Rules of Engagement

The primary focus of this episode is the discussion of the nature of command in intense situations, an experience that few can relate to, but many would be curious about. Worf is required to defend himself in an extradition hearing related to the decisions he made in a combat situation with Klingon Birds of Prey. Naturally, the high stakes nature of the hearing and the investigation of what it truly takes to lead draws the audience in. With that immediate hook, I had high hopes for the episode, but as with many episodes of television set in a trial environment, reality and story-telling clash hard. The trial is utterly unbelievable with irrelevant testimony, hypocrisy, unacceptable conduct, and a presiding judge which seems to tolerate all forms of nonsense over the course of the hearing. The trial culminates with Cpt. Sisko delivering an impassioned speech is his odd manner that combines a loud delivery with odd rhythm and pregnant pauses; distracting from the message. The episode has potential and ultimately it tells a good story, but realism (I probably shouldn't be complaining about a lack of realism in Star Trek) is cast aside.