Sins of the Father

TNG Season 3 Episode 17
Air Date: March 19th, 1990

Plot

The Enterprise takes on a Klingon first officer as part of an exchange program like the one Riker went on last season. Only it turns out this Klingon is Worf's brother Kurn. Kurn had kept his identity secret and now their father's honour is being questioned. As the older brother, Worf goes to the Klingon high council and challenges the claim on his father's honour. He learns that his father is accused of collaborating with the Romulans on the attack at Khitomer.

Kurn stands with Worf but still keeps his identity hidden. Worf is encouraged by the Klingon supereme chancellor that he should give up this challenge and go back. They later learn that it was the Duras that had betrayed the Klingodn empire, but revealing this could bring the Empire to civil war. So Worf agrees to accept the charges publicly and be outcast without honour.

Commentary

This is the first time in Star Trek where we get a glimpse into the Klingon leadership and how much honour means to them. For Worf to accept dishonour shows how bad it would get if he pressed his challenge.

Quotes

"I am a Klingon! If you doubt it, a demonstration can be arranged." - Worf

"This is not a Klingon ship, sir!" - Riker
"No, Commander, it is not. If it were a Klingon ship, I would've killed you for offering your suggestion." - Kurn

"You are a fool. And your challenge can only result in a fool's death." - Duras
"It is a good day to die, Duras. And the day is not yet over." - Worf