10 Worst Sequels In Star Trek
4. Judgement
Judgement is a fine episode in isolation, offering Scott Bakula plenty to do as Archer stands trial on Qo'Nos. J.G. Hertzler and John Vickery both shine as (new) Klingons, doing more than enough to secure their legacies in the pantheon of legal representatives in Star Trek.
However, where the episode suffers is in its status as spiritual sequel to Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country. One might argue that it is more prequel than sequel, and one would have a point, but the episode is clearly drawing on the audience's knowledge of the sixth Trek film adventure - and the iconic courtroom scene therein.
While Hertzler and Vickery are both excellent in Judgement, it is difficult not to picture Christopher Plummer's outstanding turn as General Chang, roaring at Kirk to answer his questions, translations be damned. The episode's set suffers from budgetary concerns, resulting in a similar-looking courtroom, though one a fraction of the size.
Rura Penthe appears, smaller in scale, again serving to remind the viewer of another depiction on another scale. This episode would have been better served abandoning the nostalgia of The Undiscovered Country and creating a new setting of its very own.