after being a regular character in season four, amanda tapping (colonel samantha carter) became a guest star in several episodes. robert picardo (richard woolsey) joined the cast as a permanent character as woolsey assumes command of atlantis. actress jewel staite (dr. jennifer keller) was promoted from a recurring character to a permanent cast member. 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 had stated that she would not be reprising her role as dr. elizabeth weir in the fifth season. rainbow sun francks as aiden ford was given a brief cameo appearance in "search and rescue". this was the last season of stargate atlantis.