Inquisition

The previous three episodes in a row for "Star Trek: Deep Space 9" were pretty bad. So, it's nice to see that here with "Inquisition" that the show is back on track.

The show begins with Dr. Bashir getting ready to leave the station to go to some medical conference. However, just as he's about to leave a team of Federation investigators arrive. They think that there's a traitor on board and everyone is confined to quarters until their investigation is complete. What follows is a super- paranoid episode--one that reveals for the first time that there might be a shadow organization within the Federation like the Obsidian Order within the Cardassians.

I like paranoid episodes and so I have a natural affinity for shows like this one. I also appreciate it when the shows reveal a less than warm and fuzzy presence within the Federation--mostly because for so long the Trek universe had been a bit too nice. These folks ain't nice--and it's a nice way to see the show returning to form. Well worth seeing.

Since STAR TREK; TOS episodes like "Court-martial" are a staple trope in which starfleet (or Internal Affairs or other administration entities, a.k.a. Section 31) begin a witch-hunt or tribunal or whatever, usually proven to have some grounds in truth twisted to suit a personal agenda the inquisitor character has for gunning to bring down a character. With the backstory twists and dominion POW experiences Julian becomes the target. These are usually tiresome and pedantic storytelling, even with Michael Dorn himself directing it's tedious with some twists and a nice introduction to the enigmatic section 31

An overzealous investigator comes to the station, looking for a traitor. He hones in on Bashir because he doesn't always play by the rules. Soon, he begins to employ heavy handed methods to enlist a confession. Julian is as strong in defiance as he is in the rules of his medical profession. There are many attacks and counter-attacks in the interrogation of our good doctor. The problem is that 200 years of doing what they do have made this group virtually invisible. This is very well done and quite disconcerting.

Dr Bashir faces close scrutiny on suspicions of disloyalty.

I like the story, as it puts a very good twist on the type of witch-hunt episodes we have previously seen in Star Trek like 'The Drumhead'. Similarly, it makes good use of previous DS9 plot lines to develop suspicion around a certain character.

As events unfold, particularly what Bashir is subjected to, it generates a sense of unease that is quite unsettling. It moves at a good pace and when certain reveals are made, I find them pretty satisfying.

Alexander Siddig and William Sadler are both excellent, with Siddig in particular leading the episode well and resisting the urge to stray over the top in the more emotional scenes. Avery Brooks also gives good support.