When "Star Trek: The Next Generation" debuted in 1987, it offered Trekkies a new character that flew in the face of everything they knew. In the original "Star Trek," the dastardly Klingons were frequently offered as aggressive antagonists, usually standing as the arch-nemesis of the Federation. On "Next Generation," a Klingon — Worf, played by Michael Dorn — was part of the senior staff of the U.S.S. Enterprise-d. In the show's second season, Worf even became the ship's chief of security. All animosity toward the Klingons, Trekkies had to learn, was old-fashioned and even ill-advised. Peace was declared, and the Klingons were now allies.

Of course, Worf wasn't the sunniest, most peaceful character. He was often quick to suggest violent courses of action to his captain and often looked on all alien visitors with suspicion. Of course, as chief of security, that was his job. Occasionally, he would get angry. Worf was also,...