PATRON TAKES - Star Trek TNG - S3E17
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Comments (85)
Keylest should debate Donald Trump.
Time for more Klingon LuuOOoooOOOoOOreee with insights to the fascinating world of Klingon politics. Where we learn the difference between Real Honor & the currency of fake honor
Trek episodes are often made or broken based on how good the guest star portrayals are, interacting with the ensemble cast. Tony Todd put in an excellent performance as Kurn, and Charles Cooper gets honorable perfect pitch mention for brooding old leader K'mpec. That part could have easily been overacted and would have been silly but instead was perfect.
Are we seriously still calling each other "fat" in the 24th century? I thought we started phasing that out in the late 20th century.
If you’re fat, you’re fat. It is what it is.
Worf started TNG impulsively throwing his animal-like incandescent rage around, shooting from the lip. Data started TNG cerebral, deferred to the hierarchy, and subservient. Both characters have moved towards the centre from opposite sides by acquiring a little of each others season 1 traits.
The finale of the Ep. 15-17 Trifecta. Top 1, 3, and 4 of this season for me. Yes, that means there are two more episodes that round out the top five of this season still to come! This should cement the greatness of Season 3.
As much as I love the Worf episodes up to this point, this one has always been my favorite because it really opens up the show to the Klingons and who they are as a people in TNG and beyond. Also some really good Picard moments here as well.
This episode gives us insight not only into Klingon lore, but also into the Empire's political relationships outside the Federation. It breaks new ground and makes Worf's character all the richer for it.
I tend to think of this and the previous 2 episodes as a “holy trinity” of season 3. Three amazing episodes that bang so hard, the cops get called.
Great worf episode, you’re going to love this because 1,it’s a Klingon episode and 2, it’s a Klingon court episode…. And 3, your still fat line just brilliant delivery, also it gives us insight into what happened when the enterprise-c went back and fought to the bitter end over the Klingon world ( worfs home )
Probably a flaming hot take, but I always thought Worf was one of the least interesting Klingons Trek ever gave us. His constant stoicism can just get boring after awhile. K'Ehleyr and Kurn are just so much more fun. Loosen up, Worf!
For me it's the opposite, I've always found it interesting that he's lived his life acting how he thinks Klingons are supposed to be, and every time he has come into contact with other Klingons so far, they don't quite live up to his expectations...
Sheamus and McIntyre: "Banger after banger after banger!" Its got Klingons so of course its fantastic. Klingon's, Warf, Picard and court as focus. There is no way you won't love it.
“You’re still fat.” 😂 My favorite part.
Picard throws out the most badass diplomatic phrase I have ever heard in this episode. "You may test that assumption at your convenience" is basically the geopolitical version of F**k around, find out.
I make a Kung Pao chicken that is just too spicy for almost everyone I know. I bet Kurn would love it.
I'd try it!
To be fair, that dinner did look bland as hell
Then throw around some sausage, spice things up!
Prediction...this becomes their favorite episode of the season (at least up until now).
The episode where we really see that Worf...the Klingon raised by humans; is the one who Klingon who really lives by his cultures ideals. And because of that he is willing to accept discommendation, with much lesser Klingons turning their backs (metaphorically and literally) on him...
The biggest Klingon lore dump of any episode to date. Picard defending yet another of his officers - both “in court” and in battle. Great lighting, make-up, sets and costumes. I predict you guys will love this episide…as do I.
"How long has this bird been dead?". I use that one every Thanksgiving.
gotta love this episode, it really give some great world building to the inner working of Klingon society, and show just like in the real world there corruption and politics in a empire meant to uphold honor above all else
That head nod at the end was more valuable than paragraphs of exposition on Klingon culture and politics.
Klingon Court, and Klingon LOooooorREE - in spades. With Picard pulling no punches, literally or verbally, to defend his officer - even willing to risk the peace with the Klingons to do it. Top tier content, and only the start of this story... What was your favourite bit of Klingon lore you learned from this one?
"I find the constraints a bit difficult to conform to. Just a short while ago, I had to stop myself from killing Commander Riker." Best line of the episode, and Kurn (played by Tony Todd) holds his own easily with playing off the rest of the regular cast. The start of a truly glorious story...
I love how Troi laughs at that, thinking he's joking and not realizing he was actually serious.
"You must also... brother." This last line of the episode, and Kurn's reaction, kills me every time. Worf has literally found his family, and must ask him to turn his back for his own good. Chills, and the first appearance of a great guest character. What are your thoughts/hopes on where this story may go from here..?
Check out the deleted scenes. There's a cut bit of dialogue in the middle of that line. WORF: You must also. KURN: May you stand here again someday and roar over the fallen bodies of your enemies. WORF: We will stand together .... brother.
You guys are going to love this episode, and also get to see my favorite guest actor!
I can un-redact my third favorite non-Worf Klingon now: Kurn! Tony Todd turns everything he touches to gold. I'd be stoked if the entire episode was Kurn pissing in the main cast's cheerios, but the Worf lore must go on. Qapla'! PS: Duras is bottom of the Klingons list. All the homeys hate Duras. ghe'torDaq luSpet 'oH DaqlIj'e'!
As you did with The Bonding, PLEASE check out the deleted scenes compilation on TrekCore afterward. This had a lot of trimmed scenes and good extra dialog. Examples like Kurn admitting a little too quickly to Duras that he is Worf's brother. Cut dialog made that a little clearer why. It really misses that last line between Worf and Kurn.
Worf getting at least SOME justice at the end "YOU....are the son of a traitor", the backhanded slap, Duras HAVING to take it, K'mpec smiling and nodding, and Worf ending "NOW I am ready", such a great character moment for all.
Worf owed him one, at the beginning Duras backhanded slap Worf in the beginning.
Spock existed never fully human, never fully Vulcan, but hard work and dedication, he embodied the best example of a Vulcan. Now with Worf, he lives in between his human upbringing and his Klingon heart, and here he embodies the best aspects of both and aspires to be the greatest example of a Klingon through his self-sacrifice.
Love this episode. But there are still more episodes that surpass this in season 3. Banger tho. Kurn is awesome!
One episode for sure...but Maybe not episodes... but of course Opinions vary.
I HATE THIS EPISODE. Just kidding, it's great and I think you'll enjoy it. TNG continues to elevate the Klingons beyond the simple warrior barbarian trope. We've come a long way from white guys in dark makeup and Fu Manchu beards.
klingon things are winding up. this is a great episode. so much great content to come in season 3. this is a stand out episode in a season of stand out episodes
Candyman Candyman Candyman. Another season 3 BANGER.
"You may test that assumption at your convenience"- Jean-Luc "Stone Cold" Picard
I can't see Stone Cold using that phrase. I can see Macho Man using it, though
I predict y'all will love this episode. Top tier Klingon content
Deep dive into Klingon culture. I predict Alex and Josh will love this episode.
Tony Todd has entered the chat. Star Trek is better forever now. Also, If you take all the Worf episodes in Trek and watch just them, you have a better character arc than you would if you did that with any other character.
Execute!!
Ah Tony Todd. Went out for a night on the town with him about 20 years ago. I think I got home at 5am. The guy is a force of nature and an incredible actor!
This is a great backstory episode. Worf, family, deception, politics, court. Banger for sure. TNG rolling now. A deep dive into Worfs history and his honor as well as his dedication to his people. Anyone else gonna put themselves so far down to protect their people.
"You may test that assumption at your convenience" is one of my favorite Picard lines. Leave it to him to find the classiest way to say "fuck around and find out"
"A demonstration can be arranged!"
Banger, banger, banger! Picard is the man (the klingon?)! No one will stand up for his crew more, and no one else has such a moral backbone. You want to destroy my lieutenant's honor to protect your power? I'm willing to destroy the alliance between the Federation and the Empire for him, because it is what is right and just
“The alliance with the Federation is not based on lies, K'mpec!”
If you don't like this episode, there's no hope for you. But I think you will absolutely, completely love this one. Worf took one for the Empire. I hated Klingons after this one because their so-called honor became meaningless, but Worf's became even stronger.
Hats off to Tony Todd. The man has skills.
Such a great episode. I love how it starts off as a simple followup to last season’s “Matter of Honor” and concludes by upending Worf’s place in the eyes of the Klingons. Love Charles Cooper’s portrayal as Kempec. We saw him in Trek 5 as General Korrd. And love the open ending: TNG’s first real attempt at serialization.
The guy playing Duras made you believe he was evil. Every time he came on screen I wanted to punch him. What he did to Worf and his family is horrible.
*What he and the Council did to Worf and his family
One of my favorites. Finally get to see the Klingon Homeworld (still doesn't really have a name yet!) So much I want to say, but can't due to spoilers. I hope you guys rewatch this one after finishing Deep Space Nine.
When I was a kid I found the ending abrupt and weird, but now that I'm older, I love this episode. The long lost brother is straight up soap opera but it works. Picard kicking Klingon ass, Tony Todd, it's all good...
You guys are gonna get to the end of the episode and be thrown that in this usually episodic series, not everything was neatly wrapped up in a bow in this, the absolute biggest Klingon lore (the LOoooRE) dump of an episode since Star Trek III.
So, after the last three episodes (Yesterday's Enterprise, The Offspring, Sins of the Father), do you see why people say Season 3, especially the second half of season 3, is when the series just gets incredible?
This is also a great episode for Picard, facing the Klingons with authority and supporting Worf in a fatherly way.
Another incredible episode for Worf and the series as a whole. Finally we get to see the Klingons as a complex society
And *without* honor.
"I will try some of your burned, replicated bird meat" lives rent-free in my brain. Klingons have the best episodes and the best one-liners. If you're curious, the words of acceptance spoken by the Cha'dich are "I accept with honor. May your enemies tremble before you."
Here’s a Worf episode you can sink your teeth into. Note: K’mpec is played by the same actor that played Koord in Star Trek V.
I remember hoping it was the same character, given their long life. Imagine, a washed-up drunk has the adventure with Kirk's crew in STV and it reawakens his spirit. He then spends the next 80 years climbing the ladder again to finally become Chancellor of the entire Empire. I'm going to pretend that is what happened in my headcanon.... ; ) lol
This is going to be a season favorite.
Tony Freaking Todd!!
Welcome to the Tony Todd Recognition Society. Otherwise known as the "Hey, I know that voice!" Brigade.
I can hear him instructing me in the proper battlefield use of pheropods to command my antlions. I met Tony Todd at Dragon*Con about 20 years ago. He was a delightful man.
My personal favorite of the series. Wonderful character development for Worf, Klingon politics and Tony Todd in Star Trek as a Klingon? Not much could have been added to make this any greater than it turned out.
Continues the standard of 'klingon episode is a good episode, guaranteed' - another great example of Picard going hard for his crew.
Chocolate and peanut butter. Bread and butter. burger and fries. Caramel and ice cream. Klingon episode and courtroom episode.
Klingon court >> federation court
Loving the theme of Picard defending his crew - risking career and life! Proper world building here and an unmissable episode another classic in a row of classics.
Three bangers in a row! What are you hoping for with the next Klingon centric episode?
bo'DIj wIjaHtaH! That's klingon for "we're going to court!"
You mean he was speaking Klingon? I thought that was indigestion.
This is a great Worf/Klingon episode that finally answers the questions you guys have occasionally been asking about Worf's backstory. You should love it. What's the most interesting Klingon fact you know after this episode?
How do they fit so much in a single episode??
Lots of good stuff on the cutting room floor too.
Now THIS is a Klingon episode. I really love seeing the deep dive into their customs and politics, something that up until now has been pretty vague. We take for granted all the worldbuilding done by episodes like this.