A previous reviewer wrote that Suzie Plakson was overacting in this episode. I disagree entirely. When an actor has a lot of makeup and prosthetics on her face she needs to add a bit of flair to her performance to shine through it. I thought that she was excellent. The show also indicates early that Worf has a bit of a past with her character. It was intriguing to see that past get rehashed and watch their relationship develop and evolve. This episode is definitely one of my faves from season two. I think that Denise Crosby left the show partly because she wanted her character to get developed in the same way that the narrative for Worf evolved, and it wasn't happening.
16 Reviews
Nice Setup
anarchistica31 March 2020
This episode features a nice bit of mystery and an interesting setup. What if former enemies didn't know there was peace? This may have been inspired by various Japanese soldiers who held out after WW2 on lightly populated islands throughout the Pacific.
Also points for Suzie Plakson, who manages to make K'Ehleyr charming, funny and surprisingly deep for a guest character. While Worf was often used for comic relief, she shows us how a different side of dealing with being Klingon. She also serves as a nice foil to Worf, who is always trying his best to be the perfect Klingon.
Also points for Suzie Plakson, who manages to make K'Ehleyr charming, funny and surprisingly deep for a guest character. While Worf was often used for comic relief, she shows us how a different side of dealing with being Klingon. She also serves as a nice foil to Worf, who is always trying his best to be the perfect Klingon.
A brilliant piece of character development
joshua-zucker14 January 2008
Warning: Spoilers
The episode starts in suspense -- what is the emergency, what is the mission, and who is the envoy? -- but the real story is between Worf and the half-human, half-Klingon emissary K'Ehleyr. Some cheesy humor (from Troi and K'Ehleyr) and a slight anticlimax at the end (when it's a bit too obvious that Worf's idea will work), but neither of those get in the way of the excellent verbal sparring and complex relationship between Worf and K'Ehleyr. The science fiction premise, of a Klingon vessel coming out of cryogenic suspension, makes an effective backdrop for this interesting story.
Picard plays a key role with some well-aimed comments about the separation of the professional and the personal. K'Ehleyr is played with a wonderful (if at times slightly overacted) blend of humor, intelligence, stubbornness, and sexiness, and she brings the episode to life.
The poker game at the beginning fits right in, too, with Worf as "the iceman" at the poker table -- is he also the iceman in his romances?
Picard plays a key role with some well-aimed comments about the separation of the professional and the personal. K'Ehleyr is played with a wonderful (if at times slightly overacted) blend of humor, intelligence, stubbornness, and sexiness, and she brings the episode to life.
The poker game at the beginning fits right in, too, with Worf as "the iceman" at the poker table -- is he also the iceman in his romances?
Worf's future begins here.
russem3116 April 2006
Warning: Spoilers
ST:TNG:46 - "The Emissary" (Stardate: 42859.2) - this is the 20th episode to air in the second season of The Next Generation. Suzie Plakson returns but this time as Federation-Klingon Liaison K'Ehleyr instead of Dr. Selar, whom Worf knows from his past and will fall in love with. She is unique because she's half Klingon and half human. This is a pivotal episode for Worf, because this episode will produce his son Alexander who we come aboard the Enterprise in succeeding episodes.
Trivia note: you see the crew poker game again (this time Worf is also in the tournament - and he happens to be quite good for someone who doesn't play poker!). Also, Worf's calisthenics program is seen again. There's also a young Diedrich Bader as a Bridge Tactical Crewman - he will later costar in "The Drew Carey Show". Further, Worf has his first "command".
And, another welcome homage to late Jerry Goldsmith's Klingon theme.
Trivia note: you see the crew poker game again (this time Worf is also in the tournament - and he happens to be quite good for someone who doesn't play poker!). Also, Worf's calisthenics program is seen again. There's also a young Diedrich Bader as a Bridge Tactical Crewman - he will later costar in "The Drew Carey Show". Further, Worf has his first "command".
And, another welcome homage to late Jerry Goldsmith's Klingon theme.
The Emissary
Scarecrow-8818 May 2012
Warning: Spoilers
After the previous episode with Majel Barrett, The Next Gen gets back to business while further developing the Worf character by introducing a special "emissary" who was once his lover. K'Ehleyr (Suzie Plakson, damn good) was sent, via small space probe, to the Enterprise to help Picard on a mission to intercept a Klingon warship from the previous century containing a crew in cryostasis unaware that the war between the Federation and Klingon people had ended. This episode is a definite showcase for Plakson, who is very sexy, opinionated, clever, and passionate—just the right compliment to the shielded, guarded, stone-faced, but equally passionate Worf (she is half Klingon-half Human which allows her to understand both facets of a once warring set of races). Easily the best scene is the extended Holodeck Calisthenics sequence where Worf and K'Ehleyr battle imaginary monsters in a fight program, coming to terms with their feelings for one another (Worf even recites the mating-marriage oath for which K'Ehleyr will not accept). I got a kick out of one scene where a very "unsettled" (as Picard put it, I call it "his feathers were ruffled") gets a bit honorary with Picard and the Captain gives him a very stern look of admonishment that settles the Lieutenant back into his place. Say what you want about Picard but he will not accept insubordination from the officers under his command. The trick Worf has to countermand what could be a difficult decision Picard will not accept (destroying the Klingons if they insist on carrying out orders and war ideals instilled in them from the bygone century) is a doozy! Marina Sirtis (Troi) and Plakson have marvelous chemistry, and the passion exuded between Plakson and Dorn is commendable. One of the best episodes, for my money, in the second season. K'Ehleyr will go down as one of my personal favorite "visiting" characters on The Next Gen show. The opening poker game is a blast to watch, especially how well Worf is at playing cards, ill at ease with Data's endless chattering.
Seminal Episode with Interesting Implications
Hitchcoc13 August 2014
Worf is certainly an interesting character, often conflicted about his Klingon heritage and being pulled away from duty due to his genetic makeup. In this one an emissary arrives, a beautiful half Klingon/half human who apparently has had history with Worf. He is incredibly resentful of her and even asks to not be around her. Apparently, career paths have gotten in the way in the past, and Worf is not forgiving. It's no secret that these two are going to get together at some point. The reason for an emissary has to do with a Klingon warship that has its crew in suspended animation. Because they entered this state before the Federation made alliances with Klingon, they will wake up thinking there is still war between the two camps. It's a little like the Japanese soldiers in the Philippines who were isolated and thought that World War II was still in progress. Anyway, what they must deal with is the distrust that could lead to an all-out assault by the Klingons before reason can be restored. There are some interesting negotiations that take place. There is also a very erotic (in Klingon terms) encounter between Worf and his lover. A nicely done episode that sets up some future events.
Worf Finds Love
Samuel-Shovel20 August 2019
Warning: Spoilers
In "The Emissary" the Enterprise is tasked with intercepting a Klingon ship that will be waking up from a cryogenic sleep after nearly a century away on a mission. With no Klingon ship's nearby, it's up to the Enterprise to explain to the Klingon ship's crew the peace Accord that has been put in place since their time. Coming aboard to help with this mission is a half human/half Klingon emissary who also happens to be an old romantic interest of Worf.
I'm not always the biggest fan of Star Trek's romantic subplots but I think this one really works well. The antagonism between the two, the passion with which this warriors race of people interact, Worf's commitment to the culture and customs of his people, it all works.
Worf always seems like he's posturing a bit to be seen as a true Klingon, especially in this episode. While K'Ehleyr sort of embraces her half human side (her sense of humor for example), Worf clings really hard to Klingon culture. As a Klingon raised by human parents, I think he overdoes it a bit with his strict following of Klingon customs. In this episode he pushes for a marriage to K'Ehleyr after their romantic rendezvous in the holodeck. K'Ehleyr isn't quite ready to make that commitment.
I think the two actors play really well off of one another. Their relationship takes center stage, putting the sleepy Klingon issue on the back burner. It is resolved in a fun little way though. I love Worf's costume and script as he pretends to be captain. I think it all works here, a really solid episode.
I'm not always the biggest fan of Star Trek's romantic subplots but I think this one really works well. The antagonism between the two, the passion with which this warriors race of people interact, Worf's commitment to the culture and customs of his people, it all works.
Worf always seems like he's posturing a bit to be seen as a true Klingon, especially in this episode. While K'Ehleyr sort of embraces her half human side (her sense of humor for example), Worf clings really hard to Klingon culture. As a Klingon raised by human parents, I think he overdoes it a bit with his strict following of Klingon customs. In this episode he pushes for a marriage to K'Ehleyr after their romantic rendezvous in the holodeck. K'Ehleyr isn't quite ready to make that commitment.
I think the two actors play really well off of one another. Their relationship takes center stage, putting the sleepy Klingon issue on the back burner. It is resolved in a fun little way though. I love Worf's costume and script as he pretends to be captain. I think it all works here, a really solid episode.
Worf the Ice Man.
thevacinstaller11 March 2021
Warning: Spoilers
A beauty of an episode with wonderful performance/chemistry between K'Ehleyr and Worf. I was specifically fascinated by K'Ehleyr working through her conflicts of being a human/klingon and her love of Worf versus her disapproval of Klingon cultural demands.
I love the K'Ehleyr soundtrack theme that is used throughout this episode. It's interesting to me that K'Ehleyr (Klingon in appearence who identifies as human) has the hots for Worf (the embodiment gold standard version of Klingon honor/duty). This gives a nice little arc of K'Ehleyr embracing her Klingon side and we thaw Worf out a bit and see he's got more going on then situation based humorous lines of dialogue.
I am going to bookmark the line, "I will not be complete without you..." and save that for some future life event.
I love the K'Ehleyr soundtrack theme that is used throughout this episode. It's interesting to me that K'Ehleyr (Klingon in appearence who identifies as human) has the hots for Worf (the embodiment gold standard version of Klingon honor/duty). This gives a nice little arc of K'Ehleyr embracing her Klingon side and we thaw Worf out a bit and see he's got more going on then situation based humorous lines of dialogue.
I am going to bookmark the line, "I will not be complete without you..." and save that for some future life event.
Excellent Worf centric episode
stevenjlowe824 January 2023
Warning: Spoilers
I thoroughly enjoyed this more character driven Worf centric episode, he has always been a favourite of mine so it was good to see him shine. I enjoyed the relationship between him and Kaylar, their holodeck scene was a lot of fun. It was nice to see more layers and depth added to the character of Worf and this episode in particular is pivotal to his characters journey.
The subplot of the potential renegade Klingons felt very meh and anticlimactic in my opinion. Also I felt some of the music choices, particularly in scenes between Worf & Kaylar could have been better. It added more a soapy melodrama sound and took away a bit from these scenes. This is why I give it only 7/10 because otherwise it's a very strong episode.
The subplot of the potential renegade Klingons felt very meh and anticlimactic in my opinion. Also I felt some of the music choices, particularly in scenes between Worf & Kaylar could have been better. It added more a soapy melodrama sound and took away a bit from these scenes. This is why I give it only 7/10 because otherwise it's a very strong episode.
Worf's in love...
planktonrules14 November 2014
This is a Worf episode--and Worf episodes are always quite good, as he is a very interesting character with a strong and likable presence. The show begins with an emissary from the Federation arriving at the Enterprise. However, speed is of the utmost importance, so this agent is sent in a tiny coffin-like machine flying at warp 9! Worf is surprised when out of the device walks K'Ehleyr--a woman he knows and who is of human and Klingon parentage. It's very obvious that they have a past--but what it is you'll have to see as the episode progresses. As to why she's there, it turns out that a ship filled with Klingon warriors has been in suspended animation for decades--well before the Empire joined the Federation. So, the worry is that when they awaken, they'll once again renew attacks on Federation space...needlessly killing untold innocent people.
As I said, it's a Worf episode and spends time allowing his character to grow and evolve. I wonder if they way the story eventually went with K'Ehleyr is what they originally intended or was someone else once envisioned for this could...
As I said, it's a Worf episode and spends time allowing his character to grow and evolve. I wonder if they way the story eventually went with K'Ehleyr is what they originally intended or was someone else once envisioned for this could...
The only way to travel
bkoganbing3 January 2018
Warning: Spoilers
To emphasize the gravity of the situation on its next assignment the Enterprise
is told that a Klingon envoy is traveling by space probe. When they rendezvous
with the probe it's a female Klingon officer played by Suzie Plakson. Before the
characters meet you know that she and Worf have had some history.
Seems back in the day she and Worf kind of had an arranged thing between their families. As we've learned Klingon culture puts a great deal of store in those arranged relationships.
But the business at hand has Plakson trying to rendezvous with a Klingon battle vessel from the previous century that was put in a cryogenic sleep before those Organians forced that peace between the Federation and the Klingon Empire in Star Trek prime. Their captain Lance LeGault has decided business as usual. Her mission is to stop him, but do it peacefully if at all possible.
Can't say a word, but Patrick Stewart, Plakson, and Michael Dorn arrive at a clever way to get their attention.
As for Plakson and Dorn, this is the resumption of a Klingon romance carried over into several episodes.
Seems back in the day she and Worf kind of had an arranged thing between their families. As we've learned Klingon culture puts a great deal of store in those arranged relationships.
But the business at hand has Plakson trying to rendezvous with a Klingon battle vessel from the previous century that was put in a cryogenic sleep before those Organians forced that peace between the Federation and the Klingon Empire in Star Trek prime. Their captain Lance LeGault has decided business as usual. Her mission is to stop him, but do it peacefully if at all possible.
Can't say a word, but Patrick Stewart, Plakson, and Michael Dorn arrive at a clever way to get their attention.
As for Plakson and Dorn, this is the resumption of a Klingon romance carried over into several episodes.
A Senior Trekker writes.....................
celineduchain5 January 2022
The Second Season of Star Trek the Next Generation has often been downplayed due to multiple production and writing staff problems, and several major cast changes. Although of mixed quality, it does contain some outstanding and brilliant episodes. Senior Trekker is extremely grateful to all those people who worked so hard under difficult circumstances to keep it on our screens.
The Emissary was a great favourite with both fans and critics right from its very first showing, having not only a reappearance by Suzie Plakson, but also a strong storyline that required little additional embellishment. The titular emissary is catapulted across space in a modified torpedo tube to rendezvous with the Enterprise and find a way to stop a ship of dangerously rogue Klingons, intent on re-starting hostilities with the Federation.
Michael Dorn was allowed to develop the character of Worf by showing his ambivalence at meeting up with his former acquaintance/girlfriend/lover. We are never quite sure about their previous relationship but this time sparks definitely fly. Worf feels that once they have done the deed, they should automatically become engaged but K'Ehleyr, as a liberated half-human, girl-about-the-Galaxy, is less sure. We could wish this aspect of Klingon society was better explored but, as Star Trek and the Klingon lore developed over the years, we didn't get to meet many with this type of lifelong, devoted commitment. Pity.
Mr Dorn himself his famously reticent about his off-screen romantic entanglements but has maintained a close friendship over the years with British co-star Marina Sirtis, who played Deanna Troy. She, on the other hand, is such an incorrigible gossip that we can only conclude he is equally gallant in real life.
(Senior Trekker scores every episode with a 5)
The Emissary was a great favourite with both fans and critics right from its very first showing, having not only a reappearance by Suzie Plakson, but also a strong storyline that required little additional embellishment. The titular emissary is catapulted across space in a modified torpedo tube to rendezvous with the Enterprise and find a way to stop a ship of dangerously rogue Klingons, intent on re-starting hostilities with the Federation.
Michael Dorn was allowed to develop the character of Worf by showing his ambivalence at meeting up with his former acquaintance/girlfriend/lover. We are never quite sure about their previous relationship but this time sparks definitely fly. Worf feels that once they have done the deed, they should automatically become engaged but K'Ehleyr, as a liberated half-human, girl-about-the-Galaxy, is less sure. We could wish this aspect of Klingon society was better explored but, as Star Trek and the Klingon lore developed over the years, we didn't get to meet many with this type of lifelong, devoted commitment. Pity.
Mr Dorn himself his famously reticent about his off-screen romantic entanglements but has maintained a close friendship over the years with British co-star Marina Sirtis, who played Deanna Troy. She, on the other hand, is such an incorrigible gossip that we can only conclude he is equally gallant in real life.
(Senior Trekker scores every episode with a 5)
Feels like a romance novel
aram-9900824 March 2020
The romance in this episode feels so fleshed out. They feel like, "we shouldn't, but it feels so right". It's such an authentic romance that it feels like it's a novel. Anyway it's still a very great episode, and very unique.
"Some calisthenics programs are better than others."
classicsoncall17 November 2023
Warning: Spoilers
You can just imagine what type of calisthenics they were, considering it involved Lieutenant Worf (Michael Dorn) and a half human, half Klingon woman from his past. K'Ehleyr (Suzie Plakson) arrives aboard the Enterprise via a restrictive Class 8 shuttle probe to warn Captain Picard and the crew of a potentially lethal situation for the vessel and the nearby colonies of the Boradis system. It seems that a Klingon warship that's been held in cryogenic stasis for seventy-five years is about to awaken, and the warriors aboard will have no idea that the Klingons have joined the Federation. K'Ehleyr's mission is to stop the Klingon threat, and her only option for the Enterprise is to destroy it before it can wreak damage of its own. Captain Picard (Patrick Stewart) won't go for that idea and enlists the crew for options on how to deal with the imminent danger.
This is one of the few Next Generation episodes in which two different scenarios aren't being played out at the same time. One could argue that the Worf/K'Ehleyr relationship is separate from the Klingon threat posed by the vessel T'Kong, but the result of their near-mating oath ties into a successful outcome for the Enterprise. This episode provides additional insight into Worf's Klingon traditions and customs, and those almost always result in a compelling story. However, I must admit that the sniffing ritual between Worf and K'Ehleyr did look kind of creepy, with the aftermath of that exchange blatant enough to realize they engaged in some version of Klingon sex. Perhaps better that it took place offscreen.
The resolution with the awakened Klingon vessel was handled expertly when Worf presented a novel option to Captain Picard. Instead of engaging the vessel with weapons, Worf called upon his authoritative nature to issue an ultimatum to Klingon Commander K'Temoc (Lance LeGault). Posing as the commander of the Enterprise, Worf got the serious attention of K'Temoc, and it was no mean feat to put K'Ehleyr in charge of the T'Kong. The parting between Worf and K'Ehleyr was a bittersweet moment, though it left open the possibilities of a future encounter whereby they could resume what was started aboard the Enterprise.
This is one of the few Next Generation episodes in which two different scenarios aren't being played out at the same time. One could argue that the Worf/K'Ehleyr relationship is separate from the Klingon threat posed by the vessel T'Kong, but the result of their near-mating oath ties into a successful outcome for the Enterprise. This episode provides additional insight into Worf's Klingon traditions and customs, and those almost always result in a compelling story. However, I must admit that the sniffing ritual between Worf and K'Ehleyr did look kind of creepy, with the aftermath of that exchange blatant enough to realize they engaged in some version of Klingon sex. Perhaps better that it took place offscreen.
The resolution with the awakened Klingon vessel was handled expertly when Worf presented a novel option to Captain Picard. Instead of engaging the vessel with weapons, Worf called upon his authoritative nature to issue an ultimatum to Klingon Commander K'Temoc (Lance LeGault). Posing as the commander of the Enterprise, Worf got the serious attention of K'Temoc, and it was no mean feat to put K'Ehleyr in charge of the T'Kong. The parting between Worf and K'Ehleyr was a bittersweet moment, though it left open the possibilities of a future encounter whereby they could resume what was started aboard the Enterprise.
Solid Klingon episode
snoozejonc9 June 2021
Enterprise has the task of engaging a Klingon sleeper-ship.
This is an enjoyable episode with strong character development and focus on Klingon culture.
The plot is geared towards further developing Klingon culture through Worf's character. It's fairly predictable in how it unfolds but I found it entertaining nonetheless. When Star Trek focuses on Klingon traditions, honour and psychology it's always great and this is no exception.
Worf and K'Ehleyr have pretty decent chemistry for a Star Trek couple, mainly due to the dynamic of her being openly sexual and flirtatious whilst he is pretty uptight and standoffish. Their scenes are good and provide great insight into Klingon behaviour.
Performances are all strong with Michael Dorn leading the story well. Suzie Plakson chews the scenery at times but gives a charismatic performance.
For me it is a 7.5/10 but I round upwards.
This is an enjoyable episode with strong character development and focus on Klingon culture.
The plot is geared towards further developing Klingon culture through Worf's character. It's fairly predictable in how it unfolds but I found it entertaining nonetheless. When Star Trek focuses on Klingon traditions, honour and psychology it's always great and this is no exception.
Worf and K'Ehleyr have pretty decent chemistry for a Star Trek couple, mainly due to the dynamic of her being openly sexual and flirtatious whilst he is pretty uptight and standoffish. Their scenes are good and provide great insight into Klingon behaviour.
Performances are all strong with Michael Dorn leading the story well. Suzie Plakson chews the scenery at times but gives a charismatic performance.
For me it is a 7.5/10 but I round upwards.
The Emissary / Prophecy !
SpaceIce12 March 2024
This episode reminds me and is somewhat similar to episode Prophecy in Star Trek - Voyager (S7,E17).
In both episodes they send half-human half-klingon female (K'Ehleyr and B'Elanna) to "long lost" klingon ship to "acclimate" klingons from different era to new age and convince them that war is long over, Starfleet is now allies with klingons and that they would not cause any needless and wanton destruction of bases or starships.
On a side note.
The removal of Denise Crosby / Yar character was the right call, but switching Gates McFadden for Diana Muldaur / Pulaski was very wrong IMO, even if it is only for 1 season.
Gates McFadden is superior to her in every way and is more likeable actress, unlike Muldaur, and Gates McFadden's characters knows Picard for a long time, as they have common history with each other.
I didn't like Diana Muldaur in original Star Trek and i like her even less in ST - TNG.
In both episodes they send half-human half-klingon female (K'Ehleyr and B'Elanna) to "long lost" klingon ship to "acclimate" klingons from different era to new age and convince them that war is long over, Starfleet is now allies with klingons and that they would not cause any needless and wanton destruction of bases or starships.
On a side note.
The removal of Denise Crosby / Yar character was the right call, but switching Gates McFadden for Diana Muldaur / Pulaski was very wrong IMO, even if it is only for 1 season.
Gates McFadden is superior to her in every way and is more likeable actress, unlike Muldaur, and Gates McFadden's characters knows Picard for a long time, as they have common history with each other.
I didn't like Diana Muldaur in original Star Trek and i like her even less in ST - TNG.
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