The Inside

The Inside – “Old Wounds”: Crime, BDSM, and Ned Batter’s Club

The Inside may not have lasted long on TV, but it certainly left an impression with its gritty storylines, dark atmosphere, and an ensemble cast that brought intensity to every episode. Created by Tim Minear and Howard Gordon, this FBI procedural series aired in 2005 and followed a team of special agents investigating particularly disturbing cases. In the episode “Old Wounds,” things get especially complicated as the team dives into the world of BDSM, with D.C. Douglas playing Ned Batter, the owner of a BDSM club that might be tied to a grisly murder. So, let’s grab our detective hats and dive into the plot of this memorable episode.

The Setup: A Dark Case Emerges

The episode “Old Wounds” begins with the Violent Crimes Unit (VCU) of the FBI being called to investigate a particularly gruesome murder. A woman is found dead, and the evidence points toward a killer with a penchant for sadistic methods. As the team, led by Supervisory Special Agent Virgil “Web” Webster (played by Peter Coyote), digs deeper into the case, they discover that the victim had connections to a BDSM club. Enter Ned Batter, played by D.C. Douglas, the smooth-talking owner of the club where things get a little… unconventional.

But before we get to Ned Batter’s role in all of this, let’s set the stage. The VCU team consists of some sharp and talented individuals, including Special Agent Rebecca Locke (played by Rachel Nichols), who is known for her excellent profiling skills despite her personal traumas. The episode focuses on Locke’s ability to understand both the victims and the suspects, which plays a crucial role in piecing together this twisted puzzle.

Ned Batter and His BDSM Club

Ah, Ned Batter—one of the more colorful characters introduced in The Inside. Played by the versatile D.C. Douglas, Ned runs a BDSM club that the victim frequented. While he may seem shady on the surface (it’s a BDSM club, after all), Ned Batter is far more than just a stock character. He’s suave, charismatic, and unapologetically confident in his world. When the FBI shows up at his door, Ned is unfazed and more than willing to cooperate—but there’s always an edge to him, leaving the team wondering if he knows more than he’s letting on.

D.C. Douglas nails the role of Ned Batter, bringing just the right mix of charm and menace to the character. Whether he’s sparring verbally with the FBI agents or slyly deflecting their questions, Ned is a standout character in this episode. His BDSM club is the kind of place that operates just under the radar of normal society, and Ned is its gatekeeper. He makes it clear that while his establishment may cater to the darker fantasies of its clientele, he has strict rules in place—rules that supposedly prevent things from going too far. But as the investigation heats up, the agents begin to wonder if those rules were really followed.

The VCU Team Digs Deeper

As Rebecca Locke and the rest of the team dig deeper into the victim’s life, they find that the BDSM club wasn’t just a hobby for her—it was a way of escaping her troubled past. The club’s clients, including Ned Batter, are all potential suspects, but the agents quickly realize that the victim had more enemies than friends. Locke’s ability to profile both the victim and the suspects becomes crucial in narrowing down the list of suspects.

There’s tension in every scene involving Ned Batter, as it’s clear that he knows more than he’s willing to share. His confidence makes it difficult for the agents to pin him down, and his playful banter with Locke adds a layer of complexity to the interrogation scenes. Is he guilty, or just protecting his business and clients? D.C. Douglas plays this ambiguity perfectly, keeping viewers guessing right up until the very end.

Old Wounds and Dark Secrets

While the BDSM club plays a significant role in the investigation, the heart of the episode lies in the concept of “old wounds.” The title refers to both the literal wounds inflicted on the victim and the emotional scars that the characters carry. Locke, in particular, finds herself struggling with memories from her past as she becomes more involved in the case. Her personal traumas resurface, leading to a gripping emotional subplot that adds depth to her character. The investigation takes a toll on her, forcing her to confront her own vulnerabilities.

Meanwhile, the rest of the team—including Special Agents Danny Love (Jay Harrington), Melody Sim (Katie Finneran), and Paul Fattore (Adam Baldwin)—work together to track down leads and piece together the clues. The writing in “Old Wounds” does an excellent job of balancing the procedural elements of the investigation with the psychological toll it takes on the characters.

The Big Reveal: Who’s the Killer?

As the team narrows down the suspects, it becomes clear that the BDSM club is only one part of the puzzle. Ned Batter may be running a shady operation, but the real killer is someone much closer to the victim. In a shocking twist, it’s revealed that the victim’s former lover, someone from her distant past, is responsible for the murder. This person, harboring unresolved anger and jealousy, had re-entered her life in the weeks leading up to her death.

While Ned Batter is ultimately cleared of any direct involvement in the murder, his character plays a pivotal role in helping the team understand the victim’s complex psychological state. The final confrontation between the VCU agents and the killer is tense and dramatic, with Locke’s profiling skills proving essential in bringing the case to a close.

Agent Locke’s Journey

Throughout the episode, Rebecca Locke’s character arc is one of the most compelling aspects of the story. As she delves deeper into the dark world of BDSM and uncovers the secrets of the victim’s life, Locke is forced to confront her own “old wounds.” The investigation triggers painful memories from her past, and she must navigate these emotions while staying focused on the case at hand. Rachel Nichols delivers a powerful performance, capturing Locke’s vulnerability and strength in equal measure.

The episode’s exploration of trauma, both physical and emotional, is handled with nuance and care. It’s not just about solving the murder—it’s about understanding the psychological complexities of everyone involved, from the victim to the suspects to the investigators themselves.

The Cast and Creators

The Inside was created by Tim Minear and Howard Gordon, two writers with a long history of crafting compelling TV shows. Minear is known for his work on series like Angel and Firefly, while Gordon has been a driving force behind shows like 24 and Homeland. Together, they brought a unique perspective to the procedural genre, blending dark psychological themes with intense crime-solving drama.

In addition to the main cast—Rachel Nichols as Rebecca Locke, Peter Coyote as Web Webster, and Adam Baldwin as Paul Fattore—the episode “Old Wounds” features a memorable guest appearance by D.C. Douglas as Ned Batter. Douglas’s performance adds a layer of intrigue to the episode, as his character’s shady business dealings and charismatic personality keep both the FBI and the audience on their toes.

Why This Episode Stands Out

“Old Wounds” is a standout episode of The Inside because it goes beyond the typical crime procedural formula. The exploration of trauma, the morally ambiguous world of BDSM, and the complex character dynamics make it a memorable and thought-provoking episode. D.C. Douglas’s portrayal of Ned Batter adds a layer of mystery and humor, balancing the darker themes of the episode with a dash of charm and wit.

It’s not just about solving a murder—it’s about understanding the deeper emotional scars that drive people’s actions. The title “Old Wounds” speaks to the idea that the past is never truly buried, and the characters’ struggles with their own personal demons make this episode one of the more emotionally resonant entries in the series.

The Verdict

If you’re a fan of dark, psychological crime dramas, “Old Wounds” is an episode you won’t want to miss. The writing is sharp, the performances are top-notch, and the exploration of trauma and desire makes it a standout installment of The Inside. D.C. Douglas shines as Ned Batter, a character who brings both tension and levity to the story, leaving viewers guessing about his true motives until the very end.

So, whether you’re revisiting The Inside or watching it for the first time, “Old Wounds” is an episode that delivers on all fronts. From the gritty crime-solving to the emotional depth of the characters, it’s a must-watch for fans of the genre.