LogFAQs > #972681341

Episode 17: Birthright, Part II

Cultural appropriation.

Picard, Riker, La Forge and Data patiently wait. Picard sees through Worf's lie, but understands why it's necessary.

Worf has a confusing start to his day. Has a lot of pride in how he says there is no room for shame. Angry over the severe culture shock he's experiencing. Quite sly, how he treats Ba'el. Rather short with Tokath, but taken aback when he learns about his wife. Bit shit at not acting suspicious. Spares Toq. The Mok'Bara seems to be a means of anger management for Worf. Quite like him as a teacher of his people's culture. Tells the story of Kahless well and has some effortless responses to the inevitable questions, no matter how obnoxious they are. Do not enjoy his bigotry towards Ba'el. Even with his axe to grind against Romulans, that is a step too far for him to be sympathetic. Digs himself deeper trying to explain and comes across as a racist clown. Greatly enjoys Toq spoiling dinner and I kind of don't fully blame him. His honour bollocks really started to grate when he elected to be executed.

Crusher is happy to see Worf.

L'Kor doesn't do much for me. Kind of find him a bit pathetic.

Tokath is a decent sort. Still has that Romulan ruthlessness. Defeats Worf's black and white mentality with no small amount of smugness. Gives L'Kor one hell of a filthy look when he starts singing. Loved that he raised his own weapon when L'Kor stood against him.

Ba'el is a bit too transparent a love interest, but i do like her curiosity into her people's culture. The way she shuts down Worf's bigotry is quite good. Man's a damn fool for refusing her on the basis of her ears. Turned into a TOS stereotype by the end.

Tor is a snotty little greb.

The Romulan Klingon commune is quite beautiful from the outside. Inside, it's a bit dull. Some nice music during the jungle chase. There's some enjoyment to be had in Worf educating an increasingly interested youth in their culture, but the bulk of his stay isnt too interested. Might not like the guy, but Toq slamming a whatever that is on the table is definitely an entrance. The sing along afterwards is quite fun, especially when Ba'el joins in. I'm a bit disappointed that there's no real DS9 elements in this one. I'm especially disappointed that Shrek has no great relevance at all, but if Cromwell's injured I suppose it can't be helped.

I'm in several minds on this one. Firstly, it kind of bothers me that there's very little in the spirituality of part I, with the story and discussion of Kahless being all we get really. Worf's characterisation as a racist was just about understandable up until he threw a fit over Ba'el's ears. Then, the whole thing became a bit difficult to watch and Worf himself came across as a smug idiot. Most of the other characters are a bit bland and there's nothing too interesting production wise, so, I'm left with the intended themes.

And they're a bit confused, really. On the one hand, denying children their cultural heritage is obviously wrong and I think they're trying to paint Tokath as a sort of well intentioned coloniser who's disinterestedly erased a people's history for their "own good". On the other, the man's right: this is a successful union of two races who are usually at each other's throats. And while it looks like the dullest hell ever conceived, this commune does have its own identity which Worf kind of dismisses far too easily. Then there's the problem of Ba'el who, aside from falling into the standard female guest star trap of having glimmers of brilliance mired by thoughtless cliche, is a victim of bigotry from our apparent hero, is told she will suffer further bigotry if she leaves her people and is then left to fester in a literal prison as the only young person in a dwindling society of the elderly. Its just beyond nasty. The theme could potentially be good, but the episode seems slightly confused about what it wants to say and is severely confused about how to say it.

A complete let down after the first part. Out of all two parters so far, this is the biggest drop in quality and it ain't even close.

My next episode is Starship Mine.