"Agreed. Smells like a trap. Let's go." This episode begins with the anticipation of a battle. The bridge crew seems determined and calm yet nervous and cautious. Very likely if there is a chance you may go to battle with the Romulans!

This episode has a lot of firsts for the series. This is the first mention of the Romulans, the first time we meet the Klingons (except for Worf), the first time we see the Klingon death ritual, and the first and only time we see through Geordi's eyes.

I must say Geordi's visor is pretty sweet. Not only does it look cool, but every element or form seems to have its own place on the color spectrum. Forms are broken down into their most basic elements and do not possess very many details. Pretty cool, but I wouldn't want to live my life looking at a "jumble" as Captain Picard put it.

One thing I find interesting is the fact that almost every single time Worf meets up with some Klingons, they all purposely try to tick him off to see if he still has his warrior instincts in tact. The two Klingons in this episode mock him to see if he is still able to get angry. Humans are capable of getting angry even though we are more peaceful. I guess Klingon anger is just more... angry!

The Klingon's escape plan was pretty sweet. I thought the way they hid a weapon as part of their uniform was ingenious, and to have a force field deactivator as part of your armor? Man talk about being prepared! Konmel is one damn strong Klingon. It took three hits to take that guy down! Man. I guess we humans are weak. We're down in one.

I must say that engineering had better reinforce the glass floors on the second level. All Korris had to do was fall forward and they broke plunging him to the first floor. What if a technician tripped and fell? He'd die from cheap construction!

As in "Coming of Age" Worf gives some great advice. The true test one must face is the constant internal struggle within our hearts and souls. Physical strength and tactical superiority are all well and good, but without, honor, loyalty, and duty, one is nothing.

Overall, I thought this was a very good episode. We got to see a little bit of how the Klingon culture has changed since it's portrayal in TOS. I also thought the actors that played Korris and Konmel were very good and convincing Klingons. It would have been cool if the Romulans showed up, but O well. Very good Trek episode worth a watch. 4 out of 5.

RATING:

out of 5

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