![]() I think what you make of this will impact how feel about the episode generally and (much like Pale Moonlight) the overarching narrative of the series. There are no plot details I can reveal without spoiling, but it is safe to say that if you love Star Trek for the positive take on future societies it is one of those DS9 instances where the writers apply real world cynicism to the mix. Sloan recruits Bashir for a medical opinion about a person of interest, but is there an ulterior motive? This is another quintessentially Deep Space Nine episode as we see the Roddenberry idealism challenged in a similar way to the episode 'In the Pale Moonlight'. ![]() A direct slap in the face by DS9's writers to Roddenberry and the cartoonish idealism of The Next Generation. But Section 31 exists with the unwritten consent of Starfleet and by-the-book admirals such as Ross. They perform the under the table morally dubious tasks that the public face of the Federation would never sanction. Section 31 is Starfleet's real-politik toolbox. That the Federation are not the clean-cut angels of the galaxy. This is the most anti-Roddenberry episode of Trek. Section 31 is shown to be more adept at subterfuge and spycraft than the Romulan Tal'Shiar. They both get the win, putting their operative in a position of power on Romulus, at the expense of Bashir's idealism and naivety. ![]() We also find out that Ross is in bed with Sloan. As the resident 100% Roddenberry clean-cut Starfleet officer, Bashir makes the perfect tool to be used by Section 31. Verdict: Worth it for the final scene in Ross' office.īashir is invited to participate in subterfuge with Sloan against the Federation's frenemies, the Romulans. Instead we went to Vics and saw Quark get a sex change. ![]() More than anything this episode makes me wish we got more episodes that involved the Romulan's and political intrigue. The final scene in Ross' offices recaptures the vibe of "In the Pale Moonlight" but the half hour leading there isn't all that memorable. Bashier gets thoroughly played by Sloan and Ross who effectively use his moral nature to further their own amoral agenda. Julian has a com panel on his night stand. The conversation between Ross and Bashier at the end is the best part of this episode. Romulan guards need to keep a better hold on their side arms. Plot twist, Sloan is neither a Section 31 agent nor a cartographer. Flashing lights can't scan genetically engineered brains. There is an interrogation room not far from the Romulan meeting hall. Agent Sloan of Section 31 is also an entomologist named Wendell Greer who works in the UFP's department of cartography. Admiral Ross can't handle his Romulan Ale. Bashir, it was nice to see him as the main character in an episode. As usual Alexander Siddig does well as Dr. This episode was exciting despite having little action, the convoluted machinations of Sloan meant the viewer is constantly kept wondering what his real motives and intentions are and we don't learn what they are till the end. When it becomes clear that Sloan is plotting to assassinate the head of Romulan intelligence Julian is forced to turn to the one person he can trust a Romulan senator. When he is at the conference he is surprised to see Sloan is there to. The doctor initially refuses but is persuaded to play along with Sloan in order to expose Section 31's activities. When Doctor Bashir is invited to a medical conference on Romulus he thinks he will just be giving a few talks on medical matters, however shortly before he sets off he is woken by Sloan, an agent of the shadowy Section 31 intelligence agency who wants Julian to gather information on a senior Romulan who may have an illness Section 31 can exploit. ![]()
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