Cheap Star Trek - The Next Generation, Episode 65: Sins Of The Father (Video) (Star Trek Next Generation) Price

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Customer Reviews of Star Trek - The Next Generation, Episode 65: Sins Of The Father

In his punishment, Worf shows he is a Klingon
Some of the best episodes of Star Trek, independent of the series, are when we are learning details about alien cultures, and this episode is one of them. It all starts rather simply, when a Klingon officer named Kurn assumes the duties of the first officer on the Enterprise in an exchange program. He is harsh, leading to resentment on the part of the crew, being especially condescending to Worf. However, that is not the main point of the story, as it turns out that Kurn is Worf's younger brother, and his purpose is to determine if Worf is still Klingon enough to defend the family honor before the Klingon high council.
Their father has been charged with treason, and in Worf's attempt to restore the honor of his family, many nuances of the structure of Klingon society are exposed. There are many twists to the story, including Captain Picard serving as Worf's second in the coming trials. This creates problems for the Klingons, as the trial is a sham, designed to avoid the revelation of the true traitor, which would lead to a civil war in the Klingon empire. Once Picard becomes personally involved, the Federation becomes a player as well, so there is the additional political consideration of the Klingon alliance with the Federation.
It is all resolved, at least for the moment, the acting is superb and there are some moments of great tension as the dramatic final confrontation occurs. Worf accepts punishment, although not before he shows that he truly is a Klingon. A strong story that holds your interest throughout, this ranks as one of the best performances of Michael Dorn as Worf.

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The Most Honorable Discommendation of Worf
Once again the Enterprise is doing an officer exchange program with the Klingons, trading Commander Riker for Commander Kurn, who goes out of his way to insult Worf. When Worf confronts him, Kurn admits not only that he was testing to see if the Federation officer was still Klingon but that he is Worf's brother. Apparently Kurn was not on Khitomer during the massacre, and was raised on the Klingon Home World without knowing his true identity until he reached the age of ascension. But there is even worse news from the heart of the empire. Duras, a member of the High Council, accuses Worf's father of having betrayed the outpost to the Romulans. If Worf does not challenge this ruling, the family will face discommendation and disgrace for seven generations. If he loses the challenge, Worf and Kurn will be executed in their father's place.

When Next Generation started, Worf was just the only Klingon serving in Starfleet. By this point in the series the back story on the Khitomer massacre has finally been fully developed. "Sins of the Father" is one of the most critical episodes for Worf's character, providing what is the best example of the depth of Worf's sense of Klingon honor. Furthermore, in an episode already filled with startling secrets, there is one more really big one. Above all, it is nice to seeing Michael Dorn get a chance to really flesh out his characterization of Worf.