Following up on the cliffhanger that ended the previous season the writers just couldn't say no to another one. Although from what I read (I know, breaking my own rules) this episode was meant to be the end of season 3 but got put off. This episode does a good job of pulling together the story of Worf's loss of honor in Sins of the Father and Picards role in the Klingon succession in Reunion in a way that makes both the previous episodes better and deeper. Klingon politics is now front and center in a way it has never been in Trek. Also ending the season with Worf leaving the ship is a good way to raise the stakes without just repeating what they did the previous season.
The episode begins with the Enterprise on it's way to Qo'noS to finish off the succession that was begun in Reunion (although it seems unlikely the Empire would really go this whole time without a leader but whatever). On their way Picard stops by and tells Worf that he thinks it is time for him to maybe step up and be a Klingon and regain his family honor. En route they are intercepted by Gowron's ship. Gowron explains that Duras's sisters have plotted to block his rise to power and are amassing fleets. While escorting Gowron to the transporter Worf explains how he only accepted discommendation to keep the empire together and that it was Duras's father, not his own who betrayed the Empire and Khitomer. Gowron is outraged but says he can't take the risk of reinstating Worf now.
Then we get a scene of Guinan and Worf training at the shooting range together and we learn what a crack shot she is and that she likes to see Worf laugh. She also explains that this may be the time for Worf to learn what it really means to be a Klingon. He takes her advice and gets a leave of absence from the captain. Worf then meets with his brother who hesitantly agrees to back Gowron if it will mean regaining their family honor. Arriving and Qo'noS Picard beams down to complete the right of succession but the Duras sisters Lursa and B'Etor interrupt. They have found Duras' son and demand he be put in charge rather than Gowron. Picard agrees to consider it.
Worf gets in trouble for trying to use the Federation database to prove his fathers innocence and the Duras child is proven to be legitimate. Picard still goes with Gowron and war pretty much immediately breaks out. Two Duras ships attack Gowrons ship. Worf manages to destroy one of them and his brother shows up and saves them with another ship. Gowron is impressed and agrees to restore their family honor. He is installed as chancellor and makes good on his promise. However when Worf asks for an extended leave to help him win his war Picard says no and Worf decides to resign from Starfleet. There is an emotional good by and Worf departs in Klingon uniform to serve on Gowron's ship in the coming civil war.
Review: Not quite The Best of Both Worlds but a damn good episode never the less. We get to learn a lot about Worf and his relationship with the rest of the crew. It seems like Picard was setting him up to leave for a while by pushing so hard to get Worf to fight for his family honor and then refusing to let him go continue fighting for his people. I don't remember how they work out his return and I can't wait to see tomorrow!
9 out of 10
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