When the script for the pilot episode was written, Dr. Weir’s right-hand man was to be Dr. Benjamin Ingram — an African-Canadian scientist who would provide some key techno-babble exposition, but wasn’t necessarily even a member of Sheppard’s off-world recon team. The producers wanted to find someone like David Hewlett, who had played the arrogant yet brilliant Dr. McKay in three episodes of Stargate SG-1 (“48 Hours” and the two-parter, “Redemption”). Then they hit upon a stroke of genius: Why not just have David Hewlett audition?
The audition was a hit, and Benjamin Ingram became Rodney McKay. Needless to say, it’s a role that will greatly define David’s career among science fiction fans. He had also appeared in films like Cube, and TV series including Traders, Kung Fu: The Legend Continues, and guest spots on several network shows. During Stargate Atlantis he married and had a child, and also wrote, directed, and starred in his first film, A Dog’s Breakfast.
Rodney is a condescending, know-it-all, arrogant, lemon-fearing jerk … and once we got to know him, a complex character, a sensitive guy, and a good friend. The writers have loved writing McKay episodes over the last five years, so this list is particularly hard to narrow down. But here are our five favorite:
(Season Two, Episode 4)
McKay and security officer Lt. Cadman are scooped up by a Wraith Dart, which is subsequently shot down. When the team manages to rematerialize Rodney from the Dart’s storage, they find that Cadman’s consciousness is now stuck in his head. Hilarity ensues when she learns that she can take control of his body (and put the moves on Carson Beckett, who she has a thing for). But the two minds in one head thing can’t last, and the two learn that one of them will likely perish.
Playing a socially inept genius with a beautiful woman in his head, who is trying to initiate a relationship with a nice girl while she is jonesing for some Beckett time, leading to a fight over his body, a mental breakdown, and a guy-on-guy kiss is every actor’s dream. Right? “Duet” is a tour de force for David Hewlett, and mixes a hilarious look at Rodney’s personal life with a touching story about sacrifice for another.
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Will Friday bring the Best of Dr. Keller episodes?
I would put the first season episode "Hide and Seek" on this list. After Rodney's work on SG-1 I felt that this was a necessary episode to make Rodney a more likeable character as he braved death to save everyone else. This was an early, but important step for Rodney's character.
No plans for a Keller list, Zack. To match with the five seasons and five days of marathons, we went with the five main characters who were cast members the longest.
Since the Atlantis writers didn't do tons of character-centric episodes, I think it would be tough to find five episodes for Keller, Woolsey, or Carter (or even perhaps Beckett), let alone five that are stand-outs.
That was an entirely facetious comment regarding Keller episodes. Many thanks for the interesting choices and commentaries you have presented.
Great choices. However, after just viewing the Tao of Rodney yesterday, I'd have to put it ahead of the Shrine. I forgot just how moving and amazing that episode was! When Weir tells Rodney that they all love him, it's a very touching moment.
I can't restrict myself to a top 5 or even a top ten for Rodney McKay best episodes. If I could force myself to do it I'd choose from the following 12 episodes:
The Eye “I’m an extremely arrogant man who tends to believe that all his plans will work”; Duet “Well, we can't all be track stars, now, can we?”; Trinity “Look, I don't know how else to say this, but none of you are capable of understanding this on the same level that I do.”; Grace Under Pressure “Oh, wow! I'm arguing with myself about who had an idea first -- me or me. I really am petty, aren't I?”; Inferno “Well, what does he mean, ‘Then what’?! Then we won't die horribly!”; No Man’s Land “I would prefer to dedicate my last breath of air to getting more air”; Progeny “Oh, that’s me. Right. Surprise, surprise. Look, why don’t I just go on these missions by myself, hmm?”; Tao of Rodney “You know, I’m actually feeling a sense of peace ... interspersed with moments of sheer terror, of course.”; The Ark “Look, just give me a second to figure out how screwed we are and I’ll get back to you.”; Trio “Oh great! Great! You know, I was just thinking what would be awesome would be more physical exertion!”; The Shrine “Look, my brain is not some new deck off the back of your house!”; and Brain Storm “I have been listening to you, and that is what led me to believe that you are a moron!”
Gotta love McKay - awesome character, awesome dialogue.
The Shrine has to top the list for sure. others I liked were Duet, and I prefered Miller's Crossing to Mckay and mrs miller. Also, Letters from pegasus, although it wasn't as mckay centric as the others. He has some great moments in every episode really.
I can't wait for the best of Lt. Ford
It's not gonna be Ford, the last one will be Ronan.
The shrine made me cry!