But like it or not, it didn’t really have any lasting effect on Sheppard’s character. Did it change his performances week-in, week-out, in the way Saul Tigh was ravaged by his time on New Caprica?

Nope.

And I think that’s a shame.

I think Flanigan’s a strong actor, and you’re right, he can be subtle. But I really think his abilities are being wasted at the minute.

You can’t get much darker character development than last season’s Miller’s Crossing. I never expected the ending to that episode and it stayed with me for a very long time. It was a shocker, and totally different from the Sheppard we’ve known up to this point in the show.

I tend to think that all the major characters on Atlantis can still do with a bit of development – except Rodney. Perhaps if every other juicy story line didn’t go to the McKay character some of the others would get a chance!

Personally I find Flanigan’s acting subtle and quite good. Sometimes an expression says more than words can.