Michael Dorn's Worf has appeared in more Star Trek than any other character, but which show is the Klingon's best? Worf was one of the original characters of Star Trek: The Next Generation, although he was mostly relegated to the background during the show's first season. After the departure of Denise Crosby's Lt. Tasha Yar, Worf became Security Chief on the USS Enterprise-D under the command of Captain Jean-Luc Picard (Patrick Stewart). As the only Klingon in Starfleet, most of Worf's stories on TNG revolved around his complex relationship with his Klingon heritage.
Worf was raised by humans, but he was proud to be a Klingon and took the time to learn about Klingon culture. Worf embodied the honorable warrior persona of an ideal Klingon more than most of the Klingons who were raised among their own people. However, Worf truly came into his own as a character after transferring to Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, as his story became about more than his connections to Klingon politics. Worf returned in Star Trek: Picard season 3, as a stoic warrior who claimed to be a pacifist, but still carried a massive Klingon sword.
Worf & Klingons Evolved In Star Trek: TNG
TNG Established Worf's Complicated Relationship With Klingon Politics
Although the Klingons debuted in Star Trek: The Original Series season 1, they have undergone many changes over the years. Worf's presence on the USS Enterprise-D not only showed that the Klingons had become allies of the United Federation of Planets but also allowed Star Trek: The Next Generation to dive deeper into Klingon politics than TOS ever did. TNG established Worf's personality and began his tumultuous relationship with the Klingon High Council. Many of the storylines that began as early as TNG season 3 continued to affect Worf throughout Star Trek: Deep Space Nine.
While many elements of Worf's backstory were filled in on Star Trek: The Next Generation, almost all of his storylines involved Klingon politics. These storylines helped to define Worf, but TNG did not dive deeper into his character outside of his connections to the Klingon Empire. In other words, almost all of Worf's TNG stories were about him being a Klingon rather than who he was as an individual. Still, Worf became one of TNG's most beloved characters, and his character arc throughout TNG and DS9 became one of Star Trek's most satisfying stories.
Star Trek: DS9 Deepened Worf’s Personal Journey
DS9 Further Developed Worf As An Individual
Lt. Commander Worf joined the cast of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine at the beginning of the show's fourth season and he quickly became an essential part of the show. Although DS9 continued to explore Klingon politics, the show also dove deeper into Worf's personal journey. Worf met and married the love of his life, Lt. Commander Jadzia Dax (Terry Farrell), on DS9, which offered a glimpse into the romantic side of the Klingon warrior. Worf also commanded the USS Defiant in several battles during the Dominion War, proving himself as a warrior and a leader.
In one of Star Trek's most tragic moments, Jadzia was murdered at the end of DS9 season 6, just after she and Worf had decided to try for a baby.
Star Trek: Deep Space Nine built on everything that had been established in Star Trek: The Next Generation, and ultimately came to understand Worf better as a character. By the end of DS9, Worf became a Federation ambassador to the Klingon homeworld of Qo'noS, which felt like a fitting conclusion to his TNG and DS9 story arc. Worf grew a lot throughout these two Star Trek shows, as he found ways to honor both his Klingon heritage and his duty to Starfleet and the Federation.
Worf Is At His Best In Star Trek: Picard
Picard Feels Like The Perfect Evolution Of Worf's Character
By the time of Star Trek: Picard season 3, Worf has been promoted to Captain and works as a subcontractor for Starfleet Intelligence. Despite claiming to be a pacifist, Worf has no problem killing when it's necessary, such as when he has to rescue Commander Raffi Musiker (Michelle Hurd) after she gets in too deep on an investigation. Worf and Raffi then work together to uncover a plot by a group of rogue Changelings to infiltrate Starfleet.
Worf also gets to rescue Captain Will Riker (Jonathan Frakes) and Counselor Deanna Troi (Marina Sirtis) from Vadic (Amanda Plummer).
The Worf of Picard season 3 is still a skilled warrior, but he seems far more sure of himself and his place within the Federation. Worf has become a warrior for peace. He prefers the diplomatic solution, but will still behead an enemy if diplomacy fails. He has clearly done some soul-searching and, while he may not have everything figured out, he seems to be in a good place. Worf ultimately helps Picard and the reunited TNG crew save the galaxy yet again, bringing another chapter of his Star Trek story to a satisfying and heroic conclusion.
