|
|
|
Rodney returns to Earth with Jennifer to witness the triumph of his rival, who believes he has solved the problem of global warming. But when the new technology goes horribly awry, Rodney must help shut down the deadly weather device.
|
|
Rodney McKay is invited to a landmark scientific presentation by an old "friend" from his school days -- or rival is more like it. Malcolm Tunney has gone on to great success, with public acclaim and lots of money. Rodney, meanwhile, hasn't published in years and can't tell anyone about what he really does for a living.
Bringing along Dr. Jennifer Keller as his date, McKay returns to Earth for the event. The two are brought to a secret desert facility by Tunney's private jet. There the test of an astonishing new technology is to take place -- a demonstration that doubles as a high-society cocktail party for dozens of wealthy and important guests.
But McKay and the rest of the guests are unaware that some of Tunney's colleagues have warned about possible catastrophic consequences for what he is about to do. The device to be demonstrates is activated, and it causes the temperature in the room to drop. It appears to be a sort of weather-control device, an ingenious solution to global warming.
The crowd applauds ... but Dr. Tunney is soon informed that his device cannot be shut down. Not only is Tunney's project in danger, but so are the lives of everyone in the facility.
|
PRODUCTION
An early working title for this episode was "Snow Globe."
"Brain Storm" is the first episode to be directed by Atlantis writer-producer Martin Gero, who joined the show early in Season One.
"Speaking of Martin, we'll be breaking his episode #16 when he gets back into town next week. Apparently, finding an oil rig-like setting for his script has been a bit of a challenge. John Smith did find one suitable-looking place, however. The only drawback -- it's a sewage treatment plant and, by John's own admission, tends to get 'a little ripe in the summertime.'
"But sacrifices must be made for art and I, for one, don't really have a problem shooting there despite the olfactory downside. Of course, the fact that I have no intention of visiting the location during production could have something to do with it. Also, the fact that Marty G., the director of said episode, WILL have to be there may result in a conceptual change. Maybe the story doesn't take place on an oil rig after all. Maybe it takes place in a second-hand book shop ..."
(Executive producer Joseph Mallozzi, in a post at his blog)
"Indeed we will [see more of Rodney's past], in a late Season Five episode in which he'll be reunited with an old friend and rival. We're casting this one as I answer this question and, if all goes as planned, it will offer up some fun cameos."
(Executive producer Joseph Mallozzi, in a Q&A at TVGuide.com)
"'Brain Storm' is complete except for one day in the freezer with Jewel and a large axe (don't ask!). I'm sad to see the episode go as it was a real high point for Season Five and (more importantly) to my life as a nerd."
(Actor David Hewlett, in a post at his blog)
|
|
VOTE!
How would you rate Atlantis's "Brain Storm?"
Your Vote: |
|
SCORE:
8.44
Good
|
|
PROMOTIONAL PHOTOS:
|
All images are the property of MGM Television Entertainment and/or Universal TV Network
|
|
