Seminal episode establishes Odo’s desire

Matt’s Take on Episode 11: “Vortex”

This is a seminal Odo episode, and I find that it does a great job of setting up his motivation that will last for quite a while after this. His need to find his own people is his deepest desire, and the unscrupulous Croden knows how to manipulate that. When Croden is to be transported to his homeworld for trial, Odo is tasked with escorting him there. However, we know that Odo has other things on his mind even as he remains committed to carrying out his duty, and Croden never stops playing to that fact.

Quark’s Treachery

Ah-Kel, the surviving twin from the scuffle at the beginning of the episode, eventually shakes down Quark to find out where Odo has taken Croden. Ah-Kel does twist his arm, but it’s pretty sad that Quark betrays Odo’s location here. After all, Odo just saved his life in the previous episode (although I’m not sure if these aired in the order that might have been intended). He clearly feels bad about it, but he chooses to give Odo up in order to save his own neck. It is definitely in character, and I can see that when Rom is speaking to Quark afterwards that Quark does regret his actions.

Family Ties

We see that Croden has been lying about quite a lot of things, but that he has done so for his daughter’s sake, which even softens Odo’s heart. I am glad that Odo is able to cover-up the fact that Croden is still alive and give him and his daughter a shot at something resembling a normal life. It is also touching to see that Odo has some clue as to his people’s identity, even if he still has a long way to go from here.

Overall

I have very little else to say about this episode’s plot, but it is an important one. It is really down to the strength of the acting, and Rene Auberjonois carries the entire thing on his shoulders. His performance is tough and lovable in all of the right places, and it helps the audience to connect a bit more with this gruff, mysterious, shape-shifting constable.

Return to Jim’s Take: “Auberjonois adds subtle layers to Odo”

Return to Rhonda’s Take: “Audience rewarded with tantalizing details about Odo”

Return to Ray’s Take: “Intriguing characters developed logically and quickly”

Return to Episode 11 Guide or Episode Logs