Star Trek 250: Birthright, Part II

250. Birthright, Part II

FORMULA: The Apple + The Ensigns of Command + The Enemy

WHY WE LIKE IT: Klingons tunes you can dance to.

WHY WE DON'T: A red herring.

REVIEW: After seeing Part II, I'm more convinced than ever that this Worf story could have fit into a single episode, and should have. The plot is way too repetitive, with Worf escaping then being recaptured, and Tokath telling Worf several time not to test his tolerance, oh, and by the way, we built something special here and we live in peace, did I mention that already? Oh, sorry. Furthermore, if you're going to extend a story into a two-parter, it'd be nice if it was significant. However, the search for Mogh turns out to be a red herring and nothing really comes of it.

Oh, Worf is good enough in the Robin Williams role in this Dead Klingon Society story, inspiring young Klingons to embrace their warrior's blood. Some nice bits of Klingon culture are thrown in, including some nice songs and new, toothy weapons. Worf's honor commands him to help the kids (and the adults too) find their way again, out of their assimilation if not their prison, and even martyr himself if need be. That's ample motivation for him. Unfortunately, they also throw in a ridiculous love affair with a half-Romulan that, yes, shows how Worf's xenophobia still runs deep (as in The Enemy), but is also unrealistically quick to happen.

No respite from the rest of the crew, with most of the cast barely appearing or not appearing at all. Plot hole you can drive the Enterprise through, which I won't bore you with here either. At least Worf is well written, as a charismatic leader, clever Starfleet officer, and noble hero. He should always be like this.

LESSON: Carpe Diem.

REWATCHABILITY - Medium: Worth watching for Worf, but the story is moves along at a snail's pace and isn't at all well thought out.