Captain’s log: stardate 46852.2

Ronald D. Moore pens this Worf (Michael Dorn) episode from a story by James E. Brooks that first aired on 17 May, 1993.

Worf, after a dereliction of duty, takes some leave to put his affairs in order. He is still dealing with the repercussions of the events in the Birthright two-parter. He has tried to summon the spirit of Kahless (Kevin Conway) to see answers and guidance for his personal life.

The episode continues to expand and explore the Klingon culture and beliefs.

Worf travels to the planet of Boreth, where the faithful await the prophesied return of the great Klilngon leader. But what happens when he appears before Worf, and the rest of the Klingons? Is he real? While he unify the Klingon Empire?

What else is going on here?

The Enterprise arrives to transport Kahless to Q’onos and with Captain Picard (Patrick Stewart) is the leader of the Klingon people, Gowron (Robert O’Reilly) – as the evidence begins to pile up that Kahless has, in fact, returned, what will that do the Empire?

Worf eventually discovers the truth of who Kahless is, but will that effect his faith, and beliefs?

It’s an interesting episode, that puts forth some thoughtful questions about religion, worship, and faith.

And if I’m being completely honest, this episode, to me, is much more enjoyable than the Birthright two-parter and works nicely for Worf, expanding his character, and layering the Klingon Empire, which now has a unique future ahead of it thanks to Worf.

Good stuff.

Captain’s log: stardate 46915.2

Six seasons in, and The Next Gen finally takes on the classic trope of the ‘evil twin.’ LeVar Burton directs this episode that was written by Rene Echevarria from a story by Michael A. Medlock.

The Enterprise visits a planet, Nervala IV, that is surrounded by a distortion field that can only be penetrated every eight years. Riker (Jonathan Frakes) was on a mission there at that time, and the starship has arrived to collect the equipment and scientific data that was left behind.

The crew, especially Riker, are stunned to come across another Riker, a lieutenant, that has been marooned there for eight years. The distortion field caused a transporter ‘incident’ that created two Rikers.

To differentiate themselves, the new Riker refers to himself by his middle name, Thomas, and both men examine their lives, and the choices they made.

And what will that mean for the on again off again relationship of Riker and Troi (Marina Sirtis)?

It ends up being a very enjoyable episode, Burton handles the directorial reins well, and it lets Frakes play a different version of a character he’s lived with for six years.

The Human Adventure continues Thursday as I return to Deep Space Nine.