Star Trek: Deep Space Nine — 7x07 — Once More Unto the Breach

Aired 1998-11-11

SpaceOpera.com rating:10

Average reader rating:5.29

Synopsis

Worf is surprised to be paid a visit by Kor, an aging Klingon war hero.

Filler rating: not filler

This is Kor's final episode and one of the finest episode of all of DS9.

Remarkable scenes

The Davy Crockett conversation.
Martok's decidedly negative reaction to both paperwork and Worf's mentioning of Kor.
Martok: "Clear the bridge!!"
Martok: "I would not give that man the gnawed bones of my last meal!"
Martok: "You can wound a man without ever seeing his face."
Martok telling his story explaining why he hates Kor.
Ezri and Kira discussing Kor.
Quark drawing the wrong conclusion after partially eavesdropping on Kira's and Ezri's conversation.
The battle.
Kor taking command when Worf and Martok fell.
Kor's poor decisions.
Quark confronting Ezri.
Kor: "Savor the fruit of life, my young friends. It has a sweet taste when it is fresh from the vine. But don't live too long. The taste turns bitter after a time."
Kor going in Worf's place.
Martok and crew drinking and singing to Kor's success.
Morn Appearances; 1. Is seen during the Davy Crockett conversation. 2. Seen at the bar after Quark eavesdrops on Kira's and Ezri's conversation. 3. Is in the bar when Quark confronts Ezri.

Review

A story to wrap up Kor's involvement in DS9. Kor's final cameo couldn't have been done better. It wasn't just the bland and obvious "I want to die an honorable death" story either. It examines real issues with the Klingon aging process, showing us an old Klingon who's losing his memory. The episode has nicely pointed dialog all around, and I'm most fond of Martok in this episode. Despite this episode focusing on Kor, Martok shines. I love watching him go from bitter, to sympathetic, to proud regarding Kor. And I loved watching Kor slowly begin to realize his failings. DS9 proves to us once again that a Klingon centric story taking place on a Klingon ship is a wonderful setting for a story, and this episode reinforces our impression of the deep and honorable culture of the Klingon Empire. Another spectacular episode.

4 reader comments

This episode cleverly links the idea of Davy Crockett's heroic death with the lament of Cor, who has been denied such a glorious end. Cor's complaints sound remarkably like those found in the old Norse epics. Some modern viewers reject the warrior ethos entirely, but the episode convincingly expresses and even defends it, ending with the traditional and appropriate violence and sentimentality. As Worf says in the prologue, if you belive in the legend (of Crockett), you will believe he died a hero. Worf and the other Klingons would know that a tribe (or nation) that stops believing in its heores is doomed to extinction: an imbedded message in this episode?
by S. Egil | 08/17/2009 at 12:21 am

I think this is the best episode of Season 7, and one of my favorites in all of DS9. It's got everything you could want in an episode: action, drama, conflict, depth of character and meaningful interactions…and they managed to unfold everything perfectly. You really feel for all the main characters here. Martok, whose hard work and family sacrifices were crushed because he wasn't of noble birth, is consumed with bitterness after hearing Kor's name…at first, of course. Worf, who is trying to do a favor to a revered friend. And of course, Kor, who just wants what every Klingon wants: an honorable death in battle. His quote about savoring the fruit of life was quite a powerful moment. I also loved the character of Darok, the old aid to Martok. He had a couple of funny lines, and his conversation with Kor at the end where he reveals Worf's plan knowing that this will be the opportunity Kor has been looking for was a brilliant way to bring about the end drama. I also like when he offers up blood wine on the bridge, perhaps harkening back to the days when Klingon warriors drank whenever they pleased.
Martok, who is my favorite Klingon character in all of Star Trek, is shown once again why he is a natural leader. He has all the qualities one would want, and most are brought to bear in this episode: a smart plan of attack, fairness in hearing Worf's reasoning and granting his request despite his bitterness toward Kor, and ultimately of course, realizing that seeing Kor a senile old man brings him no real satisfaction, and although he never says it outright, forgives and even honors Kor.
This was DS9 at its best. A well deserved 10.
by MJ | 08/04/2011 at 8:57 pm

Kor: "Saver the fruit of life, my young friends. It has a sweet taste when it is fresh from the vine. But don't live too long. The taste turns bitter after a time."
Aint dat the truth !
by Jim Mumford | 01/26/2014 at 2:20 pm

Fantastic episode. When Kor delivers his “fruit of life” quote it’s one of the best scenes of the season
by Thavash | 01/06/2019 at 7:48 pm