4.18 — “Rules of Engagement”

4.18 — “Rules of Engagement”

Plot: As we open, Worf is on trial for events that will be revealed in flashback. He is accused of firing on and destroying a Klingon civilian transport while commanding the Defiant, during pitched battle with Klingon military forces. In the process of answering the charge, he is forced to again confront his relationship with the Klingon Empire.

Thoughts: This episode feels a little familiar. In the superior DS9 2.25, “Tribunal,” O’Brien is placed on trial on Cardassia Prime based on fabricated evidence for allegedly authorizing a weapons sale to the Maquis. And there are many other Star Trek episodes which place sympathetic crewmembers on trial, the best of which are “The Menagerie,” “Wolf in the Fold,” “The Drumhead,” and “The Measure of a Man.” Am I forgetting other good ones?

The story here is too plain vanilla to pass for one of the best, although the actor who plays the Klingon prosecutor does a very good job, when not getting into ridiculous testosterone-filled faceoffs with Sisko. The narrative technique of having the actors narrate directly to camera is novel. It’s unprecedented in 400 episodes of Star Trek, but sure, innovate. I think it works.

The story partially redeems itself at the end. Worf is cleared by the plot twist we all see coming from a mile away, as Odo’s research uncovers incontrovertible proof of fraud, mooting the importance of the previous 30 minutes. But, after the proceedings dismissed, Worf still accuses himself, and says I am guilty, because I have too much anger and too little forgiveness in my heart. That made me sit up and pay attention! Worf, who has just come to terms with no longer belonging among Klingons in “Sons of Mogh,” now must come to terms with not fully belonging in Starfleet either. Sisko assures him it’s imposter syndrome, but that it still doesn’t excuse him from always striving to be better.

Worf continues to turn into an interesting character again, and this episode contributes.

3 out of 5 admirals who aren’t trying to kill everyone.

http://memory-alpha.wikia.com/wiki/Rules_of_Engagement_(episode)