Stargate Atlantis - "Duet" (TV Episode Review #7)

What happens when two people get trapped in the same body?  Shenanigans, awkward moments, and hilarity ensue.  Such is the case with poor Dr. Rodney McKay, who gets the mind and voice of Lt. Laura Cadman, a U.S. Marine, literally trapped inside his head after a beaming incident with a Wraith glider and a rescue mission gone awry.

Much of this episode’s execution rests solely on the performance of David Hewlett as both Rodney and Cadman.  Portraying two or more separate characters in the same body opens an opportunity to show more of an actor’s range.  Already a great actor who delivers serious chops as Rodney McKay, David Hewlett does a perfect job at seamlessly transitioning between the two characters—especially when he looks like he is “talking to himself” with split personalities.  It helps that Rodney and Cadman are complete opposites when it comes to personality, with Rodney McKay being anxious yet energetic while Laura Cadman is an easygoing and sassy smooth-talker.

Lt. Cadman herself is played by Jaime Ray Newman, who gives one of the best performances of any guest star on the show.  Her sassiness shines throughout, both in her physical performance and even more so when voice acting.  Almost all of her mental dialogues with Rodney are done inside his head, and even then their chemistry shows.  With a personality this strong, it’s no wonder that Laura Cadman was brought back for a later episode, “Critical Mass”.

Of course, both of these performances would be incomplete without a solid screenplay.  Writer Martin Gero delivered fully on the potential of how awkward the situation really is with some hilarious moments, such as when Rodney and Lt. Cadman argue over who is currently in control (it makes more sense when seen onscreen).  Gero also knew how to balance out those comedic moments while still not letting it overshadow the stakes of what danger Rodney and Cadman are clearly in.  The plot involves the science team, including Dr. Beckett and Dr. Zelenka, having to separate Cadman from Rodney and give her her own body back.  Experiments to separate the two do have their risks, and in these scenes, Rodney shows genuine distress, anguish, and desperation.

“Duet” is hilarious.  I know this is the third time I’ve used that word, but there’s no better word to describe it.  This is exactly the kind of episode that lives up to the full potential of its concept.  It’s simply so entertaining to watch.  You’ll be left in tears from pure laughter by the end.