In Stargate Atlantis: Why Atlantis Can’t Manufacture Its Own Drones

Complexity of Technology

The technology underlying drones in Stargate Atlantis is incredibly sophisticated, often requiring specific materials and processes that Atlantis may not have been designed to replicate. The Ancients, who built Atlantis, had a vastly different level of technological knowledge and resources compared to what the current inhabitants possess. This stark technological divide suggests that replicating drone technology might be beyond the capability of the city's current inhabitants.

Resource Limitations

The city of Atlantis may lack the necessary resources or raw materials to create new drones. While Atlantis boasts advanced technology, the availability of materials like Zero Point Modules (ZPMs) or specific alloys might be limited or non-existent. This scarcity of key resources further complicates the city's ability to manufacture drones.

Loss of Knowledge

Over the millennia, much of the Ancients' knowledge and expertise may have been lost. The current inhabitants, including the Expedition team, may not fully understand how to manufacture or repair certain advanced technologies, including drones. This loss of knowledge could directly impact the city's ability to create new drones.

Operational Constraints

Even with advanced technology, the drones require maintenance and operational support that may not be feasible in the current context of the series. The focus of the Atlantis team was often on survival and exploration rather than on manufacturing new weapons. This operational priority limits the city's ability to allocate resources towards the production of drones.

Narrative and Dramatic Tension

From a storytelling perspective, the limitation of not being able to produce drones adds tension and stakes to the plot. It forces the characters to find creative solutions and engage in diplomatic or combat scenarios that drive the narrative forward. This limitation serves to enhance the drama and push the story in more exciting directions.

In summary, while Atlantis has advanced technology, several practical and narrative reasons contribute to its inability to manufacture its own drones. This storyline adds depth and complexity to the series, enhancing both the plot and the characters' interactions.

Counter-Arguments:

However, some viewers argue that the technology in Stargate Atlantis is overpowered and illogical. They cite examples such as ZPMs, which are capable of destroying entire solar systems yet are useless against Hive ships, and the absurd energy requirements for drone production compared to real-world benchmarks.

Additionally, the limitations of Ancient technology in the show are often contradictory. The Ancients' cloaking technology works for over 10,000 years and their drives are much faster, enabling them to control the galaxy with far fewer resources than portrayed. This narrative inconsistency can detract from the show's overall credibility and plausibility.

Lastly, some argue that the Ancients/Ancients vs. Wraith conflict could have been more manageable and realistic if the Ancients had been able to use their technology more efficiently. Placing the conflict in a final month with a few dozen remaining Ancients might have provided a more believable and engaging storyline.

Conclusion:

While the ability of Atlantis to manufacture drones is a source of confusion for some viewers, it is also a well-thought-out aspect of the show's plot. The storyline adds complexity, tension, and depth to the narrative, enhancing the viewer's experience. However, the show's technological inconsistencies and narrative choices undoubtedly contribute to the debate over its overall realism and canon status.