2. MCKAY AND MRS. MILLER
(Season Three, Episode 8)

In the show’s first season we learned that Rodney has a sister back on Earth, someone he cares for but from whom he has been estranged for many years. When he thought he was going to die he thought of her, and wanted her to know that he regrets what happened between them (see “Hot Zone” and “Letters From Pegasus”). But when the brilliant sister, Jeannie Miller, creates a math proof that makes Rodney’s own research into creating an interdimensional bridge possible, the Air Force calls upon him to pay her a visit. He introduces her to the Stargate program and brings her to Atlantis, where the two work together to create the bridge — only to bring through an alternate, cool version of Rodney, contributing to our own Rodney’s inferiority issues.

“McKay and Mrs. Miller” gave David a chance to act alongside his real-life sister, stage actress Kate Hewlett. The complicated relationship and emotional investment between the two plays brilliantly, culminating in a tear-jerking scene where Rodney embraces his sister and expresses his desire to be a part of her life again. We also get to see another “Rod” from a parallel universe, one who is cool, heroic, and the leader of his own team. It’s not just a fun story with a cool sci-fi premise, but a stirring family drama and one of Rodney’s biggest steps forward as a person.

1. THE SHRINE
(Season Five, Episode 6)

After Rodney is exposed to a parasite native to the Pegasus Galaxy, he experiences what Teyla and Ronon say is called “Second Childhood” — a deteriorating condition not unlike Alzheimer’s Disease. He is losing his mind and all sense of who he is, and the prognosis is terminal. The team calls his sister Jeannie from Earth to say her last goodbyes. Meanwhile, Rodney records a series of videos to chronicle his deterioration. And Ronon insists on taking him to the Shrine of Talus, a cave in Wraith-controlled territory where legend says he will be himself for one final day, before dying. Pushed by Jeannie, the team goes … and prepares to say goodbye.

Written by series co-creator Brad Wright, “The Shrine” goes down in Atlantis history as one of the show’s finest hours. It’s funny, sweet, exciting, and deeply emotional as Rodney loses everything that he is, and his sister and closest friends say goodbye … all except Sheppard, that is, who refuses to say goodbye. While the two men have been co-workers and members of the same team for years, it is Rodney’s panicked, midnight arrival in John’s quarters and their beer on the pier that solidifies their friendship.

Watch the series finale of Stargate Atlantis Friday night at 9 p.m. (8 Central) on SCI FI Channel! Learn more about the episode, “Enemy At the Gate,” in GateWorld’s episode guide.