Finally a Worf episode that feels like it was built for DS9. Lots of questions about what it means to be a Klingon serving in Starfleet, but also what it means to be a captain. Also, shouldn't they have Vulcan's as judges whenever possible? Their entire deal is being dispassionate and looking at the logic of a situation which seems like it would make them ideal judges. This is a rare episode without a B story, this one is Worf from start to finish. It also establishes that despite some concerns Sisko believes Worf is destined to command a starship and that he will do a damn good job of it.
We begin with Worf having a nightmare about Klingons taking over the Defiant. He wakes up in a holding cell with just a few hours until his hearing. Next we see him at the hearing with Admiral T'Lara sitting in judgement and Ch'Pok prosecuting and representing the Klingon empire (I am pretty sure this is the second Klingon lawyer to appear in Trek with the first played by Michael Dorn in VI). Worf is accused of destroying a civilian transport vessel filled with civilians while defending a Cardassian convoy from two attacking Klingon vessels. We begin with Dax called to testify about Worf's bloodlust in the holosuite. She tries to make it clear that what they do isn't real, but has to admit that he loves taking the role of a Klingon general who killed a bunch of civilians.
Sisko takes the stand next and tries to make it clear that Worf wasn't there for combat and that he trusts his judgement. Quark is next and pretty much admits he saw Worf relishing the idea of a battle just before leaving the station. Sisko has Odo dig through the records for any sign that maybe this was a setup, but at first he can't find anything that makes it look like the Klingons set things up. O'Brien is next to take the stand and while he has a ton of respect for Worf he admits he wouldn't have fired in the same situation if he were in command. Worf is next on the stand and he does alright until Ch'Pok goads him into punching him in the middle of the hearing.
Sisko finally gets some good news though. While waiting for judgement Odo returns with just what Sisko was looking for. The hearing is reconvened and Sisko convinces Ch'Pok to take the stand as an expert on the Klingon Empire. He hands him a list of names which Ch'Pok recognizes as the names of those lost in the incident. Sisko points out that it is in fact a list of those on a vessel that crashed and was lost a month earlier, and somehow the names are perfectly identical to those supposedly killed by Worf. Next we see Worf brooding in his quarters on the Defiant and Sisko walks in. He starts by telling Worf he got lucky this time, but that he thinks he will make a great captain. Finally he insists Worf come with him to a celebration in his honor at Quarks to teach him about captaining.
Review: A very straightforward episode, but a well told story. The twist at the end wasn't exactly a surprise, but it worked well. Worf finally feels like a member of the crew instead of a guy they brought in to bring fans over from TNG.
8 out of 10
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