Episode Details

Series 8, Episode 3 - "They have an episode where a Runabout shrinks to the size of a pin!"

The holosuites are open once again as we continue our ongoing Hit or Miss Star Trek series exploring holodeck and holosuite adventures from across the franchise. Hosted by Captain Michael Wilson, the M of these proceedings, and joined by special guest and self-confessed SPY-fi queen Nita — our very own Miss Moneypenny — we're heading to the swinging sixties for one of Deep Space Nine's most beloved genre excursions: Our Man Bashir. Along the way we explore the episode's many connections to the James Bond franchise and the wider world of spy fiction, examining how Deep Space Nine lovingly recreates the look, sound and feel of classic espionage adventures while simultaneously poking fun at some of their more absurd conventions. From the lavish production design and stylish direction to the Bond-inspired score and larger-than-life villains, we discuss why this remains one of the series' most successful acts of genre homage. But beneath the tuxedos and one-liners lies far more than a simple parody. We take a deep dive into Bashir's fantasy life and what it reveals about the character, exploring the difference between being a competent professional and imagining oneself as an effortless hero. We examine the episode's role in reshaping audience perceptions of Bashir, its importance in his wider character journey, and the intriguing ways it foreshadows revelations still to come. Naturally, no discussion of Our Man Bashir would be complete without talking about Garak. We explore the endlessly entertaining chemistry between the station's doctor and its resident ex-spy, discussing the episode's use of their relationship, the recurring questions of queer subtext that continue to surround the pair, and why their scenes together remain some of the most memorable in all of Deep Space Nine. We also tackle some of the criticisms that have followed the episode over the years, including accusations of sexism and the portrayal of its female characters. Is the episode endorsing outdated spy movie attitudes, or is it presenting them through the lens of Bashir's fantasy and the genre conventions it is deliberately recreating? It's a conversation that sparks plenty of debate. Elsewhere, Hailing Frequencies Open sees us discussing some of our favourite and least favourite holodeck adventures from across Star Trek, the Hit or Miss section debates holo happenings and a rare ship that Mike doesn't like, and Poetry Corner returns with a licence to rhyme. So pour yourself a glass of Dom Pérignon, straighten your bow tie and prepare to enter a world where villains explain their plans in exhausting detail, every attractive stranger is suspicious, and reality has an unfortunate habit of interrupting the fantasy.

Links:

Follow Nita everywhere - @Sci-FiQueens

Follow Mike and the podcast all over the internet via linktr.ee/mikespods

Follow Mike on Discord: MikeOfSteel#2913

Host /Editor/Producer - Michael K. Wilson

Created by Michael K. Wilson

Based on a format by Michael Wilson & Will Templar

"Julian Bashir, Secret Agent, will return."