Star Trek: 10 Greatest Genre Episodes Ever

Film noir, style of filmmaking characterized by such elements as cynical heroes, stark lighting effects, frequent use of flashbacks, intricate plots, and an underlying existentialist philosophy.

Suspicions, the sixth season episode of The Next Generation, offered a compelling mystery for both Dr Crusher and the audience. The narrative structure plays with time - we are brought into the story at roughly the mid-point, while Guinan helps excise the exposition from Crusher.

Though the episode doesn't fully utilise the tropes of film noir (it's thin on the ground with dramatic lighting), following the doctor's mission via both flashback and misdirection helps it land here. The episode also plays on the audience's assumptions. How could a Ferengi be interested in scientific research? Surely the Klingon must be the violent one. 

In doing so, the eventual reveal about Jo'Bril lands. Crusher's desperate attempt to clear her name, despite the hesitation from Picard and the rest of the crew, helps make her the hero the story really needs to hit those final tropes. Having the dead man hide in the shuttle's closet is the cherry on top - it's an episode that keeps on giving. 

A particular highlight is Ogawa's role, who is, of course, played by the late, great Patti Yasutake. Here, she is the investigator's 'man on the inside', so to speak. This, too, is a trope that benefits from years of backstory. Ogawa and Crusher have worked together for years. Even if the rest of the crew are slow to help, there is always one plucky person, ready to tackle the case.

Suspicions is not just a riot, but also a great example of investigative noir played in the 24th century.