Rightful Heir
"Rightful Heir" | |
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Star Trek: The Next Generation episode | |
Episode no. | Season 6 Episode 23 |
Directed by | Winrich Kolbe |
Story by | James E. Brooks |
Teleplay by | Ronald D. Moore |
Featured music | Jay Chattaway |
Production code | 249 |
Original air date | May 17, 1993 |
Guest appearances | |
| |
Rightful Heir is the 149th episode of the American
Set in the 24th century, the series follows the adventures of the
This episode aired in broadcast syndication the week of May 15, 1993.[1]
Plot
Lt. Worf fails to report for duty, and Lieutenant Commander
After ten days of doubt-filled rituals, Worf is approached by a physical manifestation of Kahless. Worf brings the prospective spiritual leader to the Enterprise, but is troubled that Kahless does not remember how
Klingon Chancellor Gowron arrives with a test to prove whether Kahless is genuine. Gowron is displeased with the prophet's return, convinced he is an imposter foisted by the priests to gain power. Gowron requests that the Federation genetically test the dagger he brought, stained with the blood of Kahless in antiquity. The test indicates a match.
Gowron provokes a
Gowron is outraged when Worf tells him the truth and prepares to execute the clone and priests. Worf tells Gowron he supports Kahless, explaining that he made a leap of faith. He suggests the
Broadcast & Releases
"Rightful Heir" was originally released in broadcast syndication on May 15, 1993. It received
The episode was released as part of the Star Trek: The Next Generation season six DVD box set in the United States on December 3, 2002.[3] A remastered HD version was released on Blu-ray optical disc, on June 24, 2014.[4][5]
On November 3, 1999 this episode and "Second Chances" were released together on LaserDisc in the United States for 34.98 USD.[6] The episodes were on a single 12" double-sided optical disc with a Dolby Surround soundtrack.[6]
Reception
In 2011, The A.V.Club rated this episode an "A", praising Kahless (played by Kevin Conway), Worf, and the exploration of Klingon culture.[1]
In the book Star Trek FAQ 2.0 (Unofficial and Unauthorized): Everything Left to Know About the Next Generation, the Movies and Beyond (2013) they said that Conway delivered a "righteous and inspiring" Kahless and it was one of Dorn's best performances as Worf.[7]
In 2017, Io9 noted "Rightful Heir" for being one of the "weirdest" TNG adventures, with Worf helping to install a Kahless clone as Emperor of the Klingons.[8]
Medium.com ranked this the 68th best episode Star Trek: The Next Generation in 2017.[9] They praised the presentation of Gowron as a politician.[9]
See also
- The Sword of Kahless (November 20, 1995)
References
- ^ a b "Star Trek: The Next Generation: "Suspicions"/"Rightful Heir"". TV Club. 18 August 2011. Retrieved 2021-02-18.
- ^ "Star Trek: The Next Generation Nielsen Ratings – Seasons 5–6". TrekNation. Archived from the original on October 5, 2000. Retrieved February 26, 2015.
- ^ Ordway, Holly E. (December 6, 2002). "Star Trek the Next Generation – Season 4". DVD Talk. Retrieved February 28, 2015.
- ^ Marnell, Blair (June 20, 2014). "Exclusive Video: Star Trek: The Next Generation Season 6 Gag Reel". Crave Online. Archived from the original on July 3, 2014. Retrieved February 28, 2015.
- ^ Lipp, Chaz (February 28, 2015). "Blu-ray Review: Star Trek: The Next Generation – Season Six". The Morton Report. Retrieved February 28, 2015.
- ^ a b "LaserDisc Database - Star Trek Next Generation #149/150: Rightful Heir/Second Chances [LV 40270-249]". www.lddb.com. Retrieved 2021-02-24.
- ISBN 978-1-4803-5501-9.
- ^ Whitbrook, James (26 September 2017). "The 15 Weirdest Missions Star Trek: The Next Generation Boldly Went On". io9. Retrieved 2019-06-05.
- ^ a b Andrew (2019-09-21). "Ranking All The Star Trek: The Next Generation Episodes (Part 5)". Medium. Retrieved 2020-01-24.
External links
- "Rightful Heir" at IMDb
- Rightful Heir at Memory Alpha
- Rightful Heir at Discogs