So what is Klingon therapy like? “Soldiers of the Empire” demonstrates.Martok is given his first assignment since his imprisonment. He is given command of a ship ordered to find a missing Bird-of-Prey. Martok offers Worf the first officer role. Because the two made a ’warrior spirit’ connection while they were prisoners of the Jem Ha’Dar, Worf feels compelled to accept. Dax cannot resist being a tag along, so she signs up, too.
Unfortunately, the crew is demoralized because of a string of defeats they have suffered from the Jem Ha’Dar over the last seven months. Worse yet, Martok is gun shy about fighting battles since his capture. Even though the crew desperately needs a victory, Martok avoids the opportunity to strike, preferring instead to sneak round enemy ships.
The crew’s frustration collides with Martok’s timidity, erupting into a near mutiny. In order to build Martok up as a confident leader, Worf challenges him, but lets martok win the battle. With his fire restored, Martok defeats the Jem Ha’Dar in battle and rescues the crew of the missing Bird-of-Prey.
Later, worf admits he was not certain I Martok would kill him for issuing the challenge. Martok is grateful for Worf’s assistance in finding himself again. He offers Worf a chance to join his house. Worf readily accepts.
“Soldiers of the Empire” is pretty much a TNG episode set on a Klingon ship. It is as squishy and sensitive as Klingon-centric stories can get,. Therefore, it is a bit od, too. Not bad, but still strange.
Rating: *** (out of 5)
