Rightful Heir is an above average episode that is carefully crafted and competently executed. But there are some issues in terms of pacing which somewhat diminishes the mystery and suspense created by the sudden appearance of the mythic Klingon warrior, Kahless.

Essentially a character piece, the episode opens with Worf facing a crisis of faith. Ever since the events of Birthright, Part II, Worf has been searching to reconcile his own lingering doubts about his beliefs and heritage. And as a character piece, Rightful Heir is fairly strong. Unfortunately, the episode slowly morphs into a socio-political drama and Worf’s journey seems to sway back and forth in the wind — at least until the very end.

After being given a leave of absence to, essentially, find himself, Worf journeys to a remote Klingon world called Boreth — a place where the return of Kahless will be, according to the ancient writings. The cultural elements of the episode are certainly interesting — learning about the Klingon culture almost always is — but there is a slightly sterile presentation to these revelations. Perhaps it’s the Klingon mumbo jumbo or perhaps it’s simply a fatigue in delving into the Klingon culture. Either way, the impact of this episode would have been greater earlier on in TNG’s run.

That being said, when Kahless does return, in the flesh, Worf’s questions about faith suddenly become far more complex. He’s a skeptic. And he isn’t sure if the man who appeared really is the second coming. But one thing is certain, the idea of Kahless’ return is very real. And very powerful. Made all the more so by the fact that Kahless passes a genetic test, proving his identity.

Gowron knows this and so, on board the Enterprise, the ruler of the Klingon high council directly confronts and challenges Kahless. Of course, this means one on one combat. And when Gowron wins, all the tests seem thrown out the window. And the truth is revealed: Kahless is a clone whose mind has been “programmed” with the ancient teachings.

With the help of Data — whose discussion about his own leap of faith to believe that he is a person and not just a machine is quite profound — Worf realizes that it doesn’t matter whether tests prove or disprove Kahless’ claim. The fact is, people will believe what they want to believe. They will make their own leaps of faith. And recognizing the growing decay of the Klingon Empire, Worf realizes that the idea of Kahless can help lead his people out of the darkness and back into the light.

Confronting Gowron and Kahless, Worf brokers a deal that will keep Gowron as the rightful leader of the Council, and will install Kahless as the spiritual leader of the Empire — as Emperor. Worf has learned something about the power of faith, but he has not found faith for himself. A parting word from Kahless does, at the very least, give Worf something to consider: Like Kahless himself, perhaps it’s the words and ideas of Klingon faith that matters more than whether or not the facts are real.

Rightful Heir is a good episode for its focus on Worf and Klingon culture.  However, it seems to lose its way when it becomes a story about political power, rather than the spirit quest which initiated Worf’s personal journey.

Filed under: TNG Reviews