Heart of Glory
While we'd seen Worf, this was our first look at non-Federation Klingons in the TNG era. This episode showed us the Klingon cultural aspects of honor and warrior pride, and how, as in any culture, such aspects could be abused and twisted by the unscrupulous.

A Matter of Honor
When Riker joins a Klingon ship as part of an exchange program, life aboard a Klingon vessel is seen for the first time in any Star Trek show. Riker is able to diffuse a dangerous situation using Klingon methods instead of Federation procedure, demonstrating the importance of cross-cultural thinking.

The Emissary
The introduction of K'Ehleyr not only gave Worf more history, it also showed us the first Klingon female of the TNG era. Like her male counterparts, the half-Human K'Ehleyr was a strong, fearless fighter, but she also offered a feminine twist to the testosterone-heavy Klingon morality by demonstrating how a sharp mind can benefit a warrior just as well.

Sins of the Father
Klingon traditions take center stage in this episode, as Worf tries to uncover the truth about his disgraced House. When it's uncovered that the truth about his father's innocence could threaten the stability of the Klingon Empire, Worf's sacrifice adds to the epic nature of Klingon intrigue, as well as giving him another layer of character depth.

Reunion
The return of K'Ehleyr and introduction of son Alexander bring Worf to a tragic crossroads that has broad implications for the future of the Klingon Empire. Also introducing Gowron, this episode gives us a first-hand look at Klingon politics on the highest level and sets the stage for what's to come …

Redemption, Part I
The TNG Klingon plotline moves from a low simmer to a full boil as the Klingon Empire splinters into civil war as Gowron is set to become Chancellor of the High Council. Featuring our first look at the Klingon homeworld of Qo'noS, this episode shows power struggles and cloak-and-dagger manipulation that could come straight out of a Shakespearean history play.

Redemption, Part II
The resolution of the Klingon Civil War comes after great sacrifice and offers a good look at how Klingons wage war. The plot that has been building since "The Emissary" comes to a satisfying conclusion and Klingon culture is now a tangible, indelible component to the Star Trek legacy.

Birthright, Part II
While the Civil War episodes showed the inner workings of Klingon politics on the highest levels, this episode allowed Worf to explore what makes one a Klingon: the thrill of the hunt, the pride of the warrior and how life as a captive is not worth living in Klingon culture.

Rightful Heir
Klingon history and myth is the spotlight of this episode which focuses on the mystery of the returned Kahless, a legendary Klingon figure. A version of Kahless had appeared in the TOS episode "The Savage Curtain," but he was based on 23rd-Century Federation records.

Firstborn
Worf's son Alexander reaches the critical age where he can take part in his first Rite of Ascension. Shedding yet more light on Klingon culture, "Firstborn" not only shows some intriguing ritual and ceremony, but also reveals how Klingon assassinations are staged, not to mention what can go wrong.

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