‘Star Trek: The Next Generation’ Retro Recap – ‘Redemption’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

When we ponder upon what makes up a good person, a fairly obvious set of traits come to mind. For instance, this type of person genuinely does have a solid moral compass/core, one that definitely guides them to err on the side of what’s right and what’s just. Plus, they’re also genuinely kind through and through and supremely selfless for certain and that truly allows for us to admire this type of person since they have made a point to make noble choices their focus in life. But while one should indeed celebrate these kinds of behaviors, and these kinds of people, our admiration of them often allows for something unfortunate to surround good people. In that, they’re so busy working to help others get back on their feet, that they forget to take care of themselves emotionally and that’s problematic for certain.

Because good people are still human beings with needs, and they need to take a moment to care for themselves. So that they don’t find themselves in a tough spot mentally and emotionally and one thing that helps them do that, is a solid support network. That way, they are reminded to take it easy from time to time, so they can recharge, and to also seek out what they need, emotionally. If anything, this is relevant to our discussion today, simply because this concept was at the forefront of the season four finale of Star Trek: The Next Generation. For ‘Redemption’ saw the U.S.S. Enterprise return to Qo’noS so that Captain Jean-Luc Picard could complete his role as arbiter of succession, by overseeing the installation of Gowron as High Chancellor of the Klingon Empire. And being able to meet with Gowron before that ceremony, motivated Worf to ask for the restoration of his honor for helping to defeat Duras. Something that Gowron brushed off, and while that left Worf frustrated, he accepted the outcome.

For he is a good person through and through, one that puts everyone else ahead of himself. But the sting from this rebuke was clear to his captain and Guinan, and they both worked to convince Worf that now was the time to do something for himself and figure out how to restore his honor and that motivated the Lieutenant to take a leave of absence from Starfleet to make that happen. Which led to some powerful moments for certain, the kind that showed us a side of Worf that we’ve never seen before. For he was relentless and cunning in trying to restore his honor, even going so far as to secure support from other houses through his brother, in order to use support during these trying times as leverage over Gowron. But eventually all it took was standing tall when the Duras family made some shady moves to seize power to have that honor restored, and in the end, it was quite wonderful to see Worf do something for himself for a change.

But while that allowed for the show’s message about self-care to be hammered home in a simple manner, there was so much more that this episode had to offer. Because the fact that the Klingon Empire is plunged into civil war here, is incredible. Since that’s just something you don’t see happen in the peaceful world of Trek all that often. Plus, this one also features some magnificent cliffhanger moments. Because Worf resigning his commission to fight in the war is huge, since at the time we didn’t know if he would be back or if he would embrace the Empire now that his honor was restored. Plus, there’s that ending. Wherein Commander Sela, who is clearly the descendant of Lieutenant Tasha Yar, makes her presence known and even though you know this is coming a second time around… it still shocks you because of the sheer gravity of the moment and well, everything we’ve discussed here today, makes this a solid finale for certain.

Basically because… it has it all. For there’s some light commentary on the human condition here by way of Worf’s bold journey. Plus, there’s action and adventure and outright surprises by way of the ending and what truly makes this finale so worth your while, is that it doesn’t try to top season three’s. Because trying to out-do ‘The Best of Both Worlds’ would have done this finale a disservice, so it is wonderful to see that the writers’ room opted to just assemble a compelling story, one that allows for Michael Dorn to really shine as an actor. Since he is able to express incredible range in this tale by way of Worf’s sneaky machinations. But what matters most when it comes to this finale, is that it genuinely leaves you hungry for more, even when it is your second time through the story. Because the setup for the cliffhanger is just that good and it really does put an exclamation point on what was simply a flawless season of storytelling. Until next time.

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