The following contains MAJOR SPOILERS for the "Outcast" episode of the SciFi Channel series, "Stargate: Atlantis."

Its not going to be easy. If this was the movies, wed dip him into a vat of molten steel or a volcano. You know, the fires from whence he came. -- Dr. Bill Lee

This weeks episode of "Stargate: Atlantis" is another "buddy" adventure ... this time with Sheppard and Ronon, instead of the previous episodes Sheppard and McKay team-up. But whereas "Harmony" was mostly comedy, "Outcast" is a little more action/adventure with a touch of "Terminator."

Sheppard is given some bad news by Carter: Sheppards father has died. Sheppard heads off the Earth for the wake and Ronon tags along for support, although he would never say that was the reason.

Apparently Sheppards dad was a rich "Utilities Mogul" who was not pleased with Sheppard choosing his own career path.

At the wake, Sheppard has three awkward run-ins: his brother Dave (Dylan Neal) with whom he has a strained relationship; his ex-wife Nancy (Kari Wuhrer); and a young female scientist named Ava (Emma Lahana) who works at a company (previously seen in "Miller's Crossing") that has an illegal project creating a human Replicator. Man, going to family events can be a real pain.

With the help of Ava, former Atlantis team member (now IOA agent) Sgt. Bates (Dean Marshall) and Stargate Commands Dr. Bill Lee (Bill Dow), they track down the Earth-created Replicator. After a big fight for their lives and the discovery of Avas secret, Sheppard and Ronon manage to destroy the Replicator.

What Worked

I liked this exploration into Sheppards past, which had been hinted at in "Letters From Pegasus." It helps make the character seem richer and more real. It was nice to see Kari Wuhrer ("Sliders") guest star as Sheppards ex-wife. We find out why their marriage didnt last. It was also great to see Bill Dow guest star again.

There were some really nice fight scenes in this episode, especially the big fight at the end.

I really liked how they tied in events from previous episodes this time around, including Sheppards past ("Letters From Pegasus"), the company that kidnapped McKay and Jeannie ("Miller's Crossing"), Bates ("Siege") and McKays reason he couldnt go to the funeral ("Childhood's End").

What Didnt Work

Im not thrilled that we got another episode without the whole team, but they explained it fairly well. This time with a nice nod to continuity as to why McKay couldnt join him. It isnt hard to figure out why Teyla couldnt be there.

Again with the barely there Carter. Recently, it was announced that Amanda Tapping will leave Atlantis to star on the web series "Sanctuary," which has been picked up by SciFi Channel. Im thrilled for "Sanctuary" and feel that this is a good choice for both Amanda Tapping and for "Stargate: Atlantis." The biggest weakness this season has been the poor integration of Carter and "dumbing" her down to a fraction of the scientist and soldier she was on "Stargate SG-1."

Im getting a little tired with the Replicator overkill. They are interesting villains, but I would love to see some new and different threats. This episode had a bit of intended camp feel due to the resemblance with "Terminator." But at least they knew that and had Lee make a reference to the film.

Overall, this wasnt one of their strongest episodes this season, but the peek at Sheppards past and the guest stars helped make it an enjoyable episode.

Giving Credit Where Credit Is Due

"Outcast" was written by Alan McCullough with story by Joe Flanigan and directed by Andy Mikita. "Stargate: Atlantis" airs Friday nights at 10 p.m. on the SciFi Channel. The show stars Amanda Tapping, Joe Flanigan, David Hewlett, Rachel Luttrell and Jason Momoa.

Marx Pyle is a staff writer for Airlock Alpha, writing out of Vancouver, B.C. He can be reached at mpyle@airlockalpha.com.