"Star Trek: Deep Space Nine" Doctor Bashir, I Presume? (1997)

User Rating:

7.8/10   

Director:

David Livingston

Writers:

Gene Roddenberry (creator: "Star Trek")
Rick Berman (creator) ...

TV Series:

"Star Trek: Deep Space Nine" (1993)

Original Air Date:

24 February 1997 (Season 5, Episode 16)

Genre:

Action | Sci-Fi | Thriller

Plot:

Dr. Bashir is selected to be the model for the next-generation of Emergency Medical Hologram (EMH)....

Plot Keywords:

Secret | Hologram | Genetic Enhancement | Character Name In Title | Title Spoken By Character

Cast

Avery Brooks	...	Captain Sisko
Rene Auberjonois	...	Odo
Michael Dorn	...	Lt. Commander Worf
Terry Farrell	...	Lt. Commander Jadzia Dax
Cirroc Lofton	...	Jake Sisko
Colm Meaney	...	Chief O'Brien
Armin Shimerman	...	Quark
Alexander Siddig	...	Doctor Bashir / LMH
Nana Visitor	...	Major Kira
Robert Picardo	...	Dr. Lewis Zimmerman / EMH Mark I
Brian George	...	Richard Bashir
Max Grodénchik	...	Rom
Chase Masterson	...	Leeta
Fadwa El Guindi	...	Amsha Bashir
J. Patrick McCormack	...	Admiral Bennett

Goofs:

Continuity: In the opening sequence when Julian and Miles are playing darts, Julian compliments Miles on a triple twenty shot after Miles throws the dart. Seconds later Miles, followed by the camera, retrieves his darts, none of which are anywhere near the triple twenty.

Quotes:

Dr. Julian Bashir: [O'Brien wins at darts] Looks like it's your game again.
O'Brien: What's that? Five in a row?
Dr. Julian Bashir: At least.
O'Brien: Wait a minute. You haven't been letting me win, have you?
Dr. Julian Bashir: What makes you think that?
O'Brien: You said your hand-eye coordination had been genetically enhanced.
Dr. Julian Bashir: Well, maybe I have been letting you win a little bit.
O'Brien: I don't believe it. I don't need you to patronize me. I can play at your level.
Dr. Julian Bashir: I never said you couldn't.
O'Brien: Well, play then. Really play!
[...]

The one where Bashir's secrets come spilling out...

'Doctor Bashir, I Presume?'

Season five, episode sixteen

As the issues raised in this episode are a very real possibility in real life, this is a nice episode exploring the ethics of it in a manner that isn't too 'preachy'. The episode sees Bashir being selected by Lewis Zimmerman (the creator of the Doctor in 'Star Trek: Voyager') to be a model for the Mach II version of the Emergency Medical Hologram. Bashir is initially flattered only for his pride to turn to horror when he realises Zimmerman intends to interview everyone close to him, including his estranged parents. It soon becomes clear that Bashir has ever reason to fear this intrusion as he and his family are hiding a rather dark secret.

It is fascinating to learn more of Bashir's background and see the character interact with his parents, especially his father who is so different from the staunch Starfleet doctor, as well as O'Brien. It was also a interesting to see secrets come spilling out on subject that is quite relevant in today's society (I won't say why in deference to those who haven't seen the episode yet). The acting in this episode from Alexander Siddig (who plays Bashir) and his supporting co-stars was top-notch and the story came together well. Definitely up there among DS9's best episodes.