McKay, Carter and Keller get trapped underground, on a planet that was once used as a Genii mine. Hilarity Ensues.
Tropes:
- Cross-Referenced Titles: "Duet" was an episode about two people trapped in a small life-threatening space (McKay); "Trio" is an episode about three people trapped in a small life-threatening space (a disused mine).
- Digging Yourself Deeper: McKay comments that Carter has a "perfect body" - and then realizes this might be interpreted as an insult by Keller and begins to ramble ever more awkwardly until Sam finally stops him.
- Even Nerds Have Standards: Carter accidentally admits she thinks this about Zelenka, leading to McKay's smug conclusion that this therefore proves that she likes him better.McKay: It doesn't matter, cause I now know who's your favourite!
Carter: It's not a contest, McKay!
McKay: Everything is a contest! - I Have Boobs, You Must Obey!: Averted (but discussed) when McKay tries to convince Carter to show the kids her boobs in order to enlist their help. Naturally she refuses and shoots him a withering Death Glare, so McKay drops it... for about two seconds, before immediately turning to Keller.
- Locked in a Freezer
- Locking MacGyver in the Store Cupboard: Considering the team is trapped in a mining facility with pipes, blasting caps, and a leaky pipeline of flammable gas, it isn't a stretch for McKay to think of building a cannon.
- MacGyvering: In spades, by everyone. McKay builds a cannon.
- Official Couple: A deleted scene from this episode finally makes Sam/Jack canon.
- Offscreen Breakup: McKay confirms this happened to his relationship with Katie Brown. After Carter and Keller speculate that he might not have been able to fully commit, he startles them with his reveal that he intended to propose until the Lockdown made him realise that he wasn't ready to, which he explained to Katie. She filed for transfer back to Earth not soon afterwards, much to his confusion.Keller: Rodney, that's called a breakup!
- Ship Tease: McKay and Keller all through the episode, solidified at the end of the episode.
- Sweet and Sour Grapes: More like sour and sweet grapes when Keller calls in McKay's marker and insists he buy her a beer. McKay claims he never actually took the bet,note but Keller reveals she's using it as an excuse to ask him out on a date.
