“Honor Among Thieves” is a strangely affecting episode. For the most part, it’s an exercise in pseudo-film-noir, playing on spies, double agents, criminal underground organizations and plenty of conspiracy theories. But it’s the human touch that allows this episode to rise above its subject matter. In that sense, its two main characters are perfectly cast, written and performed. In the end, it’s not so much about cops-and-robbers as it is about trust and fellowship … and duty.

O’Brien is sent to infiltrate a small cell of the Orion Syndicate in order to ferret out a mole in Starfleet. Why Starfleet intelligence needs to resort to using O’Brien isn’t ever explained (and must be ignored if one is to get into the episode). But very quickly, O’Brien uses his technical knowhow and connections with Starfleet Intelligence to ingratiate himself with a man named Bilby, the leader of the cell.

It’s Bilby who really helps make this episode something worthwhile. He is, essentially, a petty criminal. But he takes a particular interest in O’Brien who Bilby perceives as a lonely, down-on-his-luck guy who just needs a break. Bilby is also a family man, sending his criminal proceeds to his family to support them. It’s in this manner that the episode manages to humanize Bilby, turning him from a cardboard criminal into a person with legitimate thoughts and feelings — legitimate depth.

As for O’Brien, he doesn’t much care for his role in this spy game. But being the everyday man and quintessentially loyal Starfleet officer, he performs his duties to the very best of his abilities. And yet, his personality cannot help but find a connection with Bilby. And so when the Dominion becomes involved in the proceedings, ordering the assassination of a Klingon ambassador, O’Brien’s emotions become quite conflicted. Of course, he *has* to tell Starfleet intelligence — and he does — but his report essentially seals Bilby’s death warrant.

It’s this dynamic which really drives the heart of the episode. Bilby trusted O’Brien and counted on O’Brien’s loyalty. For his part, O’Brien isn’t cavalier with Bilby’s trust. But even when O’Brien reveals his true mission to Bilby, the final outcome cannot be averted. Bilby realizes that, by vouching for O’Brien’s integrity to the Orion Syndicate, his own life is now forfeit. And should he try to run? The Orion Syndicate would make an example of him by harming his family.

Truth be told, the episode takes a bit too long to get to this moment. But the scene in which all of this plays out — in which O’Brien admits who he is — is utterly compelling drama. At that moment, there is no good or evil, merely two men trying to make sense of a dangerous and unforgiving world. It says something, too, that one of the episode’s most poignant moments involves Bilby’s request for O’Brien to care for his cat. Bilby knows his mission will not end well and with his cat being the only family present, he wants to know that it, too, will be cared for.

At this moment, the episode becomes something truly worthwhile. It’s unfortunate that it spent too much time to get this far, but the finale is no less diminished because of the excessive buildup. Indeed, this is an example of the destination being worth the journey.

“Honor Among Thieves” is an episode that succeeds with a strong finale, despite a too-long preamble. What truly drives its success are the performances of O’Brien and Bilby. As such, the final scene, including the cat, is riveting and emotional.

Filed under: Deep Space Nine