This isn't a bad episode, but it suffers from the writers desire to teach us all a moral lesson and tripping over themselves along the way. I think the message was supposed to be that suicide is wrong and we should persevere, but there is also the scene between Riker and Picard where Picard seems to be telling Riker that as his friend he should help Worf even though he feels it is wrong. But I guess maybe he was saying the since Riker feels so strongly he shouldn't? I am not sure. Also, the captain is clearly right to allow Worf to go through a dangerous procedure with some hope rather than either forcing him to live in shame the rest of his life or letting him go through with suicide so it seems kinda out of place that Crusher gets to wrap the episode up talking about how wrong the other doctor was for trying it. It is sad that it has to be this way, but sometimes medical innovations have to be tried first in hopeless situations so that you can learn and be able to save more in the future.
The episode opens with Worf working with Geordi in a cargo bay. A container of something toxic melts and another container falls on Work crushing his spine. Fortunately for him Beverley has called in a specialist neuro surgeon who she didn't bother looking into at all. The neuro surgeon, Dr. Russell, has developed a genetic replicator technology that should let her build a new spine for Worf, but he would be the first humanoid test case so Crusher says no, it is too risky. At the same time Worf has called Riker to his quarters to ask Riker to assist in his suicide. Klingon tradition call for the death of anyone who cannot stand and fight. Riker doesn't want to help but when he goes to Picard the captain tells him that sometimes following ones traditions is the correct path, even if it isn't comfortable.
Meanwhile there has been a disaster, a ship full of colonists has crashed and the Enterprise is needed to help. While helping a patient Dr. Russell tries another experimental treatment and the patient dies. Dr. Crusher is outraged and demands she not practice medicine on the Enterprise any more. But Worf has already learned about her experimental spine replacement. After Riker refuses to help Worf die he calls for Alexander, but instead of having his son aid him in his death as is traditional Worf tells him that he is going to try out the experimental treatment.
Surgery begins and it seems to be going well but there is a problem with some part and Worf dies on the operating table. Alexander insists on seeing his father and is brought in just as Worf's badass Klingon anatomy saves the day and kicks itself back on again. They are able to save him and get his new spine working but it will still be a long recovery. There is a touching scene where Worf is working on his therapy and falls, Deanna tells Alexander not to help him, but Worf says no, he wants to do this with his son. The final scene is Beverley being mad at Dr. Russell for being unethical.
Review: This is a better episode than I remembered. It leaves the audience to decide where they stand on most of the ethical issues which is better than the lecture they seem to usually deem necessary.
6 out of 10
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