“The Collaborator” is an interesting and immersive mystery that never quite gains enough traction to make the episode something truly exceptional. The story makes effective use out of many of the developments of the series thus far, and even provides for some significant development for minor characters. But the pacing is simply too plodding and the overall conflict is too obscure to translate into a truly compelling narrative.

The episode is centered around the imminent selection of a new Kai (the spiritual leader of Bajor). Vedek Bareil, who is shown to be in a deeply passionate romance with Kira, is on the verge of being selected. Vedek Winn, ever the political opportunist, seizes upon information supplied by the return of a Bajoran expatriate, himself convicted of collaborating with Cardassians, to subvert Vareil’s seemingly inevitable ascension. It turns out that new evidence suggests that Bareil provided information that lead to the deaths of dozens of freedom fighters. Kira, in an attempt to prove that the man she loves is innocent, agrees to investigate the matter.

To say that the mystery is obscure and subtle is a bit of an understatement. And the episode never really attempts to make the proceedings any easier for viewers to make a connection to the conflicts of the characters. To be fair, there are some opportunities. Kira, who clearly is in love, must choose between her duty to the truth and her devotion to the man she loves. And Odo nicely points out that humanoids are capable of anything – if driven to extremes. But these are merely minor points, and not fully developed themes.

Ultimately, Kira uncovers incriminating evidence and Bareil withdraws his candidacy, leading to the ascension of Vedek Winn – who is quite convincing as a political villain. Without a doubt, these developments will have a lasting effect on the series. However, for this episode, the events are just a bit too sterile to be enjoyable themselves.

What the episode has going for it are a couple of scenes. First, there is the scene between Winn and Sisko. The verbal fencing between the two is certainly well-crafted. Also, Odo’s efforts on behalf of the truth are fun to watch. But these positives aren’t enough to outweigh a story that is altogether too unremarkable in its presentation.

“The Collaborator” is a significant episode because of its use of DS9 backstory, as well as its implications for the rest of the series. In the end, however, despite the fact that Bareil chooses to fall on his sword to protect the memory of Kai Opaka, the episode is relatively weak in portraying a compelling story of its own.

Filed under: Deep Space Nine