Birthright, Part II isn’t a deplorable story. In fact, there are plenty of worthy themes and ideas. It just isn’t worthy of an entire episode. The fact is, the story takes a long, long time to develop. And it takes even longer to reach its arduous conclusion.

With the exception of brief, almost token appearances from the bridge crew searching for Worf, the episode focuses entirely on Worf’s internment in the Romulan-Klingon camp. It seems that the Klingons who were captured at Khitomer have settled down into a life of ease with the Romulans.

A lot of it has to do with the notions of Klingon honor, but suffice to say, they were once given the opportunity to leave camp, but elected to stay. The Romulans stayed, too, and the result is one of the most unique societies in the galaxy: Romulans and Klingons living together, peacefully.

But there has been a cost for that peace. The Klingons, and especially their children, have had to forgo a great many of their customs and traditions. Part of it likely had to do with never being able to return to their homeworld, but it also made life easier with the Romulans with whom they had begun to build families. So when Worf arrives, he is very dangerous because he brings with him a powerful agent for change: knowledge.

The theme of reconciliation between Romulan and Klingon is worthy one to see on screen. But because that reconciliation came at such a high price for the Klingons, that greatly cheapens the accomplishment. And, too, the episode is so plodding that we almost forget that this concept is there — save for the few reminders from Tokath. But since he is the greatest source of repression, the reminders, too, ring hollow.

Worf’s pure enthusiasm and joy for his heritage is, actually, quite compelling. And seeing and hearing the various Klingon myths and rituals and traditions is likewise enlightening. As is the awakening (or “enlightenment”) of the Klingon youths — symbolized by the personal journey of a young Klingon man by the name of Toq. The problem, however, is that these moments are so far spread across the episode that their inherent interest is diminished.

One final compelling theme, and one that also isn’t as enjoyable because of the sprawling story, is Worf’s ability to overcome his prejudice and admit his feelings for the half-Klingon, half-Romulan Ba’el. Worf has come a long way from the man who would not give a drop of his blood to save a Romulan soldier in The Enemy. But just as with the other important elements of story, impact of that journey is diluted.

In the end, Worf’s principles inspire the Klingons to stand up for their heritage. The children, most of whom were of age anyway, vow never to reveal the location of the camp, and depart with Worf.

Birthright, Part II would have been better served if it had been a single episode, and not been spread out across two parts. The result is that an otherwise compelling story becomes an episode that lacks immediacy and engagement.

Topics: Klingons, Romulans
Filed under: TNG Reviews