10 Most Rewatchable Star Trek: Deep Space Nine Episodes

This absolute corker of a double episode kicked off the fourth season with a bang by torching the alliance between the Klingons and the Federation and bringing the beloved Lieutenant Commander Worf to Deep Space Nine. Rather than portray the Dominion threat in straightforward terms, "The Way of the Warrior" cautioned that perhaps the real danger to the Alpha Quadrant lay in its major powers turning on each other in a firestorm of suspicion.

"The Way of the Warrior" began Deep Space Nine's ascent from an already strong show to the dizzying heights of seasons five and six. It's no wonder so many viewers pick this episode as their starting point when rewatching the series.

Coming in hot with a Klingon fleet decloaking at Deep Space Nine, "The Way of the Warrior" builds on the grim prospect of Changeling infiltrators depicted in third season finale "The Adversary". Although the Klingons wish to remain near the station to thwart a Dominion attack through the wormhole, their presence causes a host of issues for Sisko, who summons Worf for help. Who ya gonna call?

Audiences see that Worf hasn't been doing well since the destruction of the Enterprise in Star Trek Generations and is thinking about leaving Starfleet. Despite his personal issues, Worf makes his presence felt right away, determining that the Klingon fleet is planning to invade Cardassia.

Suspecting that Changeling spies are behind recent political turmoil on Cardassia, the Klingons are desperate to stop the Dominion from gaining a foothold in the Alpha Quadrant. When the Federation condemns the invasion, the Klingons withdraw from the Khitomer Accords, ending an alliance dating back to Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country. I suppose all good things must come to an end.

"The Way of the Warrior" climaxes in an epic battle between the Klingon fleet and Deep Space Nine that even features boarding parties fighting it out aboard the station. When the dust finally settles, the station is spared after the Klingons retreat as Starfleet reinforcements arrive.

Then, in a moving scene and fitting conclusion, Sisko relates to Worf how he tried to run away from his pain in the wake of his wife's death until realizing he needed to stand his ground and face it. Convinced to stay in Starfleet, Worf joins the crew as Strategic Operations Officer, becoming a series fixture from this point forward.

Introducing a Next Generation regular to Deep Space Nine ran the risk of coming across as a shallow ratings ploy. Yet much to the relief of fans, Worf blended seamlessly into the established crew. Worf's presence added an invigorating and often hilarious dynamic that further developed not only his own character but also those around him. Boasting cunning intrigue and gripping space combat, "The Way of the Warrior" united so many of Deep Space Nine's strongest qualities in a focused narrative that proves more addictive with each viewing.