This post contains spoilers For Season 5, Episode 6 of Stargat Atlantis.

Dr. Rodney McKay (David Hewlett) is a dependent presence during the five seasons of Stargat Atlantis. The brilliance of McKay as an astrophysicist proved invaluable to the Atlantis crew, which often encountered problems that only McKay's caliber expert can solve. That said, a lack of having someone like him in the team is a constant threat to tackle Edadd Condescence (which is an innate part of McKay's personality). He often belittles people who are not "smart enough" and approaches every problem with anxiety. Despite these deficiencies, McKay's presence in Stargate Atlantis is essential-under the layers of self-centered arrogance lies a heart that never hesitate to save innocent or self-sacrifice because of his team.

Stargat Atlantis' fifth and last season finished individual arcs the bestAnd some episodes have turned to certain crew members to increase the stakes. In conversation with Gate World, Hewelet mentioned his favorite scenario (which is going to be an episode of Season 5) that was strongly focused on his character:

"My favorite script of all time, I just read:" The Talus Sanctuary "-what is (from) Brad Wright. He has just written this script (...) that is the one that will blow them all. It's amazing. Being is neat.

In case you are confused, Hewlett talks about the "sanctuary", the sixth episode of the last season that revolves around McKay and a serious infectious disease. The actor certainly did not exaggerate the quality of the script, as the "sanctuary" appears as a brilliant episode "Atlantis" with a tinted central performance by the gifted Hurette. Let's dig deeper into this episode to see what makes it so unforgettable.

The "Sanctuary" opens by McKay recorded by D -Keller (Skate Stait), as the first was infected by an unknown disease known as the second childhood. Symptoms include rapid memory loss, making McKay difficult to remember himself or his excellent achievements, causing significant anxiety among his colleagues. It is quite tricky to see McKay so unlimited, as amnesia is slowly erasing everything that stands for, including the unique flaws that inform our perception of it. This is when his sister, Ennens (played by David Hewlett's sister, Kate Hewlett)It has been taken because the crew realizes that McKay will die at this rate and that Annens deserves to say goodbye to his brother last.

Hewlett's nose to play more amnesia McKay with conviction is the main reason why the "sanctuary" works so well, because this performance channeling the depth of character with great subtlety. It is easy to reduce McKay on the stereotype of genius genius, but it has always been much more than that. In this episode there is an uncharacteristic cruel vulnerability to him, which is expressed through his diminished self-esteem and his repressed e-commune to Dr. Keller. By adding the presence of Anneny added to the mix, we have an incredibly emotional story about a man who approaches losing himself and everything that is glad.

The "Sanctuary" gives above expectations, as McKay's troubles seem to be tied to the title of planet Talus (which at some point traveled Ronnon Dex to Asoneyson Momoa at some point). Going to this temple is the last effort to save McKay, but the crew takes the risk in any case, although it is now strongly protected hostile power.

All in all, the "sanctuary" is a solid episode that makes us appreciate McKay for who he is, because he sincerely makes us miss his pointed pockets and generally prickly disposition. The tragic consequences of the sudden erosion of memory are just as heart as it would be expected, making Atlantis crew that nothing lasts forever.