Stargate Atlantis: The Shrine (season 5, episode 6)

TV episode review
US airdate 22 August 2008 (Sci Fi Channel)

McKay is recording a video log, shockingly indicating his mental decline and regression to a childhood state. Sheppard explains to Jeannie that her brother has been infected with a parasite that is slowly switching off his higher brain functions. There seems no cure, but Ronon has knowledge of a place that can give McKay one last day of full awareness to say goodbye to his friends...

Designed to be a heartrending and sentimental piece, this will doubtless appeal to Rodney fans. It is a completely standalone episode, mainly without action, that focuses solely on character. Clearly there are references to Flowers For Algernon, and in the main the storyline is dealt with in a very sympathetic way.

Of course, with Rodney being the mainstay of the series there is really no threat, but the writing and acting carry the weight of the episode (even if the outcome is a little too convenient and turns of event sometimes ludicrous; they carry a Black and Decker drill, but not a full medical kit on their journey – really?).

A couple of very effective CGI sequences do make the episode look exceptionally glossy though. Shots of the flooded planet where Rodney gets infected are awesome, and the scene of McKay and Sheppard on the pier show the city of Atlantis in a glorious light. Well worth the money. Brigid Cherry