Anchored by an excellent performance from Gates McFadden, “Ethics” does a good job of exploring how the characters involved would deal with a difficult situation, and raises some interesting questions about cultural differences. Riker’s scenes get a little melodramatic, and Worf’s death being the central threat of the show makes it hard to ever fully buy into the stakes, but overall this is a very thoughtful episode.
A barrel falls on Worf’s back! I’m *guessing* this is considered a dishonorable defeat for Klingons.He won’t be able to walk again. I refuse to believe they don’t have the tech to rig Worf up with some awesome robot legs.A specialist comes on board to try to help Worf. She read one of Beverly’s papers!Worf asks Riker to help him commit suicide. Riker doesn’t want to do it.The specialist has a risky theory of how Worf can regain 100% mobility. That’s probably the thing that will happen.But Beverly tells her no because it’s too high of a risk to Worf.Worse than not being able to walk: embarrassment.Picard tells Crusher that Worf is gonna commit suicide so just give the other thing a try.Riker studies up on the Klingon suicide ceremony, and tells Worf that its supposed to be Alexander that assists with it. Riker knows Worf is a stickler for rules.Worf tells Alexander that he will try living instead of suicide, but he’s also gonna try that risky procedure, which could also mean dying.Worf asks Deanna to raise Alexander in case he dies. She’d probably do a better job than Worf 😬grossBut then it doesn’t work and Worf dies? …Dang… seeya later, Worf.only mostly deadBeverly chews out the specialist cause she takes too many risks with people’s lives. Worf asks Alexander to help during his recovery and Alexander kinda puts his hands on top of Worf’s. Big help, kid.
