I don't think I'd seen this episode in its entirety since I was a kid, but now that I'm mature enough to understand it a bit better, I think this is one of my favorites of the season, for a number of reason.
First off, it may seem obvious, but I gotta sing the praises of Kevin Conway as Kahless. I've come to the conclusion that the most memorable Klingon performances (Robert O'Reilly, J.G. Hertzler, John Schuck, Michael Ansara, Tony Todd, Vaughn Armstrong, etc.) the key is a distinctive, powerful, theatrical voice. Conway's no exception. He maintains the stately demeanor of a leader, never losing control. That's important, because the episode only works if you buy the idea of all these Klingons falling in line to revere him. I don't know why they never brought him back on either TNG or DS9, but he did a great job. If the Star Trek website hasn't interviewed him, they really should.
Despite being an agnostic myself, I like the idea of Star Trek exploring religion and faith in general, something they really hadn't done much of at that point. Obviously Klingon theology is quite different than the Judeo-Christian religions, in that Klingons don't worship any supreme being that they credit with creating them or the universe (as we find out later, Klingons slew the gods that created them). Instead, it's centered around a flesh and blood Klingon whose existence is proven.
It that sense, it occurs to me that although the original Kahless clearly influenced Klingon culture perhaps more than any other single person in Klingon history, it does beg the question of how accurate are the accounts of a Klingon who lived fifteen centuries ago (especially given the Klingon history of embellishment). Look how different Zefram Cochrane was from the man the TNG crew had read about in school, and this was a guy who'd lived far more recently. I don't think any of us believe that in the Star Trek universe, that some guy dipped a lock of his hair into lava, then a lake, then twisted it into a sword. It's quite possible (I'd even say probable) that Worf's idea of Kahless was just as inaccurate as Kirk's idea of him in "The Savage Curtain" and that the historical Kahless wouldn't recognize the legendary figure they see him as at all. (Kind of like how Robin Hood and King Arthur may have initally been inspired by real people, but have been changed so much as to bear no resemblance to the originals). Given that, it's sort of interesting to consider that while Kahless getting his @ $$ handed to him by Gowron was enough to convince Worf that this Kahless is not the real deal, it's quite possible the original Kahless might not have done any better in his place.
(It actually reminds me of how Thomas Jefferson viewed Christ as being a great teacher and philosopher but not divine. He even produced his own heavily-edited Bible, that specifically omitted things like virgin birth, Christian miracles, and resurrection).
While people remember this episode as being a study if faith (with good reason), in retrospect, I think it's an interesting study in politics too. Worf's compromise of installing the new Kahless as an emperor is as much a back door deal as anything that went on in "Sins of the Father". Neither Gowron nor Korath are happy about this outcome (heck, Worf himself may not have been thrilled, for all we know), but they're pragmatic to know this is the best option they're going to get.
Speaking of Korath, one thing that occurred to me recently is wondering how altruistic the clerics really were in creating this new Klingon to supposedly return their people to the ways of honor. If he'd somehow worked his way into supplanting Gowron and becoming the new leader of the Empire, one wonder if Korath and the others would've joined him as his "trusted advisors", or perhaps, more insidiously, controlling a puppet leader from the shadows. It makes sense, considering Kahless seems to know nothing of 24th century technology, which wouldn't make for a very practical leader.
One thing I would've liked to see more of is a greater emphasis on Kahless' sense of honor. I know it might be kind of hard to demonstrate something like that, but given how much Klingons supposedly value it (in theory, if not in practice), it might've been nice to see something of it here.
Another regret I have is Kahless become completely passive in the episode's final act, first when Worf gets the truth out of the clerics, and then again when Worf proposes to make him emperor. I'd even say the poor guy becomes a bit of a pawn in the end, as if coming to terms with being a clone wasn't enough.
Obviously they didn't want to spoil the twist, but it's interesting that with all the possibilities of Kahless being an imposter, no one ever suggests the idea of a clone, especially after the DNA proves to be a match.
All in all. though, one of the best entries from what arguably may have been TNG's best season.
First off, it may seem obvious, but I gotta sing the praises of Kevin Conway as Kahless. I've come to the conclusion that the most memorable Klingon performances (Robert O'Reilly, J.G. Hertzler, John Schuck, Michael Ansara, Tony Todd, Vaughn Armstrong, etc.) the key is a distinctive, powerful, theatrical voice. Conway's no exception. He maintains the stately demeanor of a leader, never losing control. That's important, because the episode only works if you buy the idea of all these Klingons falling in line to revere him. I don't know why they never brought him back on either TNG or DS9, but he did a great job. If the Star Trek website hasn't interviewed him, they really should.
Despite being an agnostic myself, I like the idea of Star Trek exploring religion and faith in general, something they really hadn't done much of at that point. Obviously Klingon theology is quite different than the Judeo-Christian religions, in that Klingons don't worship any supreme being that they credit with creating them or the universe (as we find out later, Klingons slew the gods that created them). Instead, it's centered around a flesh and blood Klingon whose existence is proven.
It that sense, it occurs to me that although the original Kahless clearly influenced Klingon culture perhaps more than any other single person in Klingon history, it does beg the question of how accurate are the accounts of a Klingon who lived fifteen centuries ago (especially given the Klingon history of embellishment). Look how different Zefram Cochrane was from the man the TNG crew had read about in school, and this was a guy who'd lived far more recently. I don't think any of us believe that in the Star Trek universe, that some guy dipped a lock of his hair into lava, then a lake, then twisted it into a sword. It's quite possible (I'd even say probable) that Worf's idea of Kahless was just as inaccurate as Kirk's idea of him in "The Savage Curtain" and that the historical Kahless wouldn't recognize the legendary figure they see him as at all. (Kind of like how Robin Hood and King Arthur may have initally been inspired by real people, but have been changed so much as to bear no resemblance to the originals). Given that, it's sort of interesting to consider that while Kahless getting his @ $$ handed to him by Gowron was enough to convince Worf that this Kahless is not the real deal, it's quite possible the original Kahless might not have done any better in his place.
(It actually reminds me of how Thomas Jefferson viewed Christ as being a great teacher and philosopher but not divine. He even produced his own heavily-edited Bible, that specifically omitted things like virgin birth, Christian miracles, and resurrection).
While people remember this episode as being a study if faith (with good reason), in retrospect, I think it's an interesting study in politics too. Worf's compromise of installing the new Kahless as an emperor is as much a back door deal as anything that went on in "Sins of the Father". Neither Gowron nor Korath are happy about this outcome (heck, Worf himself may not have been thrilled, for all we know), but they're pragmatic to know this is the best option they're going to get.
Speaking of Korath, one thing that occurred to me recently is wondering how altruistic the clerics really were in creating this new Klingon to supposedly return their people to the ways of honor. If he'd somehow worked his way into supplanting Gowron and becoming the new leader of the Empire, one wonder if Korath and the others would've joined him as his "trusted advisors", or perhaps, more insidiously, controlling a puppet leader from the shadows. It makes sense, considering Kahless seems to know nothing of 24th century technology, which wouldn't make for a very practical leader.
One thing I would've liked to see more of is a greater emphasis on Kahless' sense of honor. I know it might be kind of hard to demonstrate something like that, but given how much Klingons supposedly value it (in theory, if not in practice), it might've been nice to see something of it here.
Another regret I have is Kahless become completely passive in the episode's final act, first when Worf gets the truth out of the clerics, and then again when Worf proposes to make him emperor. I'd even say the poor guy becomes a bit of a pawn in the end, as if coming to terms with being a clone wasn't enough.
Obviously they didn't want to spoil the twist, but it's interesting that with all the possibilities of Kahless being an imposter, no one ever suggests the idea of a clone, especially after the DNA proves to be a match.
All in all. though, one of the best entries from what arguably may have been TNG's best season.
