“Blood Oath” is a solid example of DS9’s ability to weave complex morality tales that not only raise big questions and entertain, but also provide solid character development as well. There are a couple of pacing issues, through the middle of the episode – the result of a bit of redundancy in the character conflicts. But when you add in a wonderfully conceived bit of continuity back to the Original Series, a healthy dose of action, and some wonderfully vibrant characters, and the result is an episode worthy of praise.
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The “blood oath” in the episode refers to a time when Curzon Dax had the admiration and friendship of three Klingons – to the point where Curzon even became godfather to one of the Klingon’s sons. At the time, the Klingons ran afoul of a shady and nefarious character known only as The Albino. This nemesis vowed to kill the firstborn of each Klingon, including Curzon’s godson … and he succeeded. The result is the blood oath to track down and kill The Albino. The three Klingons have all arrived on DS9 with new information regarding the whereabouts, but are surprised to discover Jadzia, rather than Curzon. For her part, Jadzia must struggle with whether or not to honor the oath taken by her predecessor. Between these two plot threads, the episode unfolds.
To begin, the episode goes the extra mile and offers three Klingons who first appeared in the Original Series: Kor, seen in “Errand of Mercy” and played by John Colicos; Kang, seen in “Day of the Dove” and played by Michael Ansara; and Koloth, seen in “The Trouble With Tribbles” and played by William Campbell). That each of the original actors was available (and willing) to reprise their roles adds a fascinating element to the episode. It certainly isn’t necessary for viewers to know the original performances, but it’s a nice nod to lifelong Trek fans who would know and understand how these Klingons originally appeared in the show. It’s the perfect way to layer in an homage.
As characters go, Kor is easily the most entertaining and enjoyable to see. Indeed, his overindulgence in fighting, drinking and flirting helps carry the episode through its middle paces when the two conflicts – that of Jadzia deciding whether or not to take part in the Blood Oath, then, later, trying to convince the others that she is just as worthy as Curzon – drag on for a couple scenes too long. As it is, we get just a few too many scenes in which Jadzia has to either assert herself as a “tough guy” (gal) or assert her bona fides as Curzon. These aren’t critical errors, but they do expose Jadzia’s performance as one of trying just a bit too hard. As a result, it’s the weakest element to the episode. Fortunately, the immersion in Klingon culture helps carry the load and, whenever that is lacking, Kor manages to say or do something amusing.
More poignant are the scenes in which Jadzia must confront her colleagues. In a particularly strong scene, Kira makes no pretense over the horror of killing in cold blood. And when Jadzia faces Sisko, who thoroughly disapproves of the whole notion of premeditated murder, we see a new facet to the Sisko-Dax relationship. Up until now, despite the fact that Dax is, by definition, a subordinate to Sisko, there was always a sense of Dax-as-mentor. In this scene, however, Jadzia’s youthful naïvité comes to the fore and Sisko quickly takes on a much more paternal tack. And it’s through Jadzia’s own inner conflict over whether to go through with murder that the episode’s best character development occurs.
The final stages of the episode follow a more straightforward procedural action plot as Jadzia finally joins the Klingons and heads off to confront The Albino. And if the swiftness with which they succeed in overwhelming a secure, well-defended base is a tad bit anticlimactic, the final confrontation with The Albino manages to make up for it. The narrative manages to walk a very fine line between the “glory” of violence from the Klingon perspective and the sobering consequences of violence as voiced by Kira and Sisko (among others). But in the midst of finally carrying out their blood oath, two of the three Klingons are killed, leaving a wounded Kor as the only survivor. And Jadzia, for what it’s worth, doesn’t murder The Albino despite having the opportunity to do so – a dying Kang manages the deed.
Even so, upon her return to DS9, Jadzia finds a silent, disapproving look from both in a wonderfully “awkward” moment that drives home that consequences of violence go beyond simply life and death.
“Blood Oath” is a wonderfully conceived and executed episode. Featuring strong performances and a well-balanced, nuanced story, there’s quite a bit to enjoy. The minor issues from Jadzia and from the pacing shouldn’t prove to be much of a hindrance.
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