TNG Spoiler: "Rightful Heir" [phyllis.r.shelton-ball.1]
ch'Phyl t'Rhiann
Review by Phyllis R. Shelton-Ball <phyllis.r.sh...@nd.edu>
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I found this latest TNG outing to be both provocative and oddly
unsatisfying. Be warned, herewith follow a number of spoilers.
Michael Dorn seems to be heavily favored of late, although perhaps that's
just the luck of the draw as far as episode airings are concerned. This
latest Worf-centered show has him concerned about his lack of faith as far
as Klingon beliefs are concerned, particularly when it comes to Kahless,
the legendary warrior/god. Worf's attempts to induce a vision of him fail,
thus prompting Picard to send Worf on leave to see if he can find a
solution to his crisis.
While communing with other Klingon disciples, Worf does indeed see Kahless,
and not merely a vision but his return, which was prophesied of old.
However, there are some disquieting facets to the returned messiah, not the
least among them the fact that Worf all but defeated him in hand-to-hand
combat. Had Kahless not turned the ritual fight into a song-fest, the
episode would have been over.
This raises more questions in not only Worf's mind, but in Gowron's as
well. When the leader of the Klingon High Council arrives to contest the
return of Kahless, the high priest, Koroth, and Gowron engage in a power
struggle that may split the Klingon empire and cause civil war (sound
familiar?). And once again, it's good old Worf to the rescue.
This is where I have a real problem. I can see the solution, Gowron as
actual leader, Kahless as spiritual watchdog, as being rational and perhaps
the only viable one. But somehow I have trouble seeing Worf as being a
voice of sufficient weight to make either Koroth or Gowron listen. I could
see Picard, the seasoned diplomat, with Worf's help, as the
mediator/peacemaker, but Worf? Yes, I know he got his family honor
restored and discredited the prevous bad guys who brought the empire to the
brink of war and so on, but he's still only a Starfleet officer, which
really wouldn't seem to be much in the way of credentials for being that
highly considered by the Klingon High Council. He's not "in the loop" as
they would say in Washington, which is why I must respectfully decline to
swallow the so very pat ending.
My grade: B-
Never try to out-stubborn a cat. It will only frustrate you and amuse the cat.
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Phyllis Shelton-Ball
University of Notre Dame
SCOTT I CHASE
>This is where I have a real problem. I can see the solution, Gowron as
>actual leader, Kahless as spiritual watchdog, as being rational and perhaps
>the only viable one. But somehow I have trouble seeing Worf as being a
>voice of sufficient weight to make either Koroth or Gowron listen. I could
>see Picard, the seasoned diplomat, with Worf's help, as the
>mediator/peacemaker, but Worf? Yes, I know he got his family honor
>restored and discredited the prevous bad guys who brought the empire to the
>brink of war and so on, but he's still only a Starfleet officer, which
>really wouldn't seem to be much in the way of credentials for being that
>highly considered by the Klingon High Council. He's not "in the loop" as
>they would say in Washington, which is why I must respectfully decline to
>swallow the so very pat ending.
He *was* instrumental in helping Gowron attain the leadership of the
High Council, because of his influence with his brother. So he was
what we would call a "King maker." That makes him influencial with
Gowron. He also has the ear of Picard, and therefore the entire Federation,
making him a key man in Gowron's attempts to use his alliance with the
Feds to his own political advantage. Worf may not be a great leader or
powerful politico, but he uniquely positioned to wield significant power
because of his unusual circumstances.
-Scott
-------------------- New .sig under construction
Scott I. Chase Please be patient
SIC...@CSA2.LBL.GOV Thank you
w...@vax5.cit.cornell.edu
ch'Phyl t'Rhiann <phyllis.r.sh...@nd.edu> writes:
> This is where I have a real problem. I can see the solution, Gowron as
> actual leader, Kahless as spiritual watchdog, as being rational and perhaps
> the only viable one. But somehow I have trouble seeing Worf as being a
> voice of sufficient weight to make either Koroth or Gowron listen. I could
> see Picard, the seasoned diplomat, with Worf's help, as the
> mediator/peacemaker, but Worf? Yes, I know he got his family honor
> restored and discredited the prevous bad guys who brought the empire to the
> brink of war and so on, but he's still only a Starfleet officer, which
> really wouldn't seem to be much in the way of credentials for being that
> highly considered by the Klingon High Council. He's not "in the loop" as
> they would say in Washington, which is why I must respectfully decline to
> swallow the so very pat ending.
>
the
Klingon fleet. In "Redemption" that element was large enough to be decisive
in a civil war without outside support. Since Worf, as eldest brother, calls
the shots on issues like this his support would be vital for either side. His
imfluence in pushing for the compromise isn't surprising in this context. I
don't recall whether this arguement was made explicitly in Rightful Heir but I
think Kurn's power over the fleet was.
--
Tom Schoene
w...@cornella.cit.cornell.edu -or- w...@vax5.cit.cornell.edu
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"There is nothing wrong with America that cannot be cured by what is right with
America" President William Jefferson Clinton
January 20, 1993