Stargate: Atlantis (TV Series) Trinity (2005) User Reviews

Very good episode

[Ado42 · 8/10 · 13 April 2022]

Trinity has two plots, the main plot where SGA discover an Ancient Outpost with a power source that could render ZPM's obsolete, and a sub plot where Teyla travels off world to conduct a trade deal, accompanied by Ronnon who encounters other survivors of his people.

The main plot is the highlight. Rodney's character is tested in this episode, his endless pursuit of knowledge, accompanied by his cockiness to prove himself correct eventually leads him to believe that he can do right where the ancients were wrong. He asks Sheppard to place his trust in him (something he's never done before).

I think this is pretty interesting because we get to see a scenario where Rodney is wrong for once, the test goes badly and the solar system is destroyed. I think his failure this time really humbled him, not only because he risked the life of his friend (and destroyed a solar system), but also because the trust he asked of Sheppard was misplaced.

I dont know why the other reviewers dislike Rodney so much. He can be insensitive at times, and his arrogance ends up harming himself and those around him, but he clearly cares about the people around him. Furthermore, his devotion to his work is not just his arrogance, but also stems from that same desire to better the lives of his people. Just because he's a flawed character doesn't mean he's a badly written one.

The sub plot is also good considering how much time was given to it, we get to learn more about Ronon's past and his moral compass, he's clearly fine with taking justice into his own hands, even if it means exploiting Teyla's trust, something that Teyla did not appreciate, even if she agrees with the initial sentiment of revenge.

Don't try to take on more than you can chew

[owlaurence · 7/10 · 1 August 2011]

There is something just wrong with the way this episode is built. From beginning to end, it is divided into two subplots that never merge and never contribute to one another, thus limiting character interaction and overall consistency (by the way, this may be sheer bad will on my part, but I really fail to understand the title).

So on the one hand you have Teyla and Ronon's subplot, which I am going to begin with because it clearly takes second place (yes, there IS a logic here). We will seldom see those two interact, so this is a good opportunity to put the two "aliens" of the team together and show how they are different from Earthlings and from each other. It's also another chance to get to know Ronon and his tragic story. Clearly, the news that he is not the last Satedan survivor is capital, but it is rather underexploited since Ronon's only reaction is to exact vengeance from a former friend. Now, I understand that the guy has issues; still, I find it sad that the story insists on showing him as a mindless brute.

While Teyla and Ronon are comparing their respective modus operandi, Rodney gets to play with a shiny new toy, and this is the most interesting half of the episode. We've gotten used to Earth casually using far-too-advanced technology, and to McKay avoiding disasters thanks to last-second genius strokes. So I guess we're all siding with him (and SGC) in his stubborn attempts to complete the Ancient project, especially after he gives Sheppard that speech about trust. But after all his past successes, his apocalyptic failure serves as a brutal reminder that genius though he may be, McKay is still far from perfect, and we should not expect him to always save the day in the future. (Actually, this marks the beginning of a succession of rather humbling experiences for poor Rodney). This plot is interesting because it doesn't go where we expect it to, and I can only watch in amazement when a hero blows a whole solar system to smithereens. Besides, Rodney will *not* drop the matter and variations on this particular technology will appear in later episodes (all with their own fascinating but similarly disastrous drawbacks).

Not the best episode ever, but hardly unwatchable

[mikesteffanos · 7/10 · 28 August 2021]

I agree with the negative reviewers that dividing this episode into two subplots didn't work. It was like watching two fragmented episodes in that way. Still, it had some interesting plot twists. By the way, for those who question the name of the episode, Google trinity. It was the first test of the atomic bomb in 1945. The use of that is the title is obvious once you understand that.

I like the character of Rodney McKay and thought he helped carry the show. For those that really hated him, you're entitled to your opinion. But given the importance of the character, I personally would never have watched the show past the first few episodes if I felt the same. To each his own obviously.

Not good

[sheila-85119 · 4/10 · 15 February 2021]

Ronin shows a brutal side. Don't know why the episode is called Trinity. McKay shows even more why he is the weak link in this series. I wish the producers could have chosen a different actor. He's always hyperactive. He talks so fast that you can't understand what he's saying. There is no way you could warm to him. Hope he gets Wraithed sooner than later. Does nothing for this franchise. All other actors/characters are great.

Another extremely stupid episode showcasing the ever stupid Rodney McKay

[koofasa · 1/10 · 7 January 2021]

The ancients abandoned research on a power source due to the danger it could cause to the planet. So, of course the dumbest man in Atlantis thinks he knows better and the idiotic military says sure, go ahead and destroy the planet. How did this show stay on the air so long with this total jerk at the center of things? It's clearly a Canadian quirk that they would choose the most unlikable Canadian in their country to act in this role. This show is an embarrassment to the Stargate franchise.