancellor Druhin want to move on to testing. They want to test the drug on Steve. Weir discusses the issue with Sheppard, pointing out that the experiment would defy the Geneva Convention. Sheppard however points out that had the Wraith been at the convention they would have fed on everyone there. Weir agrees and the Hoffans provide a willing human subject, Meril, a terminally ill man pleased to be able to help his people.
Steve is transported to Hoff and Meril is given the drug. Steve tries to feed on him but is unable and Meril survives. To their surprise, Steve become ill and dies as all his organs shut down. He was poisoned by the drug in Meril's system. The drug is more than a defense, it's a weapon.
Sheppard speaks to Druhin, informing him that when the Wraith discover what they've accomplished they will wipe out the entire planet and anyone discovered to have been in contact with them. Their warning proves too late as the Hoffan Council has already decided to begin inoculation immediately.
Perna informs Becket that Meril has died. Beckett warns her to stop the inoculations and she admits she was one of the first to take the drug. Soon, the hospitals begin to fill with people who've taken the drug. Half of all who took it are dying and to Shepard's surprise, Druhin finds the odds acceptable. Perna becomes ill and she assures Beckett that her death was well worth it. Beckett stays with her until she dies.
Sheppard asks the chancellor to assure him that the Hoffans are aware of the odds and are choosing of their own free will. A vote is taken and 96 percent vote in favor of the drug despite the cost. Druhin tells Sheppard that when next they return they will discuss passing the drug to other Pegasus Galaxy planets. Sheppard does not believe there will be anyone left when they return.
- Previous Episode: "Childhood's End"
- Next Episode: "Underground"
Guest Stars
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