Vedek Winn: Truly the worst!

Matt’s Take on Episode 19: “In the Hands of the Prophets”

Enter My Least Favorite Character

No, shockingly, this is not about Keiko. I am referring to my least favorite character in possibly all of entertainment media: Vedek Winn. This is nothing against the actress; Louise Fletcher plays her part remarkably well, and that is really at the heart of the problem because this all hits too close to home. As an educator, a proponent of free inquiry, and the unimpeded proliferation of knowledge, Vedek Winn’s attitude of censorship and extremism is too much for me to handle. It is legitimately difficult for me to watch her in scenes, because she represents everything that I do my best to fight against. 

I normally love villains. They are often my favorite characters, and I find villains with some redeeming quality to be absolutely fascinating. I kind of feel this way about Gul Dukat, but Vedek Winn is just too much!

Seriously, Kira?

I know that Kira is a very spiritual person, but it’s very sad to me that she initially agrees with Winn that the school shouldn’t be teaching science. I just would have expected Kira to respect facts and knowledge more than that, but I suppose it tracks with her character (to an extent?). She is certainly a highly emotional character who is driven by deep belief and conviction, both for good and bad.

I Think Keiko is… Right?

My feelings toward Vedek Winn are so strong that I find myself rooting for Keiko throughout this episode. When the school is bombed, it is hard not to feel real anger and outrage. Violence and schools should never be anywhere near each other, but unfortunately, this is another issue that our society has failed spectacularly on. I do really admire her character for refusing to compromise her beliefs when Winn offers her a poisonous “compromise” that is in nothing but bad faith from the start.

Enter the Cool Vedek

Vedek Bareil is clearly a progressive and the head of the opposing faction in the Bajorian religion to that of Winn. He impresses Sisko when they meet and shows that he is willing to take a more worldly view of his spirituality. He is, unfortunately, suckered in by Winn’s gambit to secretly direct the school bombing to lure him onto the station. Bareil seems like a mostly harmless figure, although his charm makes me question if, in some ways, he might be just as political as Winn, just not sinister.

Under the Surface

When O’Brien’s assistant, Neela, attempts to assassinate Bareil, Sisko is barely able to stop the attempt thanks to O’Brien’s timely realization that she has tampered with the security systems. I feel badly for O’Brien here, partially due to the fact that Keiko jumped all over him because he dared to say something complimentary about another woman, and because she ended up being a religious zealot and extremist. O’Brien just can’t catch a break! Anyway, Kira redeems herself by calling out Vedek Winn, but, sadly, there will be no justice as far as the Vedek is concerned. What we learn about Winn is that she is willing to use her disingenuous faith to manipulate others with real conviction into doing her dirty work. I don’t think that this will be the last time!

Return to Jim’s Take: “Season finale reaches greatness with examination of facts vs beliefs”

Return to Rhonda’s Take: “A meditation on faith and politics rounds out first season”

Return to Ray’s Take: “It’s a Matter of Faith in Science”

Continue to Adam’s Take: “Finale cautions against building cathedrals of fear and ignorance”

Return to Episode Logs or Episode 19 Guide