3.17 Sins of the Father

Rating: 3

As part of the Klingon/Starfleet Officer Exchange Program, Klingon Commander Kurn takes over the first officer’s spot aboard the Enterprise. His tough command style is getting on the nerves of all of the crew except for Worf, whom Kurn treats with a politeness bordering on resentment. The reason? Kurn is Worf’s younger brother, presumed dead and testing Worf to see if he will take up the challenge at Klingon council to defend their father, who has been accused of treason.

Comments

Riker was the first Starfleet officer to participate in the Officer Exchange Program (in the episode A Matter of Honor).

Tony Todd is excellent as Kurn.

Nits

When Kurn mentions that he had to restrain himself from killing Riker, Troi giggles. This behavior surprised me. With her strong powers, wouldn’t she have realized that Kurn was not being humorous with that comment, but was actually quite serious? Granted, perhaps she did realize that Kurn was serious and she was just trying to relieve the tension, but that usually isn’t her role. She normally tries to help people confront their feelings.

After Kurn is ambushed, Worf mentions that Duras knows about Kurn’s bloodlines. Does Worf know this is certain, or is he just assuming this because Kurn was attacked?

Discommendation? It seems a very easy out (especially for the Klingon race), since up to that time, no one mentioned it and the only other alternative was death. Oh yes, it is horrible – everyone does cross their arms and turn their backs – I’ll be having nightmares about that image for weeks. J

There are two Klingon slaps in this episode: when Duras slaps at Worf in the first High Council scene, and when Worf slaps at Duras near the end in the Council chambers scene. Neither of these slap motions has a sound effect attached, making me think it was some Klingon ceremonial faux slap. However, according to other reports, the sound effects have been added back into some tapes.

Memorable Moments

•    Almost all of this episode is well-paced and memorable, with Picard’s accepting to be cha’Dich as the highlight.

Quotable Quotes

Riker: This is not a Klingon ship, sir!
Kurn: No, Commander, it is not. If it were a Klingon ship, I would have killed you for offering your suggestion.

Troi: Are you adjusting to your new environment, Commander?
Kurn: I find the constraints a bit difficult to conform to. Just a short while ago, I had to stop myself from killing Commander Riker.

"I am a KLINGON! If you doubt it, a demonstration can be arranged!"
- Worf to Kurn

Worf: Captain, I must choose another cha’Dich. I would like your permission to ask one of the crew.
Picard: Well of course, Lieutenant, choose whomever you wish.
Worf: Then I would ask you to stand with me. You may refuse with no dishonor.
Picard: Thank you, Lieutenant, I appreciate the gesture, but I know there are stronger and younger men from whom to choose.
Worf: I can think of no one I would rather have at my side.
Picard: (pauses) Gi gag nis. Gi kep jumjug…I accept.
(Picard does a wonderful job of delivering this powerful affirmation in Klingon)

Duras: This is not your world, human. You do not command here.
Picard: I’m not here to command.
Duras: Then you must be ready to fight – something Starfleet does not teach you.
Picard: You may test that assumption at your convenience.

Picard: Kahlest, would they recognize you? Would they know who you are?
Kahlest: K’mpec would remember Kahlest. I caught his eye – back then. But he was too fat.
(When she says the word ‘fat’, two great bars of music play to accentuate the humor and pathos of this comment).