6.23 Rightful Heir

Rating: 4

Obsessed by the question of his own spiritual Klingon beliefs, Worf journeys to Boreth, where Klingon true believers await the return of Kahless, to discover the depth of his own spirit. But his vision quest produces not an image of Kahless, but a real Klingon who claims to be Kahless.

Comments

This episode was written by Ronald D. Moore, from a story by James E. Brooks. Moore once again expands the Klingon culture with this well-written episode. The main concept (cloning) seems blasé nowadays, but in 1992, this would have been an innovative and original idea.

Kevin Conway is excellent as Kahless.

Nits

The Kahless clone tells Worf that he appeared to him in a vision at age 3. It’s true; Kahless did appear – but how does the clone know this?

Memorable Moments

•    All scenes with Worf, Gowron, and Kahless are well-written and well-acted.

Quotable Quotes

"When I saw the power of their beliefs, I began to question the strength of my own, and I found it…wanting."
- Worf

"Do not forget that a leader need not answer questions of those he leads. It is enough that he says to do a thing and they will do it. If he says to run, they run. If he says to fight, they fight. If he says to die, they die."
- Kahless

Worf: A clone! He is a clone!
Kahless: What…is a clone?

Kahless: Join with me, Gowron. Let us usher in this new era together!
Gowron: Vorkah…noooo…hach! Kahless!