Day 155: DS9, Once More Unto the Breach

Show: Star Trek; Deep Space Nine

Episode Particulars: S7EP7, “Once More Unto the Breach”

 Summary: Kor, last seen in “The Sword of Kahless”, comes to Worf with a request that Worf find Kor a position on a Klingon ship. Kor has very little influence anymore, and he just wants the opportunity to die a warrior’s death. Worf goes to Martok, but Martok refuses to help, thanks to a dishonor Kor visited upon Martok years ago. Undaunted, Worf uses his own influence to make Kor the third officer on Martok’s ship just as they’re heading out on a bombing run. While the crew are a little in awe of Kor, various factors, including Kor reliving his glory days a little too strongly, make him a liability rather than an asset. But Klingons are Klingons, and Kor, being of the previous generation, stands a good chance of gaining the honor he seeks despite all that.

Standalone Thoughts: There’s not much to say about the primary content of this episode. It’s a mixture of various tropes, Star Trek based or otherwise; an aging character feeling the world is passing him by, a lot of Klingon squabbling and talking about honor, characters trying to redeem themselves after a major screwup, etc. There’s some interesting potential in the bad blood between Kor and Martok, but they don’t do all that much with it. Nor do they really explore Kor’s fading memory, or Worf’s feelings about being caught between two men he respects. And while the episode does involve attacking a Dominion station, most of the content could have been inserted into any prior season, or maybe even in a season of TNG. It’s not bad per se, but it feels somewhat out of place at this point in time. Certainly it’s probably going to rank pretty low in this season for me.

The episode also contains a very brief (two scenes) subplot involving Quark and Ezri. I’ll admit that the interaction between them is nice enough, but it all hinges on the infamous “Big misunderstanding/character hears only part of the conversation and gets the wrong impression” trope. I’m not a fan of that trope at the best of times; having it pop up on Deep Space Nine is an unexpected and unwelcome surprise.

In short, this is a very forgettable episode. I certainly had no memory of it before I sat down to rewatch it. I can’t say I’m disappointed in this episode, but I do wish it could have been more, especially as we’re starting to near the finish line.

How it Relates to the Whole: About the only thing this episode does is tie up the Kor loose end, which honestly wasn’t major enough to require being tied up anyway. But at least it shows the writers were trying to give all the characters, no matter how minor, an ending.

Other: *Worf’s response to one particular altercation between Kor and Martok is very well handled, with very quick, fluid actions. Props to the director and stuntmen for making it look so good.

*One thing does kind of baffle me. Kor says he has no influence left, yet pretty much all of Martok’s crew seems to respect him. Somehow this strikes me as contradictory, but I’m sure I’m probably missing something.

Best Line/Exchange: We all know I gravitate towards humor, and since I’ve become fond of Klingon dry humor, it seems natural that I would choose this;

(Darok [Neil Vipond], Martok’s aide, is pestering Martok about paperwork)

Martok (exasperated):  How many more reports does the High Council require?!

Darok: As many as last time. And Starfleet is still waiting for your signature on these repair requests.

Martok (slamming the padds down on the table and standing up): There will come a day, Darok, when your services as my aide will no longer be required!

Darok: I look forward to that day with great anticipation. (he walks over to Martok and holds out the padd for signing) Until then…

(The door opens and Worf enters)

Martok: Ah, Worf! Good to see you. (to Darok) Thank you, Darok.

(Darok makes a disapproving noise and leaves. When he’s gone, Martok speaks again)

Martok: It’s a pity Captain Sisko frowns on summary executions. (looks up at Worf) What can I do for you?

We’ve got a bit of everything here. Sarcasm, threats mixed with a casual tone and a quick return to business, blatantly taking advantage of an excuse to avoid doing more paperwork…you wouldn’t expect this sort of thing from Klingons (except the second one), which is probably why it’s all the more entertaining when it does pop up. Or maybe I’m just a sucker for well-crafted, thinly veiled insults. You decide.