Honorable to their core and always up for a fight, the Klingons were once a fearsome foe of the Federation before eventually ing as an ally. A mainstay of every Star Trek series thus far, the Klingons have proven to be one of the most fascinating races when they are the main focus of an episode.
Whether it was their early appearances in Deep Space Nine, the Klingons have always been fan favorites. As heroes, and as villains, it is clear that Trek fans can't get enough of Kronos' native children.
House Of Quark (Deep Space Nine)
Despite being one of the most powerful aliens in Star Trek, the Klingons are not without their sillier moments as well. The episode "House of Quark" from Deep Space Nine finds the Ferengi barkeeper in hot water after he accidentally kills a Klingon warrior, and is then required to marry his widow.
One of the best aspects of DS9 was that the station forced together dozens of disparate alien cultures, and their customs would often clash. The series does an excellent job of exploring the complicated cultures of both the Ferengi, and the Klingons, and it makes for a hilarious episode when they collide. Like most aliens in Trek, they reflect certain human qualities and they teach the audience a lesson about themselves.
Affliction (Enterprise)
The two-part Enterprise episode "Affliction", sought to answer a long standing question that fans had asked about the Klingons for years. Dr. Phlox is kidnapped by a band of Klingons and forced to work on a cure for a virus that has infected the home world. The virus is causing a genetic mutation that removes the Klingon's facial ridges.
The startlingly different look of the Klingons between TOS and the feature films was a frequent bone of contention with fans. While most chalked it up to TOS' lack of budget, the creators of Enterprise hoped to settle the score once and for all. As an episode, it is an interesting look at pre-peace treaty Klingon society, and how their secretiveness is almost their downfall.
A Matter Of Honor (The Next Generation)
Star Trek: The Next Generation gave fans their first close look at Klingons after they became an ally to the Federation. The episode "A Matter of Honor" sees Commander Riker take part in an officer exchange program that lands him on a Klingon ship. When the captain suspects that the Enterprise is plotting something, Riker must work to stop him from shattering the Klingon peace treaty.
Though they are allies, "A Matter of Honor" shows that there is still distrust in the hearts of older Klingons and humans. While it is difficult for them to let go of the past, Riker proves that the preservation of peace is the most important thing.
Errand Of Mercy (The Original Series)
The debut of the Klingons came in one of The Original Series' best episodes, and was a perfect introduction to the legendary alien race. "Errand of Mercy" sees the Enterprise crew in a heated debate with the leaders of the planet Organia. Situated in a strategic corridor of space, the Organian leadership is unconcerned about an impending Klingon invasion.
Putting the Federation's morality to one of its greatest tests, Kirk must race to convince the Organians to resist Klingon occupation. Much to Kirk's chagrin, the Organians would rather pursue peace than fight against an occupying army. Though they are mortal enemies, the episode shows that humans and Klingons are not very different when they become desperate.
Sins Of The Father (The Next Generation)
Not only did TNG reintroduce Klingons as allies to the Federation, but it also put a Klingon character in an important role on the Enterprise. The episode "Sins of the Father" sees Worf's brother appear on the Enterprise and attempt to get him to help fight accusations against their father's honor.
Being one of the first episodes to deeply explore the Klingon social structure, "Sins of the Father" is a tense drama, with a healthy dose of political intrigue. At the middle of the story is Worf, whose emotional connection to his Klingon heritage is stretched to its limit by the unreasonable nature of his fellow Klingons.
Apocalypse Rising (Deep Space Nine)
The Dominion War arc from DS9 spanned several seasons and was one of the best storylines in Trek history. "Apocalypse Rising" follows Captain Sisko as he is tasked with infiltrating the Klingon high command in order to expose Gowron as a changeling.
With relations between the Klingons and Federation on rocky ground, the episode has tremendous stakes. Add in the fact that Odo's allegiance to solids is still in question, and the episode is extremely tense. In times of war it is shown that everyone, not just the Klingons, can be easily emotionally manipulated by bad actors.
Reunion (The Next Generation)
Generally regarded as one of the best TNG episodes of all time, "Reunion" once again entangled the Enterprise in Klingon politics. When the leader of the Klingon high council dies, Picard is brought in to mediate the dangerous dispute over the vacant position. Meanwhile, Worf is reunited with an estranged lover and a child he didn't know he had.
With Worf's name being dragged through the mud because of his father's supposed bad deeds, he is torn between the two worlds he lives in. While Picard is doing his level best to mediate, an emotional fire is raging inside of Worf that sees his Klingon pride wounded by lies. Showing the brilliant writing of the series, the episode calls back to previously established information and further's Worf's emotional arc.
Redemption (The Next Generation)
Playing out in the background of TNG was a simmering conflict within the Klingon social structure, and it finally boiled over in the two-part episode "Redemption". With a civil war breaking out between the Klingons, Worf is torn between his duty to his people, and his duty to Starfleet. Worf goes away to fight, and the Enterprise crew discovers that the Romulans may have had something to do with instigating the war.
The episodes see Worf walk away from his role on the Enterprise, and it was an emotional shock to potentially lose a beloved crew member. Weaving its narrative together seamlessly, there is a rich tapestry of story involving not one, but two of Star Trek's most fascinating alien species. Proving themselves to be the ultimate tricksters, the Romulans shine just as brightly as the Klingons do in the two-parter.
The Trouble With Tribbles (The Original Series)
While they only appeared in the series briefly, Tribbles are one of Trek's most beloved creatures. "The Trouble With Tribbles" finds Captain Kirk aboard a space station that carries an important grain shipment. Meanwhile, he must deal with an arrogant Klingon captain, and an invasion of furry little creatures that threaten to take over the station.
Cast once again as the villain, the Klingons make an indelible mark on a classic TOS episodes. Not possessing the same ion for animals as humans, the Klingon's part in the mystery is revealed by the hungry little Tribbles. Though it is a sillier episode, the Klingon's return to the series helped to permanently cement their place in Star Trek lore.
The Way Of The Warrior (Deep Space Nine)
Coming as one of the best episodes of DS9, "The Way of the Warrior" brought one of TNG's most beloved characters into the series. As tensions with the Klingons escalates, Sisko invites Worf aboard the station to suss out the true intentions of the Klingon task force that was installed on the ship.
While they have been allies for decades, it is clear that things between the Federation and Klingons are rocky at best. Reviving classic conflicts from TNG, Worf is once again pressed into service as a moral ambassador for his race. Put under tremendous stress, Worf's emotions become a factor and tensions only rise higher as conflict seems inevitable.