Atlantis: Season Five
First Aired: August 22, 2008
First Aired: August 22, 2008
Rodney McKay is stricken with a mental affliction that robs him of his knowledge and memories, causing him to revert to a childlike state. With a lead on a way to cure him, Rodney’s team members put their own lives on the line.
“The Shrine” Facts:
- Getting the team on top of a submerged Stargate near the beginning of the episode was accomplished on a sound stage using a huge tank and a green screen — extended, of course, with a digital lake.
- “The Shrine” was conceived as a sort of reverse version of the classic Daniel Keyes novel Flowers For Algernon, in which a man with an IQ of 68 has experimental surgery to increase his intelligence — but the effects gradually wear off.
- Actor David Hewlett (“Rodney McKay”) described this episode as his all-time favorite Stargate script.
- Rodney’s sister Jeannie is portrayed, of course, by David’s real-life sister Kate Hewlett. She first appeared in the third season episode “McKay and Mrs. Miller.”
- “The Shrine” is the 300th episode produced in the Stargate franchise. It originally carried the working title “The Shrine of Talus” (after the legendary place where the team takes Rodney).
“The Shrine” on GateWorld:
- Episode Guide
- “The Shrine” Podcast – with special guest David Hewlett!
- Fan Reviews
- Episode Transcript
- Photo Gallery
- Screencap Gallery
- Discussion Forum
Download “The Shrine” now from Amazon
Rewatch “The Shrine” this week! Then post your comments below, or head over to the “The Shrine” discussion forum and see what people were saying back in the day. What are your favorite moments?
Each week we’re highlighting a favorite episode from Stargate’s 17 seasons. Watch the episode with us this week and join in the fun!
2nd favorite episode of the series (after Vegas). That Beer on the pier scene is such classic McKay and Sheppard friendship, I love it. “You’re a good friend Arthur.”
One of the best episodes of the whole Stargate franchise…
Agreed it’d be hard to find one that was better. I think most of the best episodes had Rodney and his sister in them.
It’s amazing how Rodney transformed from SG-1 to this point in Atlantis where you actually care enough to care about his affliction.
Absolutly one of the best, if not the best. A lot of heart in this episode. Very touching, especially in the kind and gentle manner the others treated Rodney.
A great episode, definitely ‘up there’ as one of the best. Some lovely touching moments. It really shows how the characters have bonded as a family. The pier scene is the best!
Well, on an emotional side. It was a great episode. Overall, I didn’t care much to see it only because it only reminds me of what happens in real life with Alzheimers. I think its one of the worst ways to go. I just don’t like being reminded of it. There was great acting in this episode. David did an excellent job.