Episode Review - Sons of Mogh (Deep Space Nine, Season 4)

For those who are new to my episode reviews, you can find the post where I establish my point criteria here

Overview – Worf’s brother, Kurn, comes to the station, demanding that Worf perform a ritual killing on him to allow him a chance to regain his honor. After being prevented from successfully completing the Mauk-to’Var ritual, Kurn takes to living on the station, trying to find a place in the universe outside the Klingon Empire. As Worf quickly learns, some people cannot simply move on from the hardships in their life, and Worf must find a way to help his brother. Meanwhile, Kira and O’Brien discover the Klingons are up to something just outside of Bajoran space. As they investigate they find that the Klingons are laying a cloaked mine field, and Sisko must find a way to disable the mine field and prevent the Klingons from cutting DS9 and Bajor off from help and assistance.

Score: 8/10 – A somewhat controversial episode that provides us some closure to the character of Kurn and yet more inner conflict for Worf. More so than in any other, we see how Worf’s actions have impacted more than just himself. Whereas before he was able to protect Kurn from sharing in his personal dishonor, this time he no longer has that luxury. Kurn is a shell of his former self, and he turns to Worf for what he believes is his only hope of regaining his honor. In essence, Kurn’s mental health is deteriorating as he is unable to come to terms with his families lost honor. At the same time, the Klingons are up to shenanigans as they leave a cloaked mine filed, which could be trouble for DS9 if a real war breaks out between the Federation and the Klingons. While this B-story gives O’Brien and Kira some screen time, it also provides necessary plot points for Worf and Kurn to reach some essential understandings. While the mine field story does not initially connect to the main story with Worf, it eventually and nicely connects to the main story. The end of the story is what divides the fan base. Some felt let down by erasing Kurn’s memory, while others felt that it was a way to save Kurn and still kill him. I like the character and had hoped that he would be back again in his new persona, but there is a part of me that wishes that Kurn could have met a glorious death in battle.

Relevance – 3 points. A point for the fallout of Worf’s actions in “The Way of the Warrior” hitting close to home, by literally destroying his Klingon home. Kurn is now sharing in the disgrace of his family, and there’s little that can be done about it. Another point is scored for the conclusion of Kurn’s story. While some have argued against the decision to erase Kurn’s memory and give him a new identity, it is the last time we see this character. A final point will be scored for the seeds being planted in what will eventually blossom into the Worf-Jadzia romance. From their training in the holosuite we see that at least Jadzia is developing some strong feelings for Worf.

Continuity – 3 points. Story wise everything makes sense, although I think it might have been a better idea to have this story happen sooner in the season rather than more than halfway through. Universe continuity also works. While the Klingons claim to be honor, their use of cloaked mines shows the inherent corruption within the Klingon Empire. Character continuity also checks out here. Worf’s dilemma is notable, and Jadzia’s understanding of Klingon culture fits what has been previously established. We also see little glimpses of characters acting the way we would expect. In particular, we see Miles try to speak to Sisko about Worf, with Sisko cutting him off before the Chief can say anything. It is typical O’Brien to try to speak in defense of his friends. Continuity is well established in this episode.

Character Development – 3 points. Naturally this is a Worf-central story, and we see him go through significant development. Worf loses his brother in this episode. He sacrifices Kurn in a way to save his brother but loses him at the same time. There is a point in the story where he indicates that the Klingon Empire is no longer his home, and that Starfleet seems to be the only home he has left. More than ever before, Worf feels that he is not truly a Klingon. For now, at least, Worf has severed his ties to the world of his birth once and for all. The last time this happened he at least had Kurn on the home world supporting him. That is no longer the case. Dax gets some attention, and we see the beginning of a romantic interest in Worf. This will, of course, develop into a full-on love affair culminating in their marriage. O’Brien, Kira, Odo, and Sisko all get some attention as well. There is definitely some good character development in this story.

Social Commentary – 3 points. There is a lot to unpack in this episode. We see the right to die first and foremost. Kurn wants out, and a ritual killing at Worf’s hands is the way to do it. Tie that into the cultural aspects of being a Klingon and we can examine when certain cultural practices cross the line of general acceptance. Sisko claims that there is a limit to his tolerance of cultural diversity, and the Mauk-to’Var ritual was his limit. Likewise, in many countries we see immigration bringing together many different cultures, and some would argue that not all aspects of all cultures should be openly welcomed. On top of all of that, there is the concept of sacrifice for the good of others. Worf, in allowing Kurn to either die or have his memory wiped, sacrifices his brother and his only real connection to his Klingon heritage. He did this for his brother. Often we see people sacrifice greatly for the ones they love, and like Kurn (now Rodek), they may never truly know what was done for them.

Cool Stuff – 2 points. I am a big fan of Tony Todd and of the character of Kurn. It is always a lot of fun to have Todd in an episode. His presence is powerful and memorable. So, having Kurn’s final appearance in the franchise, it is cool to see him one last time. I am also scoring a point for the cloaked mines that the Klingons used. It is an interesting type of mine and from the damage done to one of the Klingon ships they are quite dangerous. Similar mines will be utilized by both the Federation to keep the Dominion from sending re-enforcement through the wormhole and the Dominion in the Seige of AR-558.

Rank – Admiral (22 points). A strong episode with a somewhat controversial ending to a popular character that serves to move the character of Worf further down his path. It is one that gives the viewer a lot to think about in addition to some fun moments.

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