Star Trek: Whispers

Episode: "Whispers"

Series: Star Trek: Deep Space Nine

Season 2, Episode 14

Original Air Date: February 6, 1994

via Memory Alpha

After coming back from a mission, O'Brien finds everyone treating him differently.  He grows suspicious of a conspiracy on the station and suspects he's the only one aware of it.  He escapes in a runabout in order to warn others but finds even Starfleet brass have turned against him.

Two O'Brien stories in a row!

I think 29 years is past the statute of limitations for spoiling the twist at episode's end.  In the final scene, we learn that the "O'Brien" we've been following is the imposter, a replicant who was meant to be used to undermine peace talks in the Parada system à la The Manchurian Candidate.  The Parallax View and Invasion of the Body Snatchers are acknowledged influences on the story.  The use of the word replicant is an homage to Blade Runner.  

Critics have asserted that "Whispers" doesn't hold up to rewatching once you know the twist.  To be honest, I'd forgotten all about it which, in some ways, speaks to the same problem.  In effect, even with the wrinkle, the narrative isn't especially memorable.  The acting's good.  Rosalind Chao (Keiko), in particular, plays the dilemma well: needing to preserve the secret that she knows this Miles is a fake while also needing to protect herself and Molly.

Acting Notes

via Memory Alpha

Todd Waring played the role of Ensign DeCurtis, an engineer on the station - essentially taking over O'Brien's duties while Miles is under suspicion.  "Whispers" is Waring's first of two DS9 appearances.  Waring was born April 28, 1955 in Ballston Spa, New York.

Films include Love & Murder, Take and Heartland.  Television appearances include Wings, NYPD Blue and The Young and the Restless.