S2e06 Trinity - Tumblr Posts

Stargate Atlantis S2E06 Trinity

I’ve been waiting to watch this episode, and not just because I found an entry in my old journal from 2006 about it.

This was a big episode for McKay because up until now he was been Atlantis’ Go-To Guy, and this fed his already massive ego. This episode, we finally saw the truly ugly side of McKay’s arrogance. So assured of his own genius and in pursuit of a Nobel Prize, he killed one expedition member, almost killed himself and Sheppard, and destroyed almost an entire solar system.

It also showed the incredible trust Sheppard placed in McKay by siding with him despite Weir, Caldwell, Zelenka, and his own reservations about Project Arcturus. In S2E01 The Siege Part 3, when Caldwell questioned whether they were in the right place to intercept the wraith ships, Sheppard told him, “I’ve learned to trust Rodney about these things.” Mid-Trinity, Sheppard argued with McKay but told Weir that they’d call her after the weapons test, indicating he still trusted him. He glared furiously at McKay, but didn’t keep arguing.

Until the weapon overloaded (cue impassioned speech!), which Zelenka told them would happen again, and they barely escaped with their lives, thanks to Caldwell conveniently chilling in the debris field near the stargate with the Daedalus. This guy was gunning so hard for Sheppard’s job, but it was a good thing he was there.

I haven’t watched the next episode yet, so I’ve yet to find out whether there’s any fallout, but the apology scene was…something. McKay had saved Sheppard’s apology for last, and Sheppard seemed dismissive. Finally:

McKay: I would hate to think that recent events might have permanently dimmed your faith in my abilities, or your trust. At the very least, I hope I can earn that back. Sheppard: That may take a while. McKay: I see. Sheppard: But, I'm sure you can do it, if you really wanna try.

I literally just watched this episode, and it ended on a such a flirtatious note compared to the friendship vibe described in the transcript. I’m a hardcore McShep shipper from the original run and I’m trying to watch the show with fresh eyes and their dynamic is super homoromantic.

When my sister and I watched this episode together in 2006, she said, “You can tell he really, really, really loves Sheppard!” And I mean, yeah.

I also made gifs of the glares they exchanged during their argument on the Ancient outpost and during McKay’s apology. My spouse, who joined me for my rewatch, isn't sold on these guys being straight buddies:

Also, way back when a lot of fandom stuff took place on Livejournal, I used to refer to this pairing as "hot gay space romance," and #435, The Atlantis Local Stitch'n'Bitch by @rageprufrock is why.