One of the things I like most about DS9 is its sense of trek history. the show was often better linked with Tos than either TNG or ENT, the two series you would think would do a better job. In this episode, Kor returns. Kor, played both here and in TOS by the original Count Baltar, John Colicos, was the first LKlingon we ever met way back in “Errand of Mercy.” In ’Once More into the Breach,” wesee his final act as a hero.Kor comes to DS9 a bored old man, feeling down because his services as a warrior are not longer needed. Old age is a curse to Klingons. They lose their sense of self-worth in it. Worf sympathizes and allows Kor to serve as second officer on a dangerous raid into Dominion territory.
The problem is Martok has a beef with Kor. Long ago, Kor was a prominent captain who refused to allow Martok, then a lowly foot soldier, an officer appointment. Later, Martok was grated battlefield commission, but his original rejection still stings.
The conflict between the two is a classic case of class warfare. Or was a aristocratic warrior, born to be part of the leadership. Martok was a everyman who started at the bottom, worked his way up, and finally caught a lucky break. Their roles have reversed now, with neither one acting without wounded feelings.
Nevertheless, as a favor to Worf, Martok agrees. His battle plan sounds very similar to oe Kor used years ago against the Federation, so when a Jem’Hadar attack incapacitates Martok and Worf, kor takes over, but in his senility, forgets which war he is fighting.
They survive, but the crew who had been honored to serve with the legendary Kor become wary of him. He redeems himself in the end when he takes Worf’s place on a suicide mission. He manages to destroy the Jem’Hadar, dying a useful hero.
Meanwhile on DS9, Quark pours his heart out to Ezri, who gently rejects him. Quark spends most of the season alternating between mourning Jadzia, which I do not understand, and trying to get in Ezri’s pants, which I understand crystal clear. Have I mentioned she is really cute? ’Cause she is. I am not terribly fond of his character turn, but Armin Shimmerman plays quark so well, just about anything he does is entertaining.
Klingon-centric episodes are hit and miss, but I like this one a lot. It is great to see or again. It is even better to see him go out as a hero. The story is exciting and adds some more complexity to Kligons. We learn a little more about how they feel once they are too old to fight and how they deal with class divisions. I dig it.
Rating: *** (out of 5)
