Written by John Edward Betancourt
In this day and age, the concept of the multiverse is just about everywhere. For there are scientific theories popping up left and right regarding such a concept. Not to mention, it’s snuck its way into pop-culture as well. Since the Marvel Cinematic Universe relies upon it to tell some of its incredible stories and that keeps the fans happy, since it allows for so many unique moments take place in the MCU. But there was a time, not that long ago… where the multiverse was an afterthought in our world. Sure, there were theories roaming around about it… but it wasn’t being discussed and it certainly wasn’t in fiction all that often. In fact, it seemed as though the only sci-fi story that embraced such a concept in the 80s and 90s, was Star Trek: The Next Generation.
Since it featured several stories that revolved around the multiverse. And while they didn’t necessarily call it out at times, it is obvious looking back at some of those tales that the multiverse was in play, and the show was comfortable enough with toying with such concepts that in its final season, it decided to go all out and explore what infinite choices and possibilities could look like via a multiverse. A feat that ‘Parallels’ accomplished by having Lieutenant Worf deal with quite the conundrum. For his return home from a Bat’leth competition saw strange moments surround Worf. Such as cake changing colors instantly, or people coming and going from his surprise birthday party, unexpectedly. All of which he attributed to perhaps nothing more than fatigue from an intense vacation. But as time went on, his concerns grew. Because the strange twists and turns in his life only grew in intensity. Since he suddenly found himself married to Counselor Troi, and he began to make critical mistakes because one moment he was standing in one place, only to suddenly find himself in another. Which cost Geordi his life during a combat situation, and eventually… Worf realized that something cosmic had to be amiss. Especially when he found himself serving as First Officer of an Enterprise where Captain Picard wasn’t in command. And thanks to his insistence, it was revealed that he was in essence, moving through a multiverse. Which of course, prompted Worf’s current crew to find a way to send him home. And after one epic finale involving a universe full of Enterprises, Worf was eventually reunited with his source universe and was able to go about his life, with one caveat. In that, he found himself quite curious about what a relationship with Counselor Troi might be like. If anything, this is just… an outstanding episode through and through. In large part because of the multiverse component. Simply because it is just fascinating to see where different choices in life could have led Worf as a person, and where alternate surprises in the universe, could have led his career and the careers and fates of his shipmates. Not to mention, the amount of effort that went into crafting these universes was simply top notch. Because every single world present here feels fully fleshed out and real in nature, and the show also deserves a round of applause for building to the big reveal through little changes that become big changes, adding to the wonder of this well-crafted tale. One that really did the multiverse justice and one that also features, some world-class acting to boot. Because Michael Dorn is simply at his best here and shows off his entire range as an actor. Since Worf is forced to showcase a bevy of emotions as he slides from world to world, and he is complimented nicely by his cast mates, with Marina Sirtis stealing scenes left and right. Since Troi quickly shifts from long-time friend to long-term lover of Worf and well… in the end this is the kind of wondrous episode that you watch over and over again. In part, to celebrate the wonder of a grand concept such as the multiverse. But also, to try and catch all the little details and differences between each world. Just so one can enjoy the stunning work that went into an episode that truly reminds us, just how incredible this show was back in the day, and how it was definitely ahead of the curve from a storytelling standpoint. Since it made the multiverse cool long before the Avengers. Until next time.
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