5.1 — “Redemption II”
Plot: As the Klingon Civil War continues, Picard seeks to help Worf’s fight against the House of Duras by exposing the secret involvement of the Romulans, who are supporting Duras’ heir. Worf finds himself in conflict with his brother, Kurn, as he struggles to fit into Klingon society. Meanwhile, Data gets his first command of a ship participating in the Romulan blockade fashioned by Picard.
Thoughts: We’re back! And this story is still a mess. There are Romulans, Klingons, Tasha/Sela, and now a Data-in-command story which has promise, but feels like filler in this carnival of wild plot strands. Spreading the Klingon Civil War story over two parts has turned it into a kitchen sink story.
I’m not sure I knew, or maybe I forgot, that Data has 26 years of Starfleet experience. What other ships/Captains has he served? Has his rate of progress in understanding humanity increased on the Enterprise?
The Klingon bar is funny, but over the top. Despite Kurn’s protestations, I recall that some previous Klingons, like Kor and Kruge, seemed to maintain a higher level of discipline. Kurn’s assurance that the capital city is neutral ground also doesn’t amount to much when Worf is easily knocked out and captured by the Duras faction a few scenes later.
Another unsatisfying element is the Tasha/Sela plot strand, which feels tacked on instead of essential. Not only do I lose track of why it matters that Sela is Tasha’s daughter in these scenes, but I lose track of what the Romulans are about and why they are enemies of the Federation at all. Why does Sela get to be in charge? Her character doesn’t get any resolution at the end of the episode. So I guess we will see her again? The story she tells about Tasha is horrible, but Picard says he doesn’t believe a word of it. All of this leaves us… nowhere.
I’m not clear why the sisters of Duras beam out and abandon their nephew to Worf/Gowron. I don’t know why Picard would stand by and not try to interfere in the execution of the boy (which Worf subsequently stops). In short, I don’t know why very much happens in this episode, except for the need to return matters back to the status quo ante so we can get on with Season 5. Which I’m ready to do.
“Redemption,” you’re no “The Best of Both Worlds,” or even “The Sins of the Father.”
2 out of 5 Klingon headbutting competitions.
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