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Star Trek: Deep Space Nine writers didn’t get Worf but thankfully Michael Dorn did

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Star Trek: Deep Space Nine writers didn't get Worf but thankfully Michael Dorn did

As a diehard Star Trek fan who grew up watching The Next Generation and Deep Space Nine back-to-back, I can say with certainty that the inclusion of Worf in Deep Space Nine was nothing short of brilliant. Michael Dorn’s portrayal of the stoic Klingon brought an air of authority and battle-hardened wisdom to the space station that was desperately needed during its all-out war storylines.

1994 saw the end of Star Trek: The Next Generation’s epic journey, with its final episodes airing during late spring to early summer. The big-screen debut of a feature-length film was still months away, set for November. Meanwhile, a fresh spin-off series was already in its second season, helmed by Avery Brooks. This new show primarily introduced characters like Quark, Benjamin Sisko, Odo, and Kira Nerys, while also keeping one familiar face from The Next Generation in Miles O’Brien.

In the gaming world, I wouldn’t be the sole player for much longer. By the year 1996, season four had commenced, and my old colleague, Worf, was added to our space station team once more, with Michael Dorn stepping back into his role.

In order to add substance that some thought was lacking, Dorn arrived at the station. This addition proved effective. Worf seamlessly integrated with the show and its direction towards all-out war, providing a fitting character for such a scenario. As a combat-hardened warrior, his presence made sense, offering protection to the inhabitants of Deep Space Nine. It was a logical move.

If Dorn hadn’t intervened, events might have unfolded quite differently. In an interview with TrekMovie.com, Dorn discussed how DS9 writers aimed to portray him as a regular crew member.

“That’s always been his charm. On ‘Next Generation’ they got it, and it was very understandable, and I didn’t have to say too much about that. On ‘Deep Space Nine,’ I really had to corral them a lot, because if he’s in on the joke, he becomes just another one of the characters. He doesn’t stand out at all. And it was easy, because all they had to do was just write a line, and everybody else gets the joke, and [then] they make a joke, and they’re funny. And Worf is just looking around going, ‘Okay, I wasn’t trying to be funny. I don’t know why people are laughing.'”

Dorn made a wise decision in keeping the authors in check about their requests, as Worf is a straightforward character, not lacking intelligence but certainly not a typical Marvel Cinematic Universe hero. When Worf speaks, it’s always with intention and often to share important or current information with his comrades. If the information he shares happens to be unconventional (such as advice on wooing women) or outlandish (like discussing the occurrence of beheadings), then it’s up to the non-Klingons to handle those situations.

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2024-08-29 04:23

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