Why is Worf so terribly mean to Chief O'Brien in the Star Trek DS9 episode “The Ship”?

Question

Why is Worf so terribly mean to Chief O'Brien in the Star Trek DS9 episode “The Ship”?

#1 resposta do (9 votos)
#2 resposta do (6 votos)

5

In DS9: The Ship Worf is really mean to O'Brien while Muniz is dying. He practically taunts the Chief about Muniz's impending death. Worf may be a "Klingon Warrior" but he's never acted like this. Not when Tasha died or when any other crew member of the week passed away. Worf grew up with humans; he was raised by humans. Why would he choose to be mean to a friend that he's known since his first assignment on the Enterprise while that friend is grieving? Especially since Worf didn't act like this when isn't a normal behavior for him. I've read pretty much everything on Memory Alpha for this episode and there's no explanation that I can see.

Worf tries to make up for it at the end when he sits with O'Brien in front of Muniz's casket. But that doesn't explain his behavior during the rest of the episode.

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por RexxiA 05.09.2019 / 04:30

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score 9 · Answer 1

It's not a matter of Worf being mean, rather it is a difference of attitude about dying in battle. To a Klingon dying in battle is often worthy of glory and is always honorable. Death isn't to be feared if you die well. Consider Kurn's exultation before battle in the TNG episode "Redemption (part 2)",

It is a time to celebrate, for tomorrow we all may die!

O'Brien has his point of view, Worf has his. It's not being mean for Worf to stick up for his own cultural eschatology.

score 6 · Answer 2

The situation was brought about by stress, fatigue, and a difference in culture. The conversation you're referring to occurred after days of the crew being trapped aboard the Dominion vessel. They were tired, hungry, and frustrated by the stresses - both psychological and physical - of the seige.

Everyone involved knew that Muniz would not survive without prompt medical attention. Chief O'Brien was attempting to comfort Muniz and convince him to hold on. Worf responded by saying that Muniz should prepare himself for death. That set O'Brien off and the two began arguing.

Because of the situation, however, the argument or any perceived "meanness" from either character was largely based on frustration and pent-up aggression... perhaps far more so than the underlying cultural differences regarding death of a comrade.