25 WORST Episodes Of Star Trek EVER

9. Let He Who Is Without Sin - TNG

Worf TNG
CBS

Worf breaks so many laws in this episode and it's never mentioned again. Well, ok then?

Sending the crew to a sex planet is a lovely idea. Quark brings the comedy and Bashir and Leeta have the most amicable break up that's ever been filmed. The idea of dropping a straight laced character like Work into the mix could have made for a truly funny episode, with plenty of fish out of water options to go with.

Many issues blocked any real examination of the themes of sexuality and alcohol abuse here. The idea had been to show that the hedonistic lifestyle of the Risians, and those who visit the planet, would lead to darker endings. However, as this was a network show, they couldn't show any skin - so the sexuality side of the episode died a quick death.

Risa became a tame planet of people who simply wanted a break in the sun. So, when the fundamentalists attack and Worf sides with them, it has the opposite to the intended effect. It shows Worf as being an ultra-conservative person, determined to stop anyone from enjoying themselves.

Everyone involved, from Robert Hewitt Wolfe who co-wrote it, to Rene Auberjonois to who directed, lamented this installment. It was something they all wished they could have a re-do on, and the idea potentially would suit Discovery or Picard slightly better.

In this post: 
Star Trek
 
First Posted On: 
Contributor
Contributor

Seán is the host and head writer/presenter for TrekCulture, as well as a writer/presenter on WhoCulture and WhatCulture Horror. He has authored two novels, dozens of short stories, and hundreds of articles for WhatCulture. He holds a Master of Arts in Creative Writing from University College Dublin. As part of his work with TrekCulture, Seán has been invited to participate in collaborations with Roddenberry Entertainment, as well as contributing to several Star Trek community projects. An avid fan of Star Trek, Doctor Who, and the horror genre at large, Seán's expertise has helped develop these channels to the successes they are today. As host of the Ups & Downs series on TrekCulture, Seán has become internationally recognised for his positive yet critically informed approach to reviewing every episode of modern Star Trek, ensuring he is one of the go-to voices in the Trek community. Favourite Quote to describe himself: "I'm serious about what I do, just not always about the way that I do it"