Stargate: Atlantis (TV Series) The Shrine (2008) User Reviews

Almost unbearably brilliant

[owlaurence · 9/10 · 10 June 2011]

Some episodes just seem to punch you in the guts. This, despite the total lack of action, is one of them. The first 5 seconds set the tone: disturbingly familiar, chillingly realistic, and yet deeply touching and so well interpreted that despite every horrible reminiscence it might conjure up, you probably won't drop it before the last minute. I know I never do even though it physically *hurts* to watch. Yup. Every single time.

Fortunately, the whole episode is brilliantly balanced on the fine line between comedy and nightmare, mostly thanks to the cast's really great performances. Nobody overdoes it, conveying just the right blend of emotion and bravado. Every little detail feels right and says something about how the characters interact and how they truly feel. Obviously, most of this revolves about Rodney. His intelligence is everything to him; losing it, and seeing himself losing it, has to be the most horrible thing he could imagine --and yet it provides such wonderful moments, adding a new depth to his relationships with others, particularly with Sheppard and Jennifer. It's mostly thanks to those three that an episode without any particular significance for the season acquires such resonance.

Last but definitely not least, despite what you might think from reading this, the episode actually has several honestly funny moments to offer, and it manages to blend them seamlessly with the ongoing tragedy. Of course, another thing that rescues the episode from the brink of depression is that obviously, for once there will be a cure. Wishful thinking it may be, but it's still comforting, and I think that this is one of SF's best points: not to look away from reality, but to look beyond it, if I may say so.

The best of the entire series

[frank-secada · 10/10 · 27 October 2010]

After viewing all the episodes of the entire series, one by one each night, I had to come back to this one. The emotional content is just so rich and moving. David and Kate Hewlett are outstanding of course, but after watching it again I was so surprised and gratified to see the little emotional gems and currents from the other characters.

Ronon trying to comfort Jeannie was touching and funny, and the little byplay between Ronon and Dr. Keller shows his affection for her and her awareness of it, and her dismissing of his grumbling when he checks out clean on the scan that he didn't feel he needed anyway. It was a nice little touch, about a second long, given by her facial expression and the tone of her voice, a little quiet aside while someone else is talking, and it was wonderful.

But for me the most touching part, which only became more clear after having seen the entire episode (and the rest of the season), was that gentle, quiet, reassuring tone in which Dr. Keller spoke to Rodney, in the very first scene of this episode, and carried through in all the videos Rodney made which chronicled his deterioration. In that quiet, understated way, Jewel Staite's performance spoke volumes. It was beautiful, especially the end.

My Favorite Episode...hits close to home

[ddravland-1 · 10/10 · 31 May 2009]

Mr. Hewlett, I saved "The Shrine" on my DVR from the first time it aired (am a loyal fan of SG Atlantis and a consistent fan of the Star Trek and Stargate Franchises since the beginning of each). I play "The Shrine" every couple months and am over-whelmed (every time) by your acting, the story-line and actors. It hits so close to home for me. I have a condition of 'memory loss' myself...ICD-9 Code: 780-93 to be exact...and why I can remember that, I don't know. Much of this is not understood or can be explained away very well. The TV episode has a happy ending because someone finds out what it is that's wrong and then fixes it. Not so in my case. Your acting portrays what happens to someone exactly! In my case, the degradation is slower and will drag on for a few years yet, but how you portrayed the character and how your friends in the episode dealt with it is very accurate...so true to life. I have wanted to find some way to get a message to you, to thank you for bringing this out into the sunlight, for others to see...because 'we' are out there and are going thru the same thing as you showed us. Thank you so much for your heartfelt acting and dedication! I had to turn my old DVR in today, to get another one because of problems with the hard-drive on it. So, I have lost "The Shrine" but got to see it today again...like an old friend. It somehow helps to see how I will 'go out'...I can plan for 'more difficult' times ahead. I have no one that understands what is happening to me, but in "The Shrine"...I did. Thank you so much! Darryl Dravland Cincinnati

One of the best episodes of either franchise!

[BandNHuffPA · 10/10 · 24 August 2008]

I originally gave this episode a 9 (out of 10), but since it has created such a powerful image in my mind, I have changed to a 10. I actually started tearing up when I tried to explain the episode to someone who had not seen the show. What a wonderfully written episode with fine acting by the entire cast.

David Hewlett's portrayal of Dr. McKay has always been a highlight of this series. He has always given his normally arrogant character a surprising depth, from heroics to fear and from happiness to anguish. Don't be fooled that his name is the last to appear on the credits. He is the star of this show.

His performance in "The Shrine" is one of the best I have ever seen in a science-fiction series. Even if you have never had a family member who has suffered from debilitating brain injuries or Alzheimer's, this episode will absolutely tear your heart. Here Hewlett gives the viewer all the stages of an Alzheimer's type brain disorder in just an hour's time. He certainly deserves an Emmy nomination for this performance, but the Emmys often overlook science-fiction shows for more "mainstream" viewing.

Kudos also to Jewel Stait, Joe Flannigan and Kate Hewlett (David Hewlett's sister on the series and in real life) for their performances in this episode. Stait has been a great addition to this series and Flannigan has always been the perfect military lead. And Kate Hewlett's rare guest shots are always welcome.

If you have never seen an episode of Stargate Atlantis, this is the one to watch. Then check out the series from the beginning and see what a fantastic show you have missed. Also give the original feature film Stargate, and the first series Stargate SG-1 and its two sequel films a look.

I look forward to the rest of this final season of Stargate Atlantis, and to the planned future films.

Great Job!

Brilliant

[foghorn_clj · 9/10 · 10 May 2020]

There's only 3 times in my life that I have actually teared up when watching a television show or movie (Ironically all of them while watching Stargate episodes) This was one of them.

David Hewlett's performance in this episode was truly inspired. Undoubtedly one of the greatest performances in the franchise''s history. He made you genuinely believe that the true Rodney McKay was slipping further and further away. He conveyed so well just how devastating it would be for a character like McKay who's entire life and self worth revolves around his intelligence to slowly lose it. From his body language to the slurred and warm tone to his words, it was truly a remarkable performance deserving of recognition.

Brilliant performances also by Jewel Staite and Kate Hewlett in conveying their characters individual and shared grief over Rodney's situation. And yes while I will admit there are plot holes in the flooded-planet situation (ie. Why didn't the scientist notice the glacier was melting?) David's heartbreaking performance makes those holes seem irrelevant.

I have rewatched this episode many times and get teary each and every time.

Wow I cried

[kariverson · 10/10 · 27 October 2021]

I did not go into this episode expecting to be fighting tears for over half of it. What an amazing acting performance by all the cast and most Hewlett and Flanigan. I was feeling everything they were feeling. Best episode of the series so far and quality wise maybe the best in the franchise.

Best episode so far *small spoilers*

[jmphil4 · 10/10 · 23 August 2008]

I don't want to give too much away, but this was the best episode of the season, IMHO.

David Hewlett was spot on in his acting, and the scenes between Joe Flanigan and himself were so touching.

Plus his sister Kate comes back--awesome job!! Great job to the writers, too!!!

I'd have to say, this one episode is reason enough to get the DVD set when it comes out. I hope it's going to have some great behind the scenes information!!

:D

Excellent Performance

[Easygoer10 · 9/10 · 16 August 2020]

David Hewlett gives one of the best performances of any SGA, SG1 or SGU shows (over 350 episodes). He us truly outstanding. I don't write this often for a TV series. This is a really good one! My only beef goes back over a dozen years: Why don't they make a smaller probe than the "MALP"? It looks stupid after so long. They have a "drone" but not really. Anyway, don't miss this episode of SGA!

Fantastic Episode

[rickpen · 10/10 · 9 September 2012]

spoiler alert. i love this episode. It's one of my favorites. I do have a small bone to pick with the editors however. I had downloaded a working copy of this episode and it had a slight but important difference from the aired version. At the time that Rodney professes his love for the doctor he adds "i just though you should know".

This line is important as it is repeated back to Rodney by the doctor in the episode "Brain Storm".It is at that point that the viewer realizes that the doctor began falling in love with Rodney at that point in the earlier episode. Why they made the bonehead move to remove it from the official episode I'll never know. now if i could just find the earlier copy of the one from the internet.

Albeit not so original... This is quite one outstanding episode.

[omero-omero · 10/10 · 8 August 2022]

The whole cast, this time around, gives such an intense performance that it is impossible not to just give in and acknowledge that knot, that emotional clutch... Like riding a pendulum.

It is a very intense episode and if not the very best, it is certainly one of the top three in the whole franchise.

Special mention goes to David Hewlett, a truly inspired performance.

P. S.: Please remember to lay some flowers for Algernon.

Flawless brain surgery with a cordless drill? Avoid!

[tomasajdari · 3/10 · 17 November 2019]

Chock full of ridiculous plot holes. Chock full of offensive nonsene. Do you like to be insulted? Avoid like the plague.

One of SGAs best episodes

[lars-hultqvist-535-113672 · 9/10 · 19 September 2021]

This is a very gripping and emotional episode, especially for people who have experienced family members loosing their personality through dementia/Alzheimer's.

There are no fights or action in this episode, still it is catching your attention from the very first minutes to the end.

David Hewlett Is doing his best performance throughout the series and finally prove that his character is not based on the actors own personality even if we have understood that somewhat from other episodes also.