The Shrine

The sci-fi epic takes a breather from blistering action in tonight's tearduct-tugging instalment. En route to investigate the disappearance of a research team, Lt Col Sheppard, Dr McKay, Teyla and Ronon emerge from the stargate to find themselves treading water atop a flooded valley. Soaked to the skin and cripplingly cold, the crew cling to the apex of the gate until the puddle jumper can make its way through to rescue them. During the flight back to Atlantis, McKay falls gravely ill. Dr Keller makes his diagnosis. The good news is that he finds the source of Rodney's condition, a parasitic organism that has latched onto his brain. The bad is that this deadly organism cannot be removed. Heartbreakingly, the team has no choice but to watch as their friend deteriorates to the point of having no recollection of who he is and to the emotions of a young boy. McKay can't even recall his sister Jeannie. In a final deed of friendship, Ronon finds a shrine located on the planet Talus, a place that will grant Rodney one day, and one day only, to be himself before he dies.