Now that’s a good episode. Not great. But very, very good. “Inquisition” is an installment that starts off slowly and becomes very suspenseful. It begins as one story and ends as something altogether different. It is, by definition, an evolution. And the end result is an episode that is easily a classic, providing some solid character work and some very insightful commentary.

This is the story of how Dr. Bashir becomes a suspected Dominion collaborator. He is investigated by man called Sloan, who uses a holodeck as a means to try and coerce Bashir into confessing his role. Unlike most episodes which present most of the story within a holodeck simulation, this one actually helps provide some insights into Bashir’s character. His adamant denial of any sort of collaboration illustrates his steadfast loyalty. And his attention to detail further proves his resourcefulness and ingenuity.

As it turns out, though, all of this was a “puzzle within a puzzle” which is finally revealed once Bashir figures out that he is, in fact, being manipulated (it’s a realization that audiences can make long before Bashir does). Sloan isn’t actually a Deputy Director — he’s something that is potentially far more powerful and insidious: He’s part of a clandestine Starfleet organization called, cryptically, Section 31.

So aside from the intrigue surrounding Bashir and his loyalties, what we get is an episode that is much more about the revelation that Starfleet has a secret organization within it — an organization that reports to no one but themselves and who operates solely on the premise that they are to safeguard the Federation. It’s an ominous idea, and the episode clearly presents it as such. In fact, at one point, Bashir confronts Sloan by saying, “You function as judge, jury, and executioner, and I think that’s too much power for anyone.”

In many ways, he’s right. But what about the other side of the argument. Does a large bureaucracy need an agency that can operate independently of red tape to neutralize extreme and unprecedented threats? Sloan certainly thinks so, saying, “I admit it takes exceptional people to do what we do — people who can sublimate their ambitions to the best interests of the Federation.” But his arguments run counter to Bashir’s ideals … and the ideals of the rest of the crew. Most interestingly, though, Sloan sees those same character traits in Bashir.

In fact, Sloan openly recruits Bashir to become an operative in Section 31. Bashir refuses, but Sisko has other ideas. Sisko is so repulsed by Section 31, and sees it as such a potential threat to the fabric of the Federation, that orders Bashir to accept the job when Section 31 tries again to recruit him. Sisko wants Bashir to become double-agent within the most secret and potentially powerful organization in the Federation. It’s not without irony that Odo says, “Congratulations, doctor. Looks like you’re going to get to play a spy afterall. Only this time for real.”

The implications of Section 31 are intriguing. How well does the concept of such an organization jibe with what we know about the ideals of the Federation? How does it compare to other secret organizations like the Romulan Tal Shiar and the Cardassian Obsidian Order? What is the extent of their power? How far are they willing to go to use it?

It’s these questions which makes this episode so fascinating. The story of Bashir’s interrogation essentially becomes a vehicle by which we are led down the rabbit hole into the world of Section 31. Fortunately it’s enjoyable enough that the entire episode is as entertaining as it is provocative.

“Inquisition” is a strong installment of Deep Space Nine. There’s plenty to like from Dr. Bashir and his loyalties to the concept and ramifications of Section 31.

Filed under: Deep Space Nine