"Eyes" discussion [spoilers]

[ruuger]

This is the discussion post for the episode 1X16, "Eyes". Spoilers for the whole of the series, including the spin-offs and tie-ins, are allowed here so newbies beware.

Summary:

Sinclair is put under an internal affairs investigation because of his recent actions.

Extra reading:

The article for "Eyes" at Lurker's Guide.

Comments

[selenak.livejournal.com]

Re: Drumhead versus Eyes - another reason why I think Drumhead is the superior episode is that by making Worf (and others on the Enterprise) into supporters, the episode instead of being about the evil outsider versus the wonderful captain (and crew) investigates how likeable characters we know and trust can buy into a mindset that abandons more and more civil liberties. Picard's big speech and anger wasn't about his own integrity being slandered, it was about what was happening to everyone and the sell-out of democratic principles in favour of safety. (That Franklin quote about liberty and safety comes to mind.) The fact that there actually was a spy which kickstarted everything made it all the more powerful.

I’d really like to see a show one time where internal investigations are shown to be completely justified in their actions and fulfilling a vital role by watching the watchers… I have the same problem with a lot of cop shows.

There is a British show called "Between the Lines" which is about an Internal Investigations team, and they're definitely the heroes of the story.

Of course, one can’t help but wonder if Bester had a score to settle with Ben-Zayn as well as Sinclair, and set the whole thing up so at least one of them would be eliminated. He had to know Ben-Zayn was unstable, and that going to Babylon 5 would only make him worse…

I like that theory. It would be very like him.

[4thofeleven.livejournal.com]

Yes. Granted, it's a tough comparison; "The Drumhead" is a very well written and acted episode, one of Star Trek's best, and I think no matter what, "Eyes" would have had to come across as weaker - but as you said, the real weakness of "Eyes" is that it never lifts itself above "How dare you do this to me</>?!", while "Drumhead" is more concerned with "How did we come to this?"