The Second Season of Star Trek the Next Generation has often been downplayed due to multiple production and writing staff problems, and several major cast changes. Although of mixed quality, it does contain some outstanding and brilliant episodes. Senior Trekker is extremely grateful to all those people who worked so hard under difficult circumstances to keep it on our screens.
The Emissary was a great favourite with both fans and critics right from its very first showing, having not only a reappearance by Suzie Plakson, but also a strong storyline that required little additional embellishment. The titular emissary is catapulted across space in a modified torpedo tube to rendezvous with the Enterprise and find a way to stop a ship of dangerously rogue Klingons, intent on re-starting hostilities with the Federation.
Michael Dorn was allowed to develop the character of Worf by showing his ambivalence at meeting up with his former acquaintance/girlfriend/lover. We are never quite sure about their previous relationship but this time sparks definitely fly. Worf feels that once they have done the deed, they should automatically become engaged but K'Ehleyr, as a liberated half-human, girl-about-the-Galaxy, is less sure. We could wish this aspect of Klingon society was better explored but, as Star Trek and the Klingon lore developed over the years, we didn't get to meet many with this type of lifelong, devoted commitment. Pity.
Mr Dorn himself his famously reticent about his off-screen romantic entanglements but has maintained a close friendship over the years with British co-star Marina Sirtis, who played Deanna Troy. She, on the other hand, is such an incorrigible gossip that we can only conclude he is equally gallant in real life.
(Senior Trekker scores every episode with a 5)