4.26 Redemption (Part 1)

Rating: 4

The Enterprise travels to the Klingon homeworld, where Picard has been asked to resume his role as arbiter and oversee Gowron’s takeover as Chancellor. But there is another challenger for the throne, a heretofore unknown son of Duras. Meanwhile, Wolf sees an opportunity to clear his family name and reverse his discommendation (refer to the season 3 episodeSins of the Father). When Gowron assumes the role of Chancellor, he and Worf call on the Federation and the Enterprise to defend the attacks from Lursa and B’Etor, the Duras sisters. Picard knows the Romulans are behind the attacks but he cannot interfere in a Klingon civil war. Worf, with his honor restored, resigns his commission and joins Gowron.

Stranger still, the female Romulan commander bears a striking resemblance to (the deceased crewman Tasha Yar.

Comments

This episode was written by Ronald D. Moore, who once again provides true depth to the Klingon race.

Nits

It seemed outrageous that Picard is cast in the role of drumming up Worf’s enthusiasm to clear his family’s name. Worf is hesitant and Picard is insistent. Does this Klingon – do any Klingons, for that matter – seem to need a human to raise their aggression and revenge levels?

When Worf is at weapons on Gowron’s ship, fending off the attack, the other Klingon on the bridge has a distinctly non-Klingon voice. It sounds more like a Texas USA accent.

Memorable Moments

•    Guinan and Worf’s quick patter dialogue during target practice. These are two good actors who play off each other well.

Quotable Quotes

"Your discommendation is a façade to protect less honorable men. It is a lie. Lies must be challenged."
- Picard, poking Worf with a big sharp verbal stick

"What are you, Worf? Do you tremble and quake with fear at the approach of combat, hoping to talk your way out of a fight like a human, or do you hear the cry of the warrior, calling you to battle, calling you to glory like a Klingon?"
- Gowron, poking Worf with an even bigger, sharper stick (and more of that great dialogue by Ron Moore)