We have two young people as the title suggests. We have the mixed race Cardassian/Bajoran daughter of Dukat and the son of Worf, Alexander. The former is just a kind of teenaged girl who loves her father who on two occasions betrayed her. Alexander was tossed aside by Worf years before. He shows up as a recruit on board Worf's Klingon battle cruiser. For most of the episode, he is a liability and a bit of a buffoon. Everything he does displeases his father; he cannot win. We are privy to the struggles of these youngsters. A decent episode.
9 Reviews
The one where Alexander returns...
cosmic_quest21 March 2009
'Sons and Daughters'~ Season six, episode three.
This episode explores the precarious bonds between parents and children as we see Alexander, the now adult son of Worf, return as a recruit on a Klingon ship that his father is serving on. Meanwhile, on a DS9 that is still occupied by the Dominion and the Cardassians, Ziyal tries to foster a friendship between her father Gul Dukat and Kira, who is intent on forming a Resistance to fight back for control of the station.
We haven't seen Alexander since he was a pre-adolescent boy in TNG and I had wondered if the producers had forgotten he even existed until this episode. In 'Sons and Daughters', however, he is no longer the child determined to embrace his human side and is instead desperate to be accepted as a Klingon and is bitter that his father never pushed him more in his childhood to learn the warrior ways, skills he is now lacking and leaving him struggling to be accepted by his Klingon peers. This offers a very interesting insight into the characters of father and son since in TNG, Deanna Troi often made Worf feel inadequate as a father for being so hard on Alexander while encouraging the boy to be human. Yet this episode makes it clear she was wrong to interfere in the father and son relationship whose culture she did not fully understand. It is a turn on the portrayal of Ben Sisko and Nog where Sisko did not approve of the way Nog was being raised yet did not interfere until the boy was old enough to decide for himself, resulting in a young man who became both comfortable in Ferengi and Federation culture.
Equally as compelling is the storyline set on DS9 where we see Ziyal further fleshed out into a likable, if slightly naive character torn between her love for her father and her sororal relationship with Kira. It is becoming continuing apparent that something has to give at some point, especially since Ziyal is also aware that Dukat is not a very moralistic person and her own allegiance has to lie with the Bajorans/Federation.
All in all, this is a well-depicted character-driven episode that nicely deals with familial relationships before the action-packed episodes that are to come later in the season.
This episode explores the precarious bonds between parents and children as we see Alexander, the now adult son of Worf, return as a recruit on a Klingon ship that his father is serving on. Meanwhile, on a DS9 that is still occupied by the Dominion and the Cardassians, Ziyal tries to foster a friendship between her father Gul Dukat and Kira, who is intent on forming a Resistance to fight back for control of the station.
We haven't seen Alexander since he was a pre-adolescent boy in TNG and I had wondered if the producers had forgotten he even existed until this episode. In 'Sons and Daughters', however, he is no longer the child determined to embrace his human side and is instead desperate to be accepted as a Klingon and is bitter that his father never pushed him more in his childhood to learn the warrior ways, skills he is now lacking and leaving him struggling to be accepted by his Klingon peers. This offers a very interesting insight into the characters of father and son since in TNG, Deanna Troi often made Worf feel inadequate as a father for being so hard on Alexander while encouraging the boy to be human. Yet this episode makes it clear she was wrong to interfere in the father and son relationship whose culture she did not fully understand. It is a turn on the portrayal of Ben Sisko and Nog where Sisko did not approve of the way Nog was being raised yet did not interfere until the boy was old enough to decide for himself, resulting in a young man who became both comfortable in Ferengi and Federation culture.
Equally as compelling is the storyline set on DS9 where we see Ziyal further fleshed out into a likable, if slightly naive character torn between her love for her father and her sororal relationship with Kira. It is becoming continuing apparent that something has to give at some point, especially since Ziyal is also aware that Dukat is not a very moralistic person and her own allegiance has to lie with the Bajorans/Federation.
All in all, this is a well-depicted character-driven episode that nicely deals with familial relationships before the action-packed episodes that are to come later in the season.
Son of no one!
thevacinstaller9 August 2021
Warning: Spoilers
I found it interesting that the writers of star trek leaned into Work being an 'inconsistent' father figure to Alexander. It is rare for trek writers to admit character faults and I enjoyed that aspects to the show.
I need to have a long talk with Worf. He is a orphan who was raised by humans and for some bizarre reason he essentially makes his son go through the same experience?! I guess the cats and the cradle and the silver spoon is not just a catchy song.
I am far removed from being an angry teenager and this episode but my interpretation is that this episode is capturing the essence of the rebellious response to perceived wrongs done to them. I place no blame on Alexander --- teenagers are jacked up on hormones and they have not reached emotional maturity to look at the situation dispassionately.
I belly laughed during the scene of Dukat being a real SOB and handing off the dress he intended for kira to his daughter. He's just marvelously despicable.
This episode didn't blow me away but it took some courage to bring back Alexander and confront Worf's past missteps.
I need to have a long talk with Worf. He is a orphan who was raised by humans and for some bizarre reason he essentially makes his son go through the same experience?! I guess the cats and the cradle and the silver spoon is not just a catchy song.
I am far removed from being an angry teenager and this episode but my interpretation is that this episode is capturing the essence of the rebellious response to perceived wrongs done to them. I place no blame on Alexander --- teenagers are jacked up on hormones and they have not reached emotional maturity to look at the situation dispassionately.
I belly laughed during the scene of Dukat being a real SOB and handing off the dress he intended for kira to his daughter. He's just marvelously despicable.
This episode didn't blow me away but it took some courage to bring back Alexander and confront Worf's past missteps.
Good character episode that sets up events to come
snoozejonc22 March 2023
Dukat attempts tries to establish a bond with Kira, whilst Alexander Rozhenko serves aboard the Rotarran.
This is a solid character episode that develops certain individuals quite well.
The titular characters in this story mainly function to drive the arcs of established characters like Worf, Kira, and Dukat. It works well for their development and fits into the Dominion war story.
Personally I preferred the plot involving Ziyal, as it sets up some compelling future plot lines. Also, some of the Klingon honour related shenanigans and machismo on board the Rotarran feel a bit clichéd at times.
For me though out of all characters it is Martok that comes across as the most likeable. The writers and J G Hertzler strike the perfect balance between the Klingon warrior mentality and a relatable person.
All actors are on good for, especially Hertzler, Michael Dorn, Marc Alaimo, and Nana Visitor.
This is a solid character episode that develops certain individuals quite well.
The titular characters in this story mainly function to drive the arcs of established characters like Worf, Kira, and Dukat. It works well for their development and fits into the Dominion war story.
Personally I preferred the plot involving Ziyal, as it sets up some compelling future plot lines. Also, some of the Klingon honour related shenanigans and machismo on board the Rotarran feel a bit clichéd at times.
For me though out of all characters it is Martok that comes across as the most likeable. The writers and J G Hertzler strike the perfect balance between the Klingon warrior mentality and a relatable person.
All actors are on good for, especially Hertzler, Michael Dorn, Marc Alaimo, and Nana Visitor.
More crappy parenting tips from Mr. Worf!
planktonrules19 January 2015
Worf is an odd character in the Star Trek shows. I generally really liked him but also noticed that he was clearly the worst parent in the history of the series' regulars! When Alexander was revealed to him "Star Trek: The Next Generation" as his son, he seemed very uncomfortable with parenting and ALWAYS behaved as if the boy was a disappointment. Now, several years later and on "Star Trek: Deep Space 9", he's even more disappointed and seems to be a completely horrible parent--even by Klingon standards!
The show begins with Worf serving aboard Martok's ship. To his complete surprise, Alexander shows up as a replacement crew member-- and IMMEDIATELY Worf shows his displeasure. As for Alexander, he's unsure of himself, wimpy and a screw-up--and soon the crew is not only riding him but letting Worf hear about this! As a Klingon, naturally this will result in Worf beating the crap out of the crew members, right? Well, not really, as Worf offers the boy no help and tries to get him off the ship! The only understanding one is Martok--who proves himself to be a real stand-up guy!
The parallel story has a similar sort of plot. Dukat is embarrassed that the evidence of his dallying with Bajorans is alive and well. So, he tries to kill Ziyal...making him a marginally BETTER parent than Worf!
Aside from the fact you hate Worf in this one, it's a pretty decent episode--and one that makes your heart break for Alexander. Worth your time.
The show begins with Worf serving aboard Martok's ship. To his complete surprise, Alexander shows up as a replacement crew member-- and IMMEDIATELY Worf shows his displeasure. As for Alexander, he's unsure of himself, wimpy and a screw-up--and soon the crew is not only riding him but letting Worf hear about this! As a Klingon, naturally this will result in Worf beating the crap out of the crew members, right? Well, not really, as Worf offers the boy no help and tries to get him off the ship! The only understanding one is Martok--who proves himself to be a real stand-up guy!
The parallel story has a similar sort of plot. Dukat is embarrassed that the evidence of his dallying with Bajorans is alive and well. So, he tries to kill Ziyal...making him a marginally BETTER parent than Worf!
Aside from the fact you hate Worf in this one, it's a pretty decent episode--and one that makes your heart break for Alexander. Worth your time.
Ugh... Alexander sux
MasterJediLuke_7 January 2020
Seriously bro, you want some cheese with that wine? Normally I like any episode with Klingons in it with the exception of Alexander. He was annoying back on the Enterprise and he's annoying now. The only thing that's different is now he fights like how Elaine from Seinfeld dances.
Problems with children
Tweekums28 July 2010
Warning: Spoilers
Having been rescued by the Klingons most of the crew return to the Federation but Worf stays aboard the Klingon ship and discovers one of the new crew-members is his son Alexander. Alexander clearly has issues with his father and these are made worse when Worf breaks up a brawl between his son and another Klingon. It is clear that Alexander doesn't have what it takes to be a warrior but he still insists on staying on the ship when Worf orders his transfer to a cargo ship.
Back on DS9 Kira is pleased when Dukat's daughter Ziyal returns to the station; she may dislike her father but she is close to Ziyal and he is grateful for the way she has treated her. It seems that they are getting closer but when he gives her a beautiful dress her initial pleasure doesn't last long and she returns it, he shows his true colours when he hives it to his daughter acting as though it was meant for her in the first place.
This was a decent episode with two good plots even if Alexander seems rather whiny for a Klingon; it is no wonder the rest of the crew treats him with contempt. Pleasingly Alexander didn't suddenly reveal himself to be a great warrior but he did earn the respect of the crew and learnt to laugh at his mistakes with them. The secondary story was the better to my mind with Kira being put in an awkward position as she finds herself becoming closer to her enemy because she cares for his daughter.
Back on DS9 Kira is pleased when Dukat's daughter Ziyal returns to the station; she may dislike her father but she is close to Ziyal and he is grateful for the way she has treated her. It seems that they are getting closer but when he gives her a beautiful dress her initial pleasure doesn't last long and she returns it, he shows his true colours when he hives it to his daughter acting as though it was meant for her in the first place.
This was a decent episode with two good plots even if Alexander seems rather whiny for a Klingon; it is no wonder the rest of the crew treats him with contempt. Pleasingly Alexander didn't suddenly reveal himself to be a great warrior but he did earn the respect of the crew and learnt to laugh at his mistakes with them. The secondary story was the better to my mind with Kira being put in an awkward position as she finds herself becoming closer to her enemy because she cares for his daughter.
This Alexander story line makes no sense
tomsly-4001516 November 2023
The relationship between Worf and his son Alexander just doesn't seem to lead anywhere.
In the beginning in the TNG episodes, Worf felt uncomfortable when his love affair - a half Klingon, half human woman - revealed to him, that he has a son. Worf disliked that Alexander was not interested in the Klingon traditions and didn't care about honor or becoming a warrior. He instead came after his mother who also thought that this whole honor nonsense is stupid.
Then, after his mother was killed, Worf took over the reponsibilities for Alexander and they seemed to somehow come along, although Worf still was unhappy, that his son did not want to become a warrior. Then we had this TNG episode where old Alexander time travels to young Alexander and tries to interest him in becoming a warrior. He later reveals to Worf, that Alexander must become strong because if not, Worf will die at a point in future due to his lack of skill. But Worf also realizes, that the path old Alexander has chosen - becoming an ambassador for peace - is as honorable and Alexander should pursue this way even though this would mean, he will never become a a true Klingon warrior.
Worf and Alexander seemed to bond stronger afterwards in the following TNG episodes. When Worf's parents told him that they are too old now to raise a child, it was clear, that Worf will have to take care of Alexander alone. But then suddenly when Worf showed up on DS9 and we learned, he has given Alexander back into his parents' hands (although they clearly once said, they do not want to take care of him anymore). We also learned, that Worf has no contact to his son (it was never explained what happened and contradicts everything that evolved in TNG).
And now this episode: Suddenly Alexander WANTS to be a warrior. All the aversion he and his mother had before: Gone! The whole evolution of Alexander's character and the relationship to his father Worf just makes zero sense anymore. And on top of it, Alexander is a clumsy, stupid young man now, that always drops a brick and is a disgrace in his father's eyes.
Worf earns the title of worst father in Star Trek history and with DS9 he has become one of the worst characters, too. I found him dull and one-dimensional in TNG already, but in DS9 I just can't stand this character anymore and his constant preaching of honor. Where is the honor in basically dumping his only child at his parents and never talk to him again? As Martok said, he did not even knew Worf was a father! Worf is so ashamed of Alexander, that he rather keeps it a secret. What a dick.
In the beginning in the TNG episodes, Worf felt uncomfortable when his love affair - a half Klingon, half human woman - revealed to him, that he has a son. Worf disliked that Alexander was not interested in the Klingon traditions and didn't care about honor or becoming a warrior. He instead came after his mother who also thought that this whole honor nonsense is stupid.
Then, after his mother was killed, Worf took over the reponsibilities for Alexander and they seemed to somehow come along, although Worf still was unhappy, that his son did not want to become a warrior. Then we had this TNG episode where old Alexander time travels to young Alexander and tries to interest him in becoming a warrior. He later reveals to Worf, that Alexander must become strong because if not, Worf will die at a point in future due to his lack of skill. But Worf also realizes, that the path old Alexander has chosen - becoming an ambassador for peace - is as honorable and Alexander should pursue this way even though this would mean, he will never become a a true Klingon warrior.
Worf and Alexander seemed to bond stronger afterwards in the following TNG episodes. When Worf's parents told him that they are too old now to raise a child, it was clear, that Worf will have to take care of Alexander alone. But then suddenly when Worf showed up on DS9 and we learned, he has given Alexander back into his parents' hands (although they clearly once said, they do not want to take care of him anymore). We also learned, that Worf has no contact to his son (it was never explained what happened and contradicts everything that evolved in TNG).
And now this episode: Suddenly Alexander WANTS to be a warrior. All the aversion he and his mother had before: Gone! The whole evolution of Alexander's character and the relationship to his father Worf just makes zero sense anymore. And on top of it, Alexander is a clumsy, stupid young man now, that always drops a brick and is a disgrace in his father's eyes.
Worf earns the title of worst father in Star Trek history and with DS9 he has become one of the worst characters, too. I found him dull and one-dimensional in TNG already, but in DS9 I just can't stand this character anymore and his constant preaching of honor. Where is the honor in basically dumping his only child at his parents and never talk to him again? As Martok said, he did not even knew Worf was a father! Worf is so ashamed of Alexander, that he rather keeps it a secret. What a dick.
Lack of initial continuity made this episode frustrating & confusing.
davidhiggins-8975615 June 2021
Warning: Spoilers
**Does contain spoilers** **Does contain spoilers**.
So after being marooned on a planet with eye candy nearly getting killed & very ill in the last episode. It then jumps to a lively eye candy kissing Worf off on a mission of his in the Defiant space craft. With the briefest of mentions by Sisko to the one eyed Klingon General, "Thanks for picking us up". Which anyone could have easily missed hearing.
It needed more of a visual depiction of a message getting out in the last minute of that episode or even the explanation of Sisko saying, "Thanks for picking us up, if we'd not managed to get the communication device working, (whatever they called it, Com system or such), and get a message out, would you have searched for us, if Starfleet had asked you to?". Gen Martok saying, "There is a War on Sisko, you could have been anywhere".
The General going on to say, "No Captain Sisko, you'd still be there marooned on that planet unless Starfleet had searched for you themselves, I don't go looking for lost puppies". STILL keeping a bit of Klingon adverseness between them.
A longer explanation was needed, not just have the episode involving Worf & his crew with just a brief glimpse of roll-on tire tracks with no one else in Sisko's away-team in the episode at all. Next episode after this one they were in it. In this one it was almost as if they, (Sisko, O'Brian, Bashir etc), didn't even exist, with just a brief glimpse of eye candy.
So for that lack of continuity this episode marked down to 5 stars. Just didn't like the abruptness of thingy & her damaged symbiont lying around nearly dying then next minute/episode, she was up and about as if nothing had happened snogging Wolf. The entire season 6 seen up to episode 6 so far worth more than 5 stars.
Some good episodes in season 6 with this ongoing Dominion malarkey. Part of the main thread of the entire series. A mixture of individual themed episodes and the main threat of the Shapeshifters & the Dominion.
It all shaped up to be a decent enough series. One up until now I'd not bothered taken much interest in, even though being a Star Trek fan, (Excluding the latest woke garbage!). A decent AI enhanced near HD quality copy obtained online has changed that. DS9 now to me is worth watching. Manky old fuzzy 480p just doesn't cut it these days no matter the content.
On the whole DS9 is entertaining enough to watch. Some good action, effects and acting. I'll mention who I consider the best 3 actors are in, "Sacrifice Of Angels", ep 6 review. Can't wait can you.
So after being marooned on a planet with eye candy nearly getting killed & very ill in the last episode. It then jumps to a lively eye candy kissing Worf off on a mission of his in the Defiant space craft. With the briefest of mentions by Sisko to the one eyed Klingon General, "Thanks for picking us up". Which anyone could have easily missed hearing.
It needed more of a visual depiction of a message getting out in the last minute of that episode or even the explanation of Sisko saying, "Thanks for picking us up, if we'd not managed to get the communication device working, (whatever they called it, Com system or such), and get a message out, would you have searched for us, if Starfleet had asked you to?". Gen Martok saying, "There is a War on Sisko, you could have been anywhere".
The General going on to say, "No Captain Sisko, you'd still be there marooned on that planet unless Starfleet had searched for you themselves, I don't go looking for lost puppies". STILL keeping a bit of Klingon adverseness between them.
A longer explanation was needed, not just have the episode involving Worf & his crew with just a brief glimpse of roll-on tire tracks with no one else in Sisko's away-team in the episode at all. Next episode after this one they were in it. In this one it was almost as if they, (Sisko, O'Brian, Bashir etc), didn't even exist, with just a brief glimpse of eye candy.
So for that lack of continuity this episode marked down to 5 stars. Just didn't like the abruptness of thingy & her damaged symbiont lying around nearly dying then next minute/episode, she was up and about as if nothing had happened snogging Wolf. The entire season 6 seen up to episode 6 so far worth more than 5 stars.
Some good episodes in season 6 with this ongoing Dominion malarkey. Part of the main thread of the entire series. A mixture of individual themed episodes and the main threat of the Shapeshifters & the Dominion.
It all shaped up to be a decent enough series. One up until now I'd not bothered taken much interest in, even though being a Star Trek fan, (Excluding the latest woke garbage!). A decent AI enhanced near HD quality copy obtained online has changed that. DS9 now to me is worth watching. Manky old fuzzy 480p just doesn't cut it these days no matter the content.
On the whole DS9 is entertaining enough to watch. Some good action, effects and acting. I'll mention who I consider the best 3 actors are in, "Sacrifice Of Angels", ep 6 review. Can't wait can you.
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