It is so sad for Worf that because he has honor, he is seen as dishonorable. Duras is dead but his family is determined to keep Gowron from taking his rightful place. Just as the final pronouncements are made and the council chiefhood is to be transferred, in step the two Duras Klingon women and a teenaged son of Duras. They claim the right to the office and it sets up a civil war. The Duras clan is in league with the Romulans and is receiving assistance from them. Worf, who has been promised by Gowron that his name will be cleared, must leave the Enterprise to fight beside his brothers. Unfortunately, with the odds against them, the Gowron's people are at a great disadvantage. The Federation can do nothing because on the surface it looks like an internal affair (no Romulans have been proved complicit). At the conclusion of Part One a familiar face appears in full Romulan garb. This is the narrative hook going into the next season's opening episode.
15 Reviews
Outbreak of a Klingon civil war
Tweekums15 June 2015
Warning: Spoilers
This, the final episode of the fourth season, sees the Enterprise heading to the Klingon home world where Capt. Picard is due to act as arbitrator at Gowron's appointment as Head of the High Council. It was meant to be a simple job as Gowron is clearly the rightful leader; however he is challenged for the position by a boy claiming to be the son of Duras. Duras may have been a traitor but his son, and more importantly his sisters who wish to be the power behind the throne, have the support of a significant number of senior Klingons. Picard will have a difficult job if he is to avert a civil war; a war that could lead to an alliance between the Klingon's and the Romulans if the Duras faction is victorious. All this gives Worf an opportunity to restore his family's honour as he decides to fight alongside Gowron.
This is a top quality episode that gives a great cliff-hanger ending to the fourth season that sets things up nicely for the fifth season. It also serves to introduce Lursa and B'Etor, the Duras Sisters; two delightfully unpleasant characters whose cunning is almost feline. It also serves to introduce a Romulan officer who looks distinctly like the late Tasha Yar! Many episodes of 'Star Trek: TNG' are all about various issues and lack any real action; that is not the case here though there is plenty of action including impressive space battles. That isn't to say there are no character issues; Worf must decide whether his future lies with Star Fleet or with the Klingon Empire and Picard must make a decision on which the future of the Alpha Quadrant could depend. Overall a really good episode; I'm glad I won't have to wait too long to see how the story concludes when season five begins.
This is a top quality episode that gives a great cliff-hanger ending to the fourth season that sets things up nicely for the fifth season. It also serves to introduce Lursa and B'Etor, the Duras Sisters; two delightfully unpleasant characters whose cunning is almost feline. It also serves to introduce a Romulan officer who looks distinctly like the late Tasha Yar! Many episodes of 'Star Trek: TNG' are all about various issues and lack any real action; that is not the case here though there is plenty of action including impressive space battles. That isn't to say there are no character issues; Worf must decide whether his future lies with Star Fleet or with the Klingon Empire and Picard must make a decision on which the future of the Alpha Quadrant could depend. Overall a really good episode; I'm glad I won't have to wait too long to see how the story concludes when season five begins.
Every time the episode is about the Klingons, the show gets really, really good.
planktonrules20 November 2014
This episode begins just before Gowron takes over as leader of the Klingons. However, despite his legitimacy to the title and his opponent being brutally killed by Worf in a previous episode, there is a schism that might just plunge the empire into war. The new opposition is led by two beastly sisters and their pipsqueak pretender to the throne. Can this schism also offer an opportunity for Worf to regain his honor? And, what part do the Romulans have in all this? As for Picard, he sure thinks they're behind all this and he's in the unenviable position of having to choose the next Klingon leader.
This episode features betrayals, civil war, intrigues and death-- exactly what the show generally avoids but which many folks like me love! And, because it's such an exciting episode, it's no surprise that they'd make it the first of a two-part series that ends season 4 and begins season 5. Well worth seeing and exciting throughout.
You might ask why did I only give this one an 8. After all, I love Klingon episodes. Well, the last 2 minutes of the show are BAD-- reintroducing a dead character which simply seems contrived and a bit stupid. Too bad...up until then, it was fantastic.
This episode features betrayals, civil war, intrigues and death-- exactly what the show generally avoids but which many folks like me love! And, because it's such an exciting episode, it's no surprise that they'd make it the first of a two-part series that ends season 4 and begins season 5. Well worth seeing and exciting throughout.
You might ask why did I only give this one an 8. After all, I love Klingon episodes. Well, the last 2 minutes of the show are BAD-- reintroducing a dead character which simply seems contrived and a bit stupid. Too bad...up until then, it was fantastic.
The Klingon Civil War begins.
russem3124 April 2006
Warning: Spoilers
ST:TNG:100 - "Redemption, Part I" (Stardate: 44995.3) - this is the 25th and last episode of the 4th season of Star Trek: The Next Generation, the 100th episode overall! This is another cliffhanger episode (which will be concluded in the 5th season opener, "Redepemption, Part II".
This episode climaxes the story arc that began in "The Sins Of The Father" , where Worf accepted dis-commendation, being branded a traitor so that the Klingon Empire will not fall in Civil War, and continued in "Reunion".
However, as the Enterprise is on its way to attend the installation of Gowron (again played by Robert O'Reilly) as the new leader of the Klingon High Council, with Picard again playing the Arbitor of Succession, Gowron intercepts them saying that he needs the Enterprise's help in preventing Civil War.
And of course, the Romulans are involved (including someone who sounds like Tasha Yar!).
Trivia note: we see the Batleth sword again. The Duras sisters are introduced here (Lursa and B'Etor), and Tony Todd also returns as Commander Kurn, Worf's brother. And, Whoopi Goldberg also returns as Guinan, and Worf's son Alexander is mentioned (he lives on Earth).
This episode climaxes the story arc that began in "The Sins Of The Father" , where Worf accepted dis-commendation, being branded a traitor so that the Klingon Empire will not fall in Civil War, and continued in "Reunion".
However, as the Enterprise is on its way to attend the installation of Gowron (again played by Robert O'Reilly) as the new leader of the Klingon High Council, with Picard again playing the Arbitor of Succession, Gowron intercepts them saying that he needs the Enterprise's help in preventing Civil War.
And of course, the Romulans are involved (including someone who sounds like Tasha Yar!).
Trivia note: we see the Batleth sword again. The Duras sisters are introduced here (Lursa and B'Etor), and Tony Todd also returns as Commander Kurn, Worf's brother. And, Whoopi Goldberg also returns as Guinan, and Worf's son Alexander is mentioned (he lives on Earth).
Worf's Klingon Roots
Samuel-Shovel18 February 2020
Warning: Spoilers
In "Redemption" the Enterprise finds itself caught in the middle of a potential Klingon civil war over the controversy of who will be named the new leader of the Empire. Gowron is back and prepared to ascend to the throne. But Duras's sisters have their own plans with the help of secret Romulan backers. To make matters more complicated, Worf and his brother must choose sides in the hopes that their family's name is restored. Worf resigns his post within Star Fleet and joins the Klingon conflict as the season ends.
There's a lot to love about this episode. There's really no wasted space and the plot moves fast. This is Word's episode through and through and Dorn does a great job with it. It's always hard to rate these without seeing the conclusion, the cliffhanger makes this difficult. But as a standalone episode, it's one of TNG's very best.
There's a lot to love about this episode. There's really no wasted space and the plot moves fast. This is Word's episode through and through and Dorn does a great job with it. It's always hard to rate these without seeing the conclusion, the cliffhanger makes this difficult. But as a standalone episode, it's one of TNG's very best.
Another great Klingon episode
snoozejonc30 July 2021
The Duras family challenges Gowron's right to lead the Klingon Empire.
This is another enjoyable Klingon episode with a number of strong scenes of political intrigue.
The plot is a compelling depiction of the struggle to fill a power vacuum and has strong character drama, which as ever in these types of episode is led by Worf. It all unfolds in a series of entertaining scenes and ends with a great hook for season five.
Worf's arc continues superbly with him looking to restore honour to his family name. In doing so he gets heavily involved in Klingon politics and is very enjoyable to watch.
Captain Picard is caught up in it all and has a number of excellent leadership moments. All his exchanges with Worf and other Klingons are excellent.
Although Gowron was introduced in a previous episode he has a far bigger part here and proves to be an entertaining character. The Duras sisters are also good value for their screen time.
All cast members are great, particularly Michael Dorn, Patrick Stewart and Robert O'Reilly.
This is another enjoyable Klingon episode with a number of strong scenes of political intrigue.
The plot is a compelling depiction of the struggle to fill a power vacuum and has strong character drama, which as ever in these types of episode is led by Worf. It all unfolds in a series of entertaining scenes and ends with a great hook for season five.
Worf's arc continues superbly with him looking to restore honour to his family name. In doing so he gets heavily involved in Klingon politics and is very enjoyable to watch.
Captain Picard is caught up in it all and has a number of excellent leadership moments. All his exchanges with Worf and other Klingons are excellent.
Although Gowron was introduced in a previous episode he has a far bigger part here and proves to be an entertaining character. The Duras sisters are also good value for their screen time.
All cast members are great, particularly Michael Dorn, Patrick Stewart and Robert O'Reilly.
A Zenith of the Series
Qanqor13 July 2014
Wow, only *one* review for this fabulous episode? How can this be? This two-parter really is Star Trek: The Next Generation at its very best. I'm reluctant to say too much, lest I spoil anything for those who haven't see it yet. Exciting, engaging plot, some good characters, some good surprises. And it wraps up a bunch of loose threads.
As a two-parter, it is hard to review what is essentially half-an-episode. Fortunately, the second half is as strong as the first, making this, in my opinion, the very best of the cliff- hanger two-part episodes. Yes, even better than The Best Of Both Worlds.
My only complaint is that much of the spoken Klingon is gibberish. Yes, "naDev ghoS" is correct for "come here!" And "Gowron, Dajon, Dajon!" makes good sense: Gowron, you have captured it, you have captured it. But, for instance, the line about the son sharing in the honors or crimes of the father does not contain anything resembling the word for father (vav), son, (puqloD), honor (batlh), or crime (HeS).
As a two-parter, it is hard to review what is essentially half-an-episode. Fortunately, the second half is as strong as the first, making this, in my opinion, the very best of the cliff- hanger two-part episodes. Yes, even better than The Best Of Both Worlds.
My only complaint is that much of the spoken Klingon is gibberish. Yes, "naDev ghoS" is correct for "come here!" And "Gowron, Dajon, Dajon!" makes good sense: Gowron, you have captured it, you have captured it. But, for instance, the line about the son sharing in the honors or crimes of the father does not contain anything resembling the word for father (vav), son, (puqloD), honor (batlh), or crime (HeS).
Klingon Civil War --- also know as Tuesday.
thevacinstaller30 March 2021
Warning: Spoilers
It is a good episode .... but .... why in the name of Sisko did they do the 'Tasha Yar' reveal 15 minutes into the episode?!? You can clearly see her in the shadows and even if you couldn't, Denise Crosby has a distinctive voice. Then you end the episode as if this is the first time seeing her? It's a baffling decision and yields a flaccid cliffhanger.
I do enjoy the Klingon political/social/cultural episodes. It's like taking a time machine to 1000-1600 earth time. I enjoyed Picard having the wrestle with some prime directive complications versus the potential galaxy complications of having the Duras family attain power.
We get our first (?) viewing of the female Klingon boob window costumes. Thank you wardrobe department ... you are doing Sisko's work.
I always find it fascinating that the Klingon society values honor among all things but it is treated like a commodity.
Worf ---- I love you like a make-believe brother but you really need to do some soul searching and ponder if this Klingon Empire is worth the trouble? Look deep man! Who's more honorable ---- Picard or Gowron? I get it --- You're heart is Klingon.
Nice to see the crew show up to see Worf off. I would have loved to see an uncomfortable Riker/Worf hug goodbye and a tos callback, "Not in front of the crew" line from Worf but that's just me.
Season 4 thoughts overall:
I do enjoy the Klingon political/social/cultural episodes. It's like taking a time machine to 1000-1600 earth time. I enjoyed Picard having the wrestle with some prime directive complications versus the potential galaxy complications of having the Duras family attain power.
We get our first (?) viewing of the female Klingon boob window costumes. Thank you wardrobe department ... you are doing Sisko's work.
I always find it fascinating that the Klingon society values honor among all things but it is treated like a commodity.
Worf ---- I love you like a make-believe brother but you really need to do some soul searching and ponder if this Klingon Empire is worth the trouble? Look deep man! Who's more honorable ---- Picard or Gowron? I get it --- You're heart is Klingon.
Nice to see the crew show up to see Worf off. I would have loved to see an uncomfortable Riker/Worf hug goodbye and a tos callback, "Not in front of the crew" line from Worf but that's just me.
Season 4 thoughts overall:
- 7.4 is the average review score over 26 episodes. This is 3 points lower then S3.
- One 10/10, three 9/10's.
- Overall a great season of TNG. You can see the Roddenberry influence diminishing in this season with a bunch of low stake character development episodes peppered throughout. Camera work/Visual Effects continue to see vast improvements and the crew now understand the characters that they are portraying on screen.
Wonderful, a cliffhanger master class
christianschumann25 June 2023
Is it possible that TNG basically invented the concept of the season cliffhanger? This is almost as good as Best of both worlds. Great writing, character development, acting, and then the story twists .. That good bye scene brought a bit of moisture to my eyes.... It's incredible how easily Berman Trek at its height manages all these things with such ease, where modern productions try to do so many things and fail at most of them. I' ve seen this episode like ten times or so and it still manages to capture me where I would pick up my phone during most modern Trek. There isn't much that feels wrong or drawn oit, each scene counts, there are no WTF moments.
"You have manipulated circumstances with the skill of a Romulan."
classicsoncall9 February 2024
Warning: Spoilers
This episode recalls the past event in which Lieutenant Worf (Michael Dorn) accepted discommendation in order to maintain peace among vying factions on the Klingon home world. However, that temporary alliance is threatened once again when Gowron (Robert O'Reilly) is about to be installed as head of the High Council and is opposed by those loyal to former member Duras, eliminated for good by Worf in the earlier fourth season story 'Reunion'. When a potential threat is introduced in the person of Toral (JD Cullum), illegitimate son of Duras, the stage is set for an imminent civil war, with most members of the High Council willingly siding with the Duras faction. With Captain Picard (Patrick Stewart), acting as Arbiter of Succession choosing Gowron to lead the High Council, the immediate result is an attack on the Klingon vessel Bortas commanded by Gowron. With the Duras faction still firmly engaged with the Romulans, the Federation seeks a way to deny Romulan vessels from delivering supplies to the Duras insurgents. Worf reunites with his brother Kurn (Tony Todd) to help Gowron maintain his Council seat, but in return, requires the new leader to restore their family name by rescinding the discommendation. At first reluctant to do so, Gowron willingly complies when he learns that it was Duras's father who was a traitor feeding information to the Romulans leading to the Khitomer massacre. To confirm his resolve, Worf resigns from Starfleet in order to help Gowron defeat the Duras faction. A stunning surprise awaits as a mysterious Romulan figure makes her presence known at the end of this two-part episode, one which will throw the officers of the Enterprise for a loop in the concluding segment.
That Duras clan
bkoganbing28 May 2019
It may have been decided that Gowron is to head the Klingon High Council in a
move where Captain Picard was the arbitrator. Duras is dad, but he has a young
son in JD Cullum who is being manipulated by a pair of sisters Barbara March and
Gwyneth Morgan.
Civil War is iminent and Worf resigns from Star Fleet to fight at the side of Robert O'Reilly playing Gowron. He does display why he's the Enterprise tactical officer.
In the end it's revealed that the Duras family has some covert support.
Civil War is iminent and Worf resigns from Star Fleet to fight at the side of Robert O'Reilly playing Gowron. He does display why he's the Enterprise tactical officer.
In the end it's revealed that the Duras family has some covert support.
TNG TOP 06 FAVOURITE EPISODES OF SEASON 04
iamirwar10 September 2022
Having recently watched each of the 25* episodes of Season Four again, I decided to rate them in order of my personal preference.
The points awarded to each episode are only used in comparison with other episodes of this season. The Top 6 shows as listed below are the ones I would choose to put forward from season four and add to my list of Top TNG shows of the entire series.
*In the case of the first episode of Season Four being the conclusion to a two-part episode which began as the Season Three finale, I decided to rate both episodes as a part of Season Four. Therefore 'The Best Of Both Worlds, I & II' is rated in this list and not as part of Season Three. (The Season Four episode: Family, could also be included with this double-header to form a trilogy.
Each of these S04 'Top 6' shows will be reviewed again once I have completed watching the entire series as part of my REVIEW 2022.
Reunion (10/10) Brothers (10/10) The Best Of Both Worlds, I & II (10/10) Remember Me (10/10) The Wounded (09/10) First Contact (09/10)
Several other episodes could have been included in this list, but overall missed the cut simply because I didn't feel they were quite as strong as these six.
The Mind's Eye (09/10) Family (09/10)
Bottom Four Shows Of Season Four The Nth Degree (05/10) Galaxy's Child (05/10) The Host (04/10) Qpid (04/10)
The points awarded to each episode are only used in comparison with other episodes of this season. The Top 6 shows as listed below are the ones I would choose to put forward from season four and add to my list of Top TNG shows of the entire series.
*In the case of the first episode of Season Four being the conclusion to a two-part episode which began as the Season Three finale, I decided to rate both episodes as a part of Season Four. Therefore 'The Best Of Both Worlds, I & II' is rated in this list and not as part of Season Three. (The Season Four episode: Family, could also be included with this double-header to form a trilogy.
Each of these S04 'Top 6' shows will be reviewed again once I have completed watching the entire series as part of my REVIEW 2022.
Reunion (10/10) Brothers (10/10) The Best Of Both Worlds, I & II (10/10) Remember Me (10/10) The Wounded (09/10) First Contact (09/10)
Several other episodes could have been included in this list, but overall missed the cut simply because I didn't feel they were quite as strong as these six.
The Mind's Eye (09/10) Family (09/10)
Bottom Four Shows Of Season Four The Nth Degree (05/10) Galaxy's Child (05/10) The Host (04/10) Qpid (04/10)
A Senior Trekker writes.................
celineduchain5 February 2022
Season 4 contains the 80th episode of The Next Generation, at which point it surpassed the output of the Original Series. A number of extended themes played out during this season delving into both the political backdrop and the personal lives of the crew. These continuing storylines proved extremely popular, however they did not detract from the use of Science Fiction to tell interesting stories. Senior Trekker continues to score every episode with a 5.
In this episode we go back to the Klingon Homeworld for the installation of Gowron as the new chancellor, while Worf attempts to regain his family honour and Captain Picard gets to deliver some more splendidly guttural renditions of Klingonese. A language, by the way, first devised by James Doohan of the Original Series but not heard on the screen until it featured in The Motion Picture in 1979.
As in previous such episodes some outstanding use of lighting manages to convey atmosphere despite the minimal set dressing and the use of scaled-down versions of full Klingon prosthetic for the background characters. After all these years of technical progress, the use of freeze-frame or high definition is not particularly recommended. Although I'm sure many have actually tried it on the next two important characters to enter our story!
For this is the episode where we are introduced to the magnificent Duras sisters, Lursa and B'Etor, played with such aplomb by Barbara March and Gwyneth Walsh. Two statuesque Canadian actors with theatrical backgrounds. Those not looking too closely at their spectacular foredecks (perhaps in an attempt to determine the further use of prosthetics) will probably notice a striking similarity with the pair of monstrous sisters who appear Shakespeare's King Lear.
Although hardly aspiring to such a level, Redemption is still a satisfying piece of theatre and we are left awaiting the second act with anticipation.
In this episode we go back to the Klingon Homeworld for the installation of Gowron as the new chancellor, while Worf attempts to regain his family honour and Captain Picard gets to deliver some more splendidly guttural renditions of Klingonese. A language, by the way, first devised by James Doohan of the Original Series but not heard on the screen until it featured in The Motion Picture in 1979.
As in previous such episodes some outstanding use of lighting manages to convey atmosphere despite the minimal set dressing and the use of scaled-down versions of full Klingon prosthetic for the background characters. After all these years of technical progress, the use of freeze-frame or high definition is not particularly recommended. Although I'm sure many have actually tried it on the next two important characters to enter our story!
For this is the episode where we are introduced to the magnificent Duras sisters, Lursa and B'Etor, played with such aplomb by Barbara March and Gwyneth Walsh. Two statuesque Canadian actors with theatrical backgrounds. Those not looking too closely at their spectacular foredecks (perhaps in an attempt to determine the further use of prosthetics) will probably notice a striking similarity with the pair of monstrous sisters who appear Shakespeare's King Lear.
Although hardly aspiring to such a level, Redemption is still a satisfying piece of theatre and we are left awaiting the second act with anticipation.
The commodity of honour.
amusinghandle3 March 2024
Warning: Spoilers
I am always up for a political maneuvering episode with galactic consequences.
My one beef: Space is big. Are you telling me the Klingon boarder can successfully be monitored by 20 spaceships? Really? Bro? Really? Come on.
Ronny Moore goes dark in this episode with the traumatizing reveal that Tasha Yar had a child born of rape who betrayed her to her death when she was 4 years old. Yikes. Damn clever idea though and I love that the enterprises time travel shenanigans actually has real consequences.
We get another 'Data saves the day' climax. He's got to be hitting Spock levels at this point, right? I enjoyed the performance of the jerk commander --- what a wonderful jerk performance.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Another hefty overall score of 7.46 out of 10 for this season. That puts it slightly behind S3 as the second best season of star trek to this point.
There was 4 x 9/10's and 1 X 10/10. My personal favorite episode was 'Family' followed closely by 'Half a life'.
I did not enjoy 'brother's' because I only take so much of the gimmick of Spiner playing multiple characters.
My biggest gripe with star trek is glacial pacing but when the show is firing on all cyclinders it manages to keep my interest with constant forward momentum.
My one beef: Space is big. Are you telling me the Klingon boarder can successfully be monitored by 20 spaceships? Really? Bro? Really? Come on.
Ronny Moore goes dark in this episode with the traumatizing reveal that Tasha Yar had a child born of rape who betrayed her to her death when she was 4 years old. Yikes. Damn clever idea though and I love that the enterprises time travel shenanigans actually has real consequences.
We get another 'Data saves the day' climax. He's got to be hitting Spock levels at this point, right? I enjoyed the performance of the jerk commander --- what a wonderful jerk performance.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Another hefty overall score of 7.46 out of 10 for this season. That puts it slightly behind S3 as the second best season of star trek to this point.
There was 4 x 9/10's and 1 X 10/10. My personal favorite episode was 'Family' followed closely by 'Half a life'.
I did not enjoy 'brother's' because I only take so much of the gimmick of Spiner playing multiple characters.
My biggest gripe with star trek is glacial pacing but when the show is firing on all cyclinders it manages to keep my interest with constant forward momentum.
Disappointing
leovasc78925 March 2023
Warning: Spoilers
This episode was nonsense. Yes, it has a nice introduction, bringing the hope that Worf would be forgiven and that we would see some good battles in the klingon civil war. But large parts of the plot doesn't make any sense.
For example, in the beginning of the war, Worf dicides to resign and fight for the klingon army that is loyal to Gowron. But that is simply defection and should be punished in a court martial. On the contrary, Picard just arrange a party for him to leave and gladly accept his decision without any type of opposition.
In other scene, after winning a fierce battle, Worf sees himself celebrating with the soldiers of his ship and... with his own enemies. Yes, in the middle of a bloody war, you sit in a bar and start drinking with people that you want dead. Even worst: Duras' sisters, who are the leaders of the revolt, are in the same room and you do nothing about it.
"I find that higly illogical" (Spock, 1966).
For example, in the beginning of the war, Worf dicides to resign and fight for the klingon army that is loyal to Gowron. But that is simply defection and should be punished in a court martial. On the contrary, Picard just arrange a party for him to leave and gladly accept his decision without any type of opposition.
In other scene, after winning a fierce battle, Worf sees himself celebrating with the soldiers of his ship and... with his own enemies. Yes, in the middle of a bloody war, you sit in a bar and start drinking with people that you want dead. Even worst: Duras' sisters, who are the leaders of the revolt, are in the same room and you do nothing about it.
"I find that higly illogical" (Spock, 1966).
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
