Season five of Stargate: Atlantis began airing July 11, 2008 on the Sci Fi Channel. The final season of the series concluded after 20 episodes. After being a regular character in season four Amanda Tapping (Colonel Samantha Carter) became a guest star in several episodes of season five. Robert Picardo (Richard Woolsey) joined the cast as a permanent character, as Woolsey assumed command of Atlantis. Jewel Staite (Dr. Jennifer Keller) was also promoted from recurring character to permanent cast member. Both Michael Shanks (Dr. Daniel Jackson) and Paul McGillion (Dr. Carson Beckett) appeared as guest stars in this season, with McGillion appearing in five episodes. Actress Torri Higginson did not reprise her role as Dr. Elizabeth Weir in the fifth season. Other season five regular cast member