Inquisition

DVD, DS9 S6 (Inquisition)

It was all fabrication, right up until the end. I was sure Sloan was going to appear at Bashir's bedside, but that must be another one.

Sloan, the character and Section 31, the organisation are fascinating entities, and another great addition to Trek lore from DS9. That an autonomous department could be created at the founding of the Federation and then work under it's own initiative for 200 years is a creepy, but brilliant concept. Sloan is in control all the time, of every word and gesture. He's like Gul Dukat without the neuroses, almost unstoppable, unflappable, able to manipulate every moment (I think my favourite is when he notes down Bashir's breakfast order, and says "Comin' right up" in fast food-like way, with that impish grin as if the choice is amusing and at the same moment is happy to be able to do something for the Doctor!). And the way he uses shady moments from Bashir's past is masterful. I wasn't sure what the business with the pen under the chair was, but I suppose it must have been their careful attention to detail. But then why did they leave Kukalaka knocked over, and the PADD's the wrong way up? Perhaps it was to confuse the Doctor even more, or show that he hadn't been taken to a holosuite...

The live gagh is effective like in TNG's 'Conspiracy', but those scones and jam... the Dominion really know how to cook!

This far into the series and they're still introducing such incredible, complex and fascinating characters as Sloan. And they clearly set it up for a sequel - you really want to know what's going to happen. The fault, if there is one, is the slightly hostile way the security team speak to him, as if they're baddies, but it all adds to the disorientation. And I love the way, it was all a deception to recruit him. Sloan says he needed to check the Doc out, but I think he was well-informed enough to know how loyal he was. You're never quite sure if he does everything to the best interests of the Federation, or whether he enjoys his work. But with Sloan everything is an act, it's all a lie, so what is left? Perhaps that answer will come...

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