The Shrine

"The Shrine" is the sixth episode of the fifth season of Stargate Atlantis. It is also the 300th produced episode in the Stargate franchise.

Plot
Dr. Jennifer Keller is recording Dr. Rodney McKay, who is being infected with a mysterious desease, known as Second Childhood. It is day 15, and he has already forgotten nearly all of his memories, barelt remembering his own name. He calls himself "Mr." McKay, not Doctor, since he points out that the title of Doctor is for smart people, and he points out he is not smart anymore. Keller and Richard Woolsey shows this to Jeannie Miller, McKay's sister. She wonders why she is seeing this. They tell her that this is the opportunity to say goodbye to him, because they have done all they can to prevent this, but is going to day in two days, at most. Jeannie wonders why this happened. They think it was something McKay picked up on a mission.

About three weeks previously, Woolsey calls Sheppard's team to find Dr. Nichol's team, who are, as Woolsey points out "an hour and fifteen minutes late". They gate into M44-599. Once they stepped through, Woolsay plans on having breakfast, and will return in 20 minutes. However, the second he walks down the stair, the Stargate unexpectidly activates. They read no IDC, but gets radio confirmation that it's Sheppard. They tell them not to drop the shield, as the gate is submerged with water. They had to wait thirty eight minutes until the gate can shutdown, so Woolsey can send a Puddle Jumper.

Meanwhile on the planet, McKay recknons that Nichol's team are dead, since M44-599 is suffering from the effects of global warming, and that their base is situated right next to a melting glacier, which breached, causing massive flooding. McKay then starts to run a fever and have to wait until the Jumper can dial in. When the Jumper arrived, they were sent back to Atlantis to check up on McKay, where he hasn't run a fever.

Back in the present, Keller tells Jeannie it is okay to see him. She enters the room, with no idea what to say. McKay, in his childlike state recognises Jeannie, stating she is his sister, and also knows his real first name is Meredith. After a minute, Jeannie suddenly has to leave, because she couldn't bear seeing him like this, as he seemed normal two weeks ago, being kinder than ever. Ronon Dex comforts her, and says that there is a possible to solution to this, but it is risky.

At day 6 of the recordings, McKay starts to tell Keller everything he knows in front of the camera. However, he realises that a lot of his memories have already deteorated. He then wants to tell Keller something. In the present, she is watching this, only to get interrupted by Jeannie. She tells her that Ronon says he know a way. However, Keller already knew about the solution, but decides not to risk it, because where they would be heading, is a Wraith outpost. Jeannie wanted to know how Keller found out about McKay's condition.

Keller explains that she missed the first signs, but didn't figure it out before it is too late. The disease is very similar to Alzheimer's disease, but has a different process. A parasite went into McKay's brain. It started being too small to be noticed by sensors. However, it rapidly grew until McKay starts forgetting his memories, in which case the parasite grows in such a way, that it would be impossible to surgically remove.

In the Briefing room, the team discuss what to do with McKay. Ronon explains the planet called Talus has a shrine that can apparantly give the victim one day to return to normal, until they die quickly, with honour and dignity. Ronon experienced this with his own gradfather. The shrine is also heard by the Athosians. The team wants to try it out, but Keller says they need to talk to McKay first. They discuss this with McKay, who agrees. However, the team tells him very little, hiding the Wraith part. However, Jeannie points out that she is McKay's next of kin, and ultimately, the decision is hers.

On the first day of recording, to see how the Second Childhood is progressing. On the first day, he knows everything, including his name, position, the city, the Pegasus galaxy, and Pi in twelve decimal places.

Back in the present, the team of Jeannie, McKay, Sheppard, Teyla, Ronon and Keller ready in a Jumper, as the gate is dialled to Talus. The MALP reads two Hive ships on a valley, firing at the probe. They relase the smoke screen, to allow the Jumper time to cloak. After arriving on the planet, it will take a few minutes. In the meantime, Sheppard gets a flashback of a few days since McKay's diagnosis.

McKay runs to Sheppard's quarters in the middle of the night, as Ronon left him alone when he was sleeping. He woke up and ran to Sheppard. He says it is a nice night to go out on the edge of a pier, and drink lots of Beer. On the pier, McKay admits that he is scared to lose his memories. He then wants to have what time he has left to say goodbye. However, Sheppard refuses, saying there is still time. McKay then finishes joking about his condition, stating "You're a good friend, Arthur".

The team arrives at the shrine, which is hidden behind a waterfall. When they enter the shrine, Keller reads strange energy readings. McKay feels uncomfirtable, and wants to go back. However, McKay later changes. He has returned to normal. They explain the situation, but McKay doesn't approve of returning to normal, only to day in a day. However, he is able to discover the energy reading is radiation that can apparently shrink the parasite enough, long enough to be able to operate on McKay. However, Keller has no equipment. They are forced to improvise by using tools like a power drill and a Life signs detector.

Back on day 10 of the recording, McKay attempts to remember his work, but is angry for not remembering. He also remembers his parents, and can hear words they told him, but doesn't know what they are. By day 18, he barely remembers anything.

Back in the present, they perform the operation. Keller gives McKay enough anaesthetic to knock him out, while they drill into his skull. However, the discover the parasite is trying to escape the radiation, by trying to exit McKay's head. Once it is out, Ronon takes out his gun and shoots it, blowing a whole in the floor, McKay is finally cured.

Back in Atlantis, McKay is in the infirmary, sleeping, with Jeannie and Keller next to him. Jeannie wonders when he will wake up, as he has been sleeping for some time. Later, McKay finally wakes up, and can remember everything. He then feels pekish, and wants some food. Keller comes to get some. However, she comes to a room to play the recording of day 6; the one McKay was about to tell Keller something. He tells her he should say this, before he looses that memory. He tells her that he loves her, and has for some time.

Production

 * The episode, as described by Joseph Mallozzi, is a tear-jerker.
 * The final draft script of "The Shrine of Talus" was submitted on March 10, 2008.
 * This is a McKay-centric episode.
 * This episode was originally named The Shrine of Talus but changed due to legal issues.