5.16 Ethics

Rating: 2.5

Worf’s spinal column is seriously damaged after an accident. Facing the prospect of a lifetime of limited mobility, he chooses to follow Klingon tradition and asks Riker to assist him in suicide. In the meantime, Dr Crusher works with a specialist who wants to try an experimental spinal column regenerator – thus far only tested on holographic patients – which will either kill Worf or restore him to 100% health and mobility.

Comments

This is classic Trek, allowing the writers to deal with sensitive issues like assisted suicide and experimental medicine, all while exploring an alien culture.

The father-son scenes with Worf and Alexander are touching and excellent. Both are played by good actors who can emote with slight movements.

This episode was written by Ron Moore, who once again gives depth to the Klingon culture.

Nits

I wondered why Worf did not choose Picard to assist him in suicide, since he chose Picard to be his Cha-dich at Klingon council. In fact, I was not even aware that Worf and Riker were friends. Is this a plot contrivance just to give Riker a few choice scenes?

Memorable Moments

•    The interminable moments when we think Worf is dead

•    All the scenes with Worf and Alexander.

Quotable Quotes

"I want you to assist me in performing the Hec’bagh ceremony. I want you to help me die."
- Worf to Riker

"My mother always said Klingons have a lot of dumb ideas about honor."
- Alexander to Troi

"How many people on this ship consider you their friend? How many people owe you their lives? Have you even thought about how you have affected the people around you, about how we might feel about you dieing?"
- Riker to Worf

"According to tradition, I must take my life after suffering this kind of injury. But I have decided to break with tradition. I have decided to live."
- Worf to Alexander