Star Trek TNG: A Matter of Honor

Star Trek TNG: A Matter of Honor

Ah, an early Klingon episode. The first writer strike severely hurt the creative process of the second season, and yet there were many episodes worth noting in this shaky season. This Klingon episode is one of them.

The episode opens up with Riker asking for a brief transfer over to the Klingon ship Pagh. Riker discovers it’s a harder assignment than he thought. The episode opens the viewer up to the various cultural differences between humans and Klingons, and it does a fine job seeing these differences through Riker’s eyes.

One of the best moments in the episode involves Riker with some of the Klingon officers eating dinner. The writing is funny and interesting. The scene begins with the Klingons making fun of Riker, which turns to Riker joining in on the joke. From there we see Riker bonding with two of the Klingons. It’s just a great scene, and it’s the reason to watch this episode. The scene represents everything Trek stands for.

Brian Thompson does a great job conveying an honorable Klingon. Chris Latta (Who played the voice of Cobra Commander and Starscream in those 80s cartoons) does a fair job playing Captain Kargan, but his character comes across too stupid and bullheaded at certain times in the episode to be that convincing. With the exception of Wil Wheaton, all the actors are good in their roles. However, this is Jonathan Frakes’ episode and he really stands out in this outing.

The subplot about the space fungus (I know it’s rust, but space fungus sounds better) is a bit silly, but it’s merely a plot device to create conflict between Riker and Kargan. Wesley Crusher ruins nearly every scene he’s in, but John Putch’s acting brings the scenes up. I’d like to add that I loved seeing Worf treat Mendon like crap throughout the episode.

All around an effective episode that would pave the way for further Klingon episodes that would end up reaching to the end of DS9. These episodes are some of the best-written episodes in the Trek universe. Klingons are just a fun culture to explore.

Grade: B

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Peter Parros plays this Klingon. This guy has had a busy career in TV and is still working.

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behold, the evil Space Fungus.
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Commander William T. Riker: You come from a very brave and unique people. I'm glad you're with us on the Enterprise.
Lieutenant Worf: Thank you, Commander. And... welcome home.

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Great lines:

Lt. Klag: [noticing two female Klingons staring at Riker] They are inquisitive, they're wondering how you would endure.

Commander William T. Riker: Endure what?

Lt. Klag: Them.

Commander William T. Riker: [looks at the women] One or both?