Television Review: Suspicions (Star Trek: The Next Generation, S6X22, 1993)

Suspicions (S06E22)

Airdate: 10 May 1993

Written by: Joe Menosky & Naren Shankar
Directed by: Cliff Bole

Running Time: 46 minutes

The enduring success of Star Trek: The Next Generation can be largely attributed to its willingness to experiment with narrative structures and genre conventions, seamlessly weaving elements of science fiction, drama, and even soap opera into its cosmopolitan tapestry. One of the most engaging aspects of the series was its ability to play with different genres and bring them into a futuristic context without losing the essential logic of the world. When this genre-blending was executed in an understandable, unassuming, and sufficiently realistic manner, the results were often exceptionally good. A prime example of this effective genre synthesis occurs in the latter stages of the series, specifically in Season 6, Episode 22, titled Suspicions. The episode functions as a conventional mystery with a distinct, slightly noirish bent, relying heavily on procedural elements and character-driven intrigue rather than high-concept sci-fi spectacle.

The episode, written by Joe Menosky and Naren Shankar, opens with a remarkably effective cold open that immediately establishes the stakes and the tone. We see Guinan visiting Dr. Beverly Crusher to complain about a persistent tennis elbow, a mundane grievance that quickly shifts into something far more significant. Crusher reveals that she must seek medical assistance from someone else, as she has just been relieved of her duty as the Enterprise’s chief medical officer. The narrative then unfolds through a series of flashbacks, a structural choice that serves to explain how the respected doctor arrived at this precarious professional position.

The backstory begins with the arrival of Dr. Reyga (Peter Slutsker), a Ferengi scientist, who has developed a metaphasic shield that theoretically offers superior protection to starships compared to existing technologies. Most of the scientific community views Reyga’s claims with deep scepticism and ridicule, dismissing his work as quackery. However, a group of four other scientists has arrived on the Enterprise to rigorously test his theories. This ensemble introduces a cross-section of alien cultures, including Kurak (played by Trica O’Neill), a Klingon female; T’Pan (played by Joan Stuart Morris), a Vulcan; her human husband Christopher (played by John S. Ragin); and Jo’Bril (played by James Horan), a member of the Takaran race.

The episode’s central mystery is set in motion when Jo’Bril volunteers to test Reyga’s shield by flying a shuttle directly into a star. The experiment appears to be a success initially, but everything changes when Jo’Bril suddenly feels ill and dies shortly after piloting the shuttle out of the stellar atmosphere. The group considers the experiment a failure, and Crusher, upon performing an autopsy, is baffled by the lack of any signs that would indicate how or why Jo’Bril died. Reyga is desperate to redeem himself in the eyes of the scientific community, so he demands a new experiment. He is later found dead in laboratory due to a plasma discharge, and Lt. Worf promptly deems the death a suicide.

Despite the grim events, Crusher remains sceptical and proceeds to perform an autopsy on Reyga. This decision turns out to be a serious and costly mistake. According to Ferengi traditions, a post-mortem examination is forbidden until a specific death ritual has been performed. Crusher performed the autopsy despite receiving a specific order from Captain Picard not to do so. Consequently, she is relieved of her duty, and she is ordered to leave the Enterprise when it docks at Starbase 23. This professional setback forms the emotional core of the episode, forcing Crusher to confront her own professional failures and the prejudices she faces.

After hearing the full story, Guinan urges her to perform Reyga’s experiment since she has nothing left to lose. Crusher takes the shuttle out for one last flight. During this flight, she discovers Jo’Bril hidden within the shuttle’s storage compartment. It is revealed that Jo’Bril has used the specifics of Takaran biology to fake his own death, allowing him to steal the shuttle and Reyga’s valuable shield technology. Crusher confronts him in the shuttle, leading to a physical scuffle in which Jo’Bril dies. Crusher returns to the Enterprise, where she is reinstated to her position of Chief Medical Officer.

While Suspicions may not rank among the absolute top-tier episodes of The Next Generation, it is nevertheless a very good entry that stands out for its execution. The episode successfully mixes the basic premise that takes the "science" part of science fiction somewhat more seriously than other works of the genre with an old-fashioned but effective mystery. The idea of a mystery being revealed through flashback and voiceover narration also gives it an interesting narrative hook, keeping the audience guessing until the very end. The episode concludes with an unexpected twist and features a dramatic finale that includes impressive special effects and a rare opportunity for Gates McFadden to display some impressive martial arts moves, adding a layer of physicality to the character that is often unseen.

The episode is also notable for its attempt to give a more nuanced portrayal of the fictional universe. The Ferengi, who were, until that point, portrayed mainly as comical villains or greedy merchants, are taken seriously here as genuine people who could not have achieved spacefaring status without having their own scientists. Furthermore, the story introduces dark overtones of implicit racial animus against the Ferengi, depicting them as victims.

From a production perspective, the episode was reportedly very challenging, with the script being consistently altered during the filming process. Originally, the protagonist was intended to be Worf instead of Crusher, which would have shifted the dynamic of the story significantly. Some critics have complained that a chief medical officer is unlikely to be a detective or action hero, suggesting that Geordi LaForge, Data, or Captain Picard would have been more suitable for the task. However, Gates McFadden makes it believable through her performance, motivating her character with a desperate desire to atone for her professional failure of rescuing a patient and a genuine, insatiable scientific curiosity.

It is worth noting that Guinan conveniently becomes Crusher’s confidant in what looks like fan service in retrospect. In reality, Whoopi Goldberg was becoming unavailable due to other commitments, and the writers had to rush to write her into the story to maintain her presence on the show. This was actually Guinan’s last appearance in the series, although Goldberg would later reprise her role in Star Trek: Generations. Despite her limited screen time, her guidance provides the necessary emotional anchor for Crusher's journey.

The episode had its fair share of critics, with many viewers complaining that Crusher was playing the detective instead of the more logical LaForge, Data, or Picard, who looked more suited for the task. There were also complaints regarding the lack of disciplinary consequences for Crusher's actions, particularly her insubordination to Picard and violation of Ferengi customs. However, even with those complaints taken into account, the high quality of production values, the strong character work, and the engaging mystery plot make this episode more than merely satisfactory. It stands as a solid example of Star Trek at its most grounded, proving that sometimes the most compelling science fiction comes not from the stars, but from the interpersonal drama of those who explore them.

RATING: 7/10 (+++)

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