Reunion is an important episode on a variety of levels. It gives us a continuation from season three’s Sins of the Father, a deeper insight into the growing corruption of the Klingon Empire, as well some compelling character development from Worf, including his continued struggle with his Discommendation.

The episode centers around a Klingon power struggle that resulted after the leader of the Klingon Empire had been mysteriously poisoned. In order to prevent a Klingon civil war, the leader’s dying wish was to have Picard mediate the struggle between Gowron and Duras, the two rivals for power. When a bomb goes off killing guards for both Gowron and Duras, the tension rises.

Suspicion immediately falls on Duras, and if there is a criticism of this episode it is in the fact that its most obvious suspect is indeed the culprit. The episode succeeds in making Gowron appear suspicious, but having already been proven to be the son of a traitor in Sins of the Father, Duras proves to be a traitor himself. Duras is an obvious choice, but for the sake of the episode his guilt is almost too obvious.

What elevates this episode is the addition of Worf’s mate, K’Ehleyr — and her son, Alexander. K’Ehleyr’s position as ambassador makes sense within the context of the episode and her performance is much improved over season two’s The Emissary. Her presence provides a catalyst for both the plot of the episode as well as some strong development from Worf.

Due to his Discommendation, Worf refuses to accept Alexander as his son because to do so would be to condemn the child to the same dishonor Worf now carries. However, K’Ehleyr is murdered by Duras and in her final moment, she brings Worf’s hand together with the Alexander. And after Worf kills Duras out of revenge, he finally accepts the child as his own — sending him off to live with his adoptive parents on Earth. And yet, in the short time they are together, you can see the connection Worf builds with his son. It is a poignant, and significant development of Worf’s character.

What keeps this episode from becoming truly exceptional is that it feels very much like a bridge episode. There isn’t any resolution to the issue of succession and the ambiguous ending signals that threads were left untied to make room for a future episode.

Reunion is important addition to the TNG series and it succeeds in furthering a major story arc. Additionally, it furthers both the character development of Worf and the growing storyline surrounding the Klingon Empire.

Topics: Klingons
Filed under: TNG Reviews