The Bonding
Lieutenant Maria Aster, is killed during an away mission led by Worf. Lieutenant Aster was a widow and now her nine-year-son Jeremy (who lives aboard the Enterprise) and is an orphan. Worf feels responsible for what happened even though it was not his fault. Lieutenant Aster was killed by an explosive on a world that had long since been devoid of intelligent life. The explosive was not detected by any scans that the away team conducted.
Counselor Troi talks to Worf about what and how he is feeling. He expresses a desire to help Jeremy by sharing a Klingon ritual with the young boy. Troi expresses doubts about conducting such a ceremony.
Jeremy's mother returns. Maria wants to take Jeremy to the surface of the planet. The crew of the Enterprise does what it can to interfere with the fake mother's attempt to take Jeremy from the Enterprise. The alien entity explains itself but doesn't relent in its attempts to take Jeremy until after Wesley helps Jeremy to express his anger at Worf for being alive while his mother is dead.
The episode ends with Worf and Jeremy sharing in the ritual that Worf had earlier expressed an interest in sharing with Jeremy.
Thoughts
I had this episode on a list of episodes that I wanted to watch. I don't recall exactly why I put this on the list. I think it might have been because it was one in which Worf played a pivotal role. I believe that this was my first time watching this episode.
This was an excellent episode. I found it to be very moving and not just the ending. The actors who played Jeremy and his mother were both extremely good. The episode isn't perfect. I could probably poke some holes in it if I watched it a few more times but at least on this first viewing I am very impressed.
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