Warning: contains spoilers for Star Trek #2!Why Worf returned to Starfleet has been revealed in issue two of IDW Publishing’s new Star Trek comic. Fans were left scratching their heads over why Worf returned to Starfleet in Star Trek: Nemesis, when Deep Space Nine’s finale made it clear he left. It seemed out of character, and a regression for the first Klingon to serve in Starfleet - but now his reasons for returning to his old job have been confirmed.
Worf appeared in all seven seasons of Star Trek: The Next Generation, starting as the helmsman before moving to security. After the Enterprise’s destruction in Star Trek: Generations, Worf transferred to Deep Space Nine, and starred in it from season four on. In Deep Space Nine’s final episode, Worf left Starfleet altogether, accepting a post as the Federation ambassador to the Klingon homeworld. However, three years later, in Star Trek: Nemesis, he was seen back in Starfleet, with no explanation given as to why he returned. It was one of many plot holes and issues that plagued the movie, and left fans wondering why Worf gave up such a promising role to return to his original crewmates.
And now fans have their answer. Ben Sisko, Worf’s former commanding officer, has come to enlist Worf’s help in reaching the mysterious Shapers of Sardakesh, who live deep in Klingon space. Despite pleas from both Sisko and Worf, the Klingons refuse - yet Sisko decides to go anyway, and Worf accompanies him. Arriving at Sardakesh, Sisko and his crew are confronted by Klingon battleships, and Worf helps defuse the situation using diplomacy and guile. After the dust settles, Worf tells Sisko he feels the fight is far from finished, and that he would like his Starfleet commission reinstated. Worf tells Sisko that he knows in his "blood this is where [he] is meant to be." The issue is written by Jackson Lanzing and Collin Kelly, drawn by Oleg Chudakov, colored by Lee Loughridge and lettered by Clayton Cowles.
Worf's Return Fixes a Huge Star Trek Mistake
Worf’s return to Starfleet in Star Trek: Nemesis was never explained, but it was nevertheless a move that short-changed the character. When Worf was created for Star Trek: The Next Generation, he was intended to be short-lived, but fans responded so well he stuck around - and in the process became one of the most well-defined and well-rounded characters in the Star Trek universe. Over the course of seven seasons of The Next Generation and four seasons of Deep Space Nine, Worf grew and progressed as a character, with his ascension to ambassador being the crowning moment of an exemplary career. His return to Starfleet felt like a disservice to his character, yet his reasons for leaving, as seen in this issue, are sound. This issue provides much-needed context for Worf’s decision to return to Starfleet.
Worf is set to return once again, in the final season of Star Trek: Picard. The teasers have made it clear that Worf has changed directions again, this time embracing the path of pacifism. More information will no doubt be revealed as the show progresses, and it will be interesting to see why, especially in light of his arc in the franchise thus far. Worf’s return to Starfleet raised many questions, and now IDW’s new Star Trek comic has explained why he left the posting that seemed so perfect.
Star Trek #2 is on sale now from IDW Publishing!