Michael Dorn’s Worf has appeared in moreStar Trekthan any other character, but which show is the Klingon’s best? Worf was one of the original characters ofStar Trek: The Next Generation,although he was mostly relegated to the background during the show’s first season. After the departure of Denise Crosby’s Lt. Tasha Yar, Worf became Security Chief on the USS Enterprise-D under the command of Captain Jean-Luc Picard (Patrick Stewart). As theonly Klingon in Starfleet, most of Worf’s stories onTNGrevolved around his complex relationship with his Klingon heritage.
Worf was raised by humans, but he wasproud to be a Klingonand took the time to learn about Klingon culture. Worf embodied the honorable warrior persona of an ideal Klingon more than most of the Klingons who were raised among their own people. However,Worf truly came into his own as a character after transferring toStar Trek: Deep Space Nine,as his story became about more than his connections to Klingon politics. Worf returned inStar Trek: Picardseason 3, as a stoic warrior who claimed to be a pacifist, but still carried a massive Klingon sword.
Worf & Klingons Evolved In Star Trek: TNG
TNG Established Worf’s Complicated Relationship With Klingon Politics
Although theKlingons debuted inStar Trek: The Original Seriesseason 1, they have undergone many changes over the years. Worf’s presence on the USS Enterprise-D not only showed that the Klingons had become allies of the United Federation of Planets but alsoallowedStar Trek: The Next Generationto dive deeper into Klingon politics thanTOSever did.TNGestablished Worf’s personality and began his tumultuous relationship with the Klingon High Council. Many of the storylines that began as early asTNGseason 3 continued to affect Worf throughoutStar Trek: Deep Space Nine.
7 Things Star Trek: TNG’s “Sins Of The Father” Revealed About Worf & The Klingons
One of Star Trek: The Next Generation’s best Klingon episodes sets the stage for many of Worf’s future storylines.
While many elements of Worf’s backstory were filled in onStar Trek: The Next Generation,almost all of his storylines involved Klingon politics. These storylines helped to define Worf, butTNGdid not dive deeper into his character outside of his connections to the Klingon Empire. In other words,almost all of Worf’sTNGstories were about him being a Klingon rather than who he was as an individual.Still, Worf became one ofTNG’smost beloved characters, and his character arc throughoutTNGandDS9became one ofStar Trek’smost satisfying stories.
Star Trek: DS9 Deepened Worf’s Personal Journey
DS9 Further Developed Worf As An Individual
Lt. Commander Worf joined thecast ofStar Trek: Deep Space Nineat the beginning of the show’s fourth season and he quickly became an essential part of the show. AlthoughDS9continued to explore Klingon politics,the show also dove deeper into Worf’s personal journey.Worf met and married the love of his life, Lt. Commander Jadzia Dax (Terry Farrell), onDS9,which offered a glimpse into the romantic side of the Klingon warrior. Worf also commanded the USS Defiant in several battles during the Dominion War, proving himself as a warrior and a leader.
In one ofStar Trek’smost tragic moments, Jadzia was murdered at the end ofDS9season 6, just after she and Worf had decided to try for a baby.
Star Trek: Deep Space Ninebuilt on everything that had been established inStar Trek: The Next Generation,and ultimately came to understand Worf better as a character. By the end ofDS9,Worf became a Federation ambassador to the Klingon homeworld of Qo’noS,which felt like a fitting conclusion to hisTNGandDS9story arc. Worf grew a lot throughout these twoStar Trekshows, as he found ways to honor both his Klingon heritage and his duty to Starfleet and the Federation.
Worf Is At His Best In Star Trek: Picard
Picard Feels Like The Perfect Evolution Of Worf’s Character
By the time ofStar Trek: Picardseason 3,Worf has been promoted to Captain and works as a subcontractor for Starfleet Intelligence. Despite claiming to be a pacifist,Worf has no problem killing when it’s necessary,such as when he has to rescue Commander Raffi Musiker (Michelle Hurd) after she gets in too deep on an investigation.Worf and Raffi then work togetherto uncover a plot by a group of rogue Changelings to infiltrate Starfleet.
Worf also gets to rescue Captain Will Riker (Jonathan Frakes) and Counselor Deanna Troi (Marina Sirtis) from Vadic (Amanda Plummer).
The Worf ofPicardseason 3 is still a skilled warrior, but he seems far more sure of himself and his place within the Federation.Worf has become a warrior for peace.He prefers the diplomatic solution, but will still behead an enemy if diplomacy fails. He has clearly done some soul-searching and, while he may not have everything figured out, he seems to be in a good place. Worf ultimately helps Picard and the reunitedTNGcrew save the galaxy yet again, bringing another chapter of hisStar Trekstory to a satisfying and heroic conclusion.
