I love how K'mpec continues drinking the wine, knowing it's too late to change his fate. The actor does a great job with his timing and expressions about the wine throughout the entire scene.
Brilliant writing and acting. K'mpec knew Picard will say no to his request (which proves Picard is an honourable man), but then K'mpec slowly paints a picture, which reveals deceit and machinations he witnessed, and suffered, that prove his original point: Picard is the only man with enough honour, and wits, first to understand and then to tackle down the threat that hangs above the Klingon Empire, but ultimately, the destruction of Federation.
Honour and duty are different... Picard said 'no' because of his duties and position in starfleet (it honours picards name)... If you respect kempac and his wisdom you trust his choice (And show him honour)
@@nugambakkam I always got annoyed with the writing of the Empire for allowing the house of Duras to so blatantly continue to support the romulans. They had much more than needed evidence wise to prove the family's dishonor and treacherous nature that any civil war would be minimal and would only be cutting out the tumors.
...by clever moves and reasoning. Starting with the appointment of Picard and ending with the explanation why he, Picard, must not fail. Fom A to Z he thought the things well-out and executed them in this well-thought-out fashion. A great politician.
I like how Picard reacted to K’mpec’s revelation that he’s been poisoned. He didn’t offer sympathy cause he knew K’mpec wouldn’t want it and would most likely be offended by it.
I love the detail in this scene - K'mpec knows he's being poisoned, and knows it's his Wine, yet still takes a drink. Facing Death without fear or hesitation - Klingon AF
"Oh yeah by the way my wine is poisoned." *drinks more wine* "it's actually quite good....also i just want to watch the guy who poisoned me squirm whenever i take a drink."
I always figured since he now knows his wine was poisoned, that now he is drinking non-poisoned in this scene, why would he continue to drink poisoned wine?
@@lander77477 To lull the culprit in a false sense of security. If he stops drinking the poision, the culprit would know somethings off and be more cautious. And since there is no cure, there is no reason to stop drinking. One of the last things he could do, besides calling for Picard, to defeat his cowardly enemy.
Seems odd that the ''Honorably'' Klingons are constantly busy with backstabbing and hit-and-run tactics. That is not that Yautja from the Predator franchise do. They specifically prefer prey that can defend itself, they will not kill pregnant women, children and sick men/women. To do so is deemed a great dishonour and will get them exiled.
In the words of Sarak: "Klingon justice is a unique point of view." There seems to be two competing forms of Klingon Honor, the traditional form exemplified by Worf, who spent his life trying to be the "perfect Klingon" where Honor is absolute, especially personal Honor. And the other form, where Honor is more self-serving, ends justify the means, more about power for the sake of power and if doing things like murdering the innocent brings the Empire, "the group" victory in the end, then it was "honorable".
K'mpec was probably one of the best Klingons ever portrayed. As a young officer, he learned from General Chang and had a distinguished career as a commander. He became likely the most capable leader the Klingons had in modern times, demonstrated by his formidable will and the cunning with which he seemed to run things.
Ironic that K'mpec was felled so dishonourably, while trying to maintain that peace which his former mentor and superior officer had tried to undermine.
Must've left that part out. But unlike Duras, Chang wasn't as influential to the point where his exposure as a conspirator to assassinate Chancellor Gorkon, nor even his own demise would trigger a civil war.
I love how Picard recognizes the difference in stature between him and K'mpec and checks his ego in the end. He understands he IS talking to the Klingon Supreme Commander
I think it was also that K'mpec pointed out that if Picard did not agree, it was much more likely that a dishonourable leader of the Empire would attack the Federation. K'mpec is a persuasive speaker- he also reminded Picard of his personal history with Duras.
Charles Darwin Cooper played K'mpec. His performance in that role was always memorable. He passed in 2013. RIP. Kudos to the makeup department, who gave us such animated and emotive Klingons.
On the one hand, this scene saddens me....a great warrior and Supreme Commander coming to the end of his days...but still facing it with dignity and working to ensure that the unworthy will not claim his position. On the other hand there is a certain....satisfaction in the knowledge that K'mpec's killer....didn't have the stones to face The Supreme Commander in battle even in his twilight years. "I go to my end, unbowed and undefeated in battle."
[K'mpec's quarters] (Picard is escorted into K'mpec's quarters. There's a lot of red in the decor, and the chairs are massive) K'MPEC: It's about time you arrived, Picard. Sit. (He dismisses the guard with a wave of his hand) K'MPEC: I need your help. PICARD: If the Enterprise medical facility can do anything to help. K'MPEC: Too late. For some months I have been poisoned with small doses of Veridium six. The wine. There is no cure. PICARD: What do you want of me? K'MPEC: After I die, you will act in my name to arbitrate the struggle for power. PICARD: I will? K'MPEC: No one on the Council can be trusted, and I have my reasons for wanting an outsider. PICARD: K'mpec, you cannot possibly be serious. A Federation officer has no business in K'MPEC: Nonsense. You are an accomplished mediator. This is no different than any other dispute requiring your services. PICARD: On the contrary, I think this is very different. And I must respectfully decline. K'MPEC: If you refuse the dying request of the Klingon Supreme Commander it will be a insult by the Federation to all Klingons. Besides, I've already sent the order to the leaders of the two opposing factions. They're on their way. PICARD: You had no right to involve me without my permission. K'MPEC: If I'd asked, you would have said no. PICARD: This is not a case of simple mediation. You are asking me to choose the next leader of the Klingon Empire. K'MPEC: No. By tradition, the two strongest challengers fight for the right of succession. As mediator, only you can designate those challengers. PICARD: But you have just said there are only two challengers arriving. What is the point? K'MPEC: I want you to discover which one of them has killed me. Gowron or Duras. Yes, Duras. I thought you would find that interesting. PICARD: Interesting? You could say that, since he tried to have me killed, and conspired to strip Worf of his good name. K'MPEC: And I approved. All for the glory of the Empire. That should be my epitaph. Find the assassin. The Klingon who kills without showing his face has no honour. He must not lead the Empire. Such a man would be capable of anything. Even war with the Federation. PICARD: Very well. I accept. (K'mpec takes another drink of poisoned wine
@@chriswarf5186 it is regarded as semi-canon as there is no contradictory material in the alpha canon. Gorkon also appears, and like Chang is played by his movie actor. The only question is how did K'mpec live so long since there are some 75 years between TNG and TOS movie timelines.
The Klingon Academy cadet manual says that Chang has spent the past seventy years of his life preparing for war with the Federation. And now that I think of it, Kor from the original series is in DS9 and is stated to be well over a century old. So Klingons can live for a long time.
Manipulative as a Cardassian, tricky as a Romulan, opportunistic as a Ferengi, reading the field like a Bajoran, with the determination of the Borg. At least, that’s what he would tell everyone who would listen. I mean, is it even a victory if you can’t make yourself into a superhero afterwards?!
Well he wouldn't have authorized the Cardassian invasion. Else, I'm sure he would've handled it similarly to Gowron, initially, by having Martok or another top general run it and not micromanage the effort like he later did.
K’mpec chose well when he chose Captain Picard as Arbiter of Succession. Duras was always sneaky, and I bet Duras has been poisoning K’mpec. I wouldn’t put it passed Duras.
@@LordTalax It never been established as to whom actually poisoned Kempec. Though you can assume it to be either of Duras or Gowron as the writers intend you to believe it to be duras during said episode, given his previous actions during Sins of the father. Gowron's actions during DS9, also paint him as having personality and morality to be the poisoner.
i like this about the klingons. shows they're complex and have their own agendas, just like humans. they're not monoform like the romulans, cardassians, or ferengi. how many romulans did we ever see who were not passionate or treacherous?
There was that Romulan scientist that Voyager's crew beamed across time through the micro wormhole and Donatra is always an ace. Actually Senator Cretak was a gem until Section 31 screwed her over. And let's not forget the original Romulan Commander from Balance of Terror.
STO did, thats enogh for me. Didnt know how great the final episode of the Dyson sphere arc was (where Klingons and Federation made a ceasefire and reunited at last).
capybaras K’mpec meant that if he had asked Picard the moment he realized he was being poisoned, Picard would’ve said no. By the time this scene takes place, K’mpec had manipulated circumstances so that Picard did not have a real choice anymore. Picard tried to say no, then realized saying no would have disastrous results for the Federation, and therefore changed his answer.
@@omegastar19 Picard hand was forced into this mess and saying no would have created a bigger mess. K'mpec really understood Picard & humans motivation better than most Klingons who were far too arrogant & always thought humans were simply too weak/cowards.
@@jakep1979 that's why I always liked K'mpec's character. As with all things concerning power. The highest echelons soon become parody and full of hypocrisy. At the scale of the Empire, that truly shows the insight and ability... the political animal K'mpec must have been. ...helps that the actor plays his role epically well.
K'mpec was the first Chancellor introduced, and interestingly, probably the best Chancellor (I guess David Warner would give him a run for his money, though.)
gorkon was by all acounts the best. he was progressive, he saw that the klingon empire could have a solid friendship with the federation without sacrificing their warrior identity
no Gowron wouldnt have poisoned him, Duras would have... though Gowron would be one to put a knife in his back. Both are without honor, but Duras was just the slimier of the two.
Gowron's style would have been to either challenge K'mpec openly or if that was not an option, erode K'mpec's support in council and have him publically humiliated into resigning/ritual suicide. Gowron may speak in whispers but when he moves he moves openly and decisively.
I'm not so sure of Gowron's honor after what he did in DS9. He seems to plot and scheme just like a Romulan would. Using manipulation and coercion along the way. I wouldn't doubt it a second that Gowron did indeed poison K'mpec. Remember that Gowron was an outsider, a far shot at getting a chance to take control of the Empire, but the timing would have been just right, as it was only between him and Duras. If K'mpec lived another 10 years of a normal life then Gowron may have vanished by other Houses making an impression. The time was right for Gowron to eliminate K'mpec and challenge Duras. Gowron was the better fighter of the two.
In many ways, Starfleet captains become like Roman provincial governors in that they not only have their official area of command, but they also have broad latitude to intervene in the political affairs of outlying tribes and aligned cultures.
Well, in Deep Space Nine, Gowron brought the Klingon Empire to war against the Federation. Then again, he did then proved to be an ally of the Federation in the Dominion War. Then again, had Duras become emperor of the Klingon Empire, I don't think the Federation-Klingon alliance would have lasted. In fact, Duras would have probably sided the Klingon Empire with the Romulans or even the Dominion.
I have reserved the right to dismiss all ST branded shows after the TNG as garbage and non-canon. Convenient? Yes! I gave up on DS9 two years into its run. Ridiculous show.
Agree Rensune, deep space got better as it went along and the last two seasons were brilliant. Plus some episode like in the pale moonlight were just as good as many of next generations best episodes.
A rebel pilot? The reason it's my favorite is out of All the Treks, the characters actually act like People. Wheras before you'd see Glimpses of it with Kirk or Riker, the Entire cast actually not only acts like a family but has real world flaws, and conflicts.
yeah if duras would have become cancheler the cardians may have been wiped out and there would been likely a romulan kinglon war with both the federation and carsadians. heck they might have even tired to ally themselves with the maquis being like hey lets help you while giving them clearly false promises and wanting to screw them over. and yeah heck the carsdians themselves might have joined the domion after the kingons and romulans joined up. leaving the federation to face domion carsaian kinglon romulan froces.
It’s same actor who played General Kord in Star Trek V The Final frontier isn’t it, playing K’Mpeck . They certainly get their money’s worth out of the Klingon actors in Star Trek . In fact you could say that about the actors who play so many of the Extraterrestrial characters in the show’s history going right back to The Original Series.
Being that Capt Picard took an initiative to assist Worf in Worf's challenge to restore and resolve his father's name and his family's house, K'mpec knew that Picard, despite his reluctance at first, would agree to maintain relations with the Klingon Empire, and the Federation by eliminating the culprit of so much treachery. That being Duras and his family.
This shows that K'mpec still had honor, and respected the idea of it still. And drinking the wine, knowing that's how he was poisoned, showed he did not fear death either. A true warrior of the Empire to the end.
In the end, I believe it was Gowlron who killed K'mpec. Duras would have just up and killed the dude. It was Gowlron the rank outsider to win who did. He did end the Khittomor Accords and declare war on the UFP. Fine, he resigned up again later, but in the end, he kept sending Martok on suicide runs due to his fear of Martok's growing political power. Regardless of whether he wanted to use it. In the end, he directs the Klingon part of the Dominion War just to make certain staff officers including Martok look bad. Dishonourable conduct in war. In the end, Worf killed him as he killed Duras.
Gowron is the one who would outright kill K'mpec, he is not the poisoning type. Power got to his head later, but until the Dominion War at least he was a very popular and capable Chancellor. His disdain for Martok was rooted in old feudal attitudes the Klingons had trouble shaking off, rather than an inability on his professional part.
Nah if it was Gowlron who was the poisoner he would of started poisoning Martok when he started seeing him as a threat, but he didn't which shows that's not his style
I don't think Duras had the guts to see the old man in battle. Even when he's fighting Worf he's actually trying to negotiate and plead off his rapidly impending death. Duras was a coward. Gowron got big headed and became a glory hound during the Dominion War, but when Worf challenged him, he threw the Chancellor's cloak off drew blades and went to work. Gowron could be an ego-maniac, but he was a true Klingon and died as such. He wouldn't have poisoned K'mpec. Duras by contrast had the mos power and stroke in the Empire, and the largest power bloc loyal to his house. If the old man dies, he's the de facto pick to become the new Chancellor, which is what he was counting on.
>ruins worf's reputation to save the empire from civil war that would result in showing Duras' dad was a traitor >gets assassinated by Duras and triggers a civil war, Duras ends up getting killed in a duel by Worf anyway Certified bruh moment.
Kempeck vs Robert Baratheon, Oh no doubt Kempeck would have slain Baratheon thrice over. This is one of the greatest moments in Fantasy/Fiction history.
Looking back to this scene, it's clear the writers already had ideas about the corruption and decay in the Klingon Empire that was greatly expanded upon in DS9, even this early. They were spring boarding off the earlier plotline where the Klingon council knowingly "discarded" honor for political expedience, and discommendated Worf to protect Duras and by extension, prevent civil war. Now don't get me wrong, I don't have a problem with political expediency in the real world. But these Klingons purport to live by different values, and are willing to die for them. Or are they? Perhaps in reality they're willing to die...but only for their own personal glory and legacy. That's quite different. I think this conundrum is hinted at here by K'mpec when he jokes about his epitaph. He's frustrated by politics requiring him to discommendate an honorable man and his family. He views this request he's making of Picard as a last resort, to prevent the Empire from disaster, yet again from the brink. In his dying days, it seems to him like the Empire is also similarly on it's last legs, and he's trying to preserve it for just one more generation, or even a few years. He does not speak like a man anticipating the Empire's long future existence and the glory that comes with it. He clearly didn't trust Duras...but he also didn't trust Gowron or the other Klingon House leaders much more. He quite literally didn't trust anybody to not be in the pocket of either Duras or Gowron. Back in TNG we saw Gowron as an energetic, ambitious man, who upheld the concept of honor, at least compared to Duras. But in hindsight, he too was a creature of politics even then, the best choice among a rotting stock of plotters and opportunists.
generally they would just let Gowron and Duras duke it out in open warfare but even K'mpec knew an outside force was manipulating at least one side, so he brought in another outside force to verify it.
It would have come a lot sooner and it would have been far more devastating. And it was aided by the Founders, who wanted a war between all the major players who would oppose them
I wonder if K'mpec thought this through. He must have been aware that whatever choice Picard makes, the other faction will claim that this is the Federation involving itself in Klingon affairs and take that as cause for civil war.
I don't think I understood until recently the sheer ramifications of this decision. If Duras had won - and Gowron didn't have the support by himself to win, so it would have been likely - the Federation and Klingons would have torn each other apart and formed a neat little doormat for the Dominion to step on. I tend to view TNG and DS9 as one long story arc, and this is one of my favorite moments just because of how pivotal it was for the fate of the galaxy. Picard no doubt felt the weight of a mountain on his shoulders, but had he known of the Dominion threat, it would be the weight of a planet.
I don't think the Dominion was a thing at this point in TNG/DS9. It was more they were thinking about who would exploit the situation in the Alpha and Beta Quadrants. Powers like the Romulans and the Tholians would have jumped at the chance to snap up territory if these two main powers weakened themselves enough.
@@seanwhitman8353 Oh for sure the Dominion wasn't a thing at this point in the writers' room. I do think it makes for a really interesting point though that this situation, if the Dominion HAD been in the works, was one of the hinges around which the independence of the entire quadrant depended. Hindsight, I suppose, makes this particular wine age even finer.
@@Tintin824 True. Hindsight in this case does make for a deliciously aged bloodwine. Duras would have made a very poor Chancellor and the entire quadrant would have been conquered. No buts about it. For all of his scheming, Gowron was the better option, and he proved to be until he was killed by Worf and replaced by Martok. I doubt Duras would have lasted as long.
@@seanwhitman8353 I feel like Gowron was kind of just warming the seat for Martok. For all his strengths, the man was still corrupt and debatably even cowardly. But yeah, he did at least allow one of the most stabilizing parts of the quadrant to survive. I'm not sure how much I agree that Duras wouldn't have lasted as long, but then again schemers rarely last long, and ambitious puppets even less.
K'mpec was a badass.
"They've been poisoning me for months. Its in the Wine" *drinks the wine*
He was dead as a t'arg anyway, so why not
Like MagesticDemonLord said in another comment three years ago:
”Facing death without fear or hesitation - Klingon AF”
A meeting between K´mpec and Weyoun would´ve been interesting...Both of them casually sipping poisoned wine :D
@@NashmanNash weyoun would have necked it by the gallon and passed out 😂😂
So how did he know
I love how K'mpec continues drinking the wine, knowing it's too late to change his fate. The actor does a great job with his timing and expressions about the wine throughout the entire scene.
Hair of the dog that bit ya. :)
"It's poisoned but I'm not fucking wasting it." Kmpec a true drinker.
Love the way the actor who portrays K'mpec delivers his lines.
@Robb Dark Charles Cooper. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_Cooper_(actor)
He also played General Korrd in Star Trek V.
1:14 when he grabs his uniform as if in pain, so good.
Eat it G. R. R. Martin. None of your Game of Thrones comes close to this.
He weares the same uniform in Startrek 5
The look on K'mpec's face after he drinks the wine is incredible. Fine piece of acting by the late Charles Cooper.
Brilliant writing and acting. K'mpec knew Picard will say no to his request (which proves Picard is an honourable man), but then K'mpec slowly paints a picture, which reveals deceit and machinations he witnessed, and suffered, that prove his original point: Picard is the only man with enough honour, and wits, first to understand and then to tackle down the threat that hangs above the Klingon Empire, but ultimately, the destruction of Federation.
Well said!!!!🖖
Also Kempac knew that in the end, Picard always has the son of Mog in his back pocket.
Honour and duty are different... Picard said 'no' because of his duties and position in starfleet (it honours picards name)... If you respect kempac and his wisdom you trust his choice (And show him honour)
@@nugambakkam I always got annoyed with the writing of the Empire for allowing the house of Duras to so blatantly continue to support the romulans.
They had much more than needed evidence wise to prove the family's dishonor and treacherous nature that any civil war would be minimal and would only be cutting out the tumors.
Thing is, he might have asked Worf, if not for the discomendation he allowed to happen.
So the Cha'dish will do.
It's a shame he only appeared in two episodes, I love his performance as K'mpec.
K'mpec was one of the few who could impose his will on Picard.
...by clever moves and reasoning.
Starting with the appointment of Picard and ending with the explanation why he, Picard, must not fail.
Fom A to Z he thought the things well-out and executed them in this well-thought-out fashion.
A great politician.
Huh, you’re right - one of the few people to ever gain the upper hand in diplomacy on Picard.
K'mpec was a clever Klingon. How else would a fat old Klingon survive all these years without being clever?!
@@jakep1979 He was also the longest-serving chancellors in Klingon history to that point. Another sign of his great political skill.
@@bluerisk With just the right touch of guile.
My favorite thing about TNG Klingons is the creaking leather.
Yes. every move they make sounds badass that way.
It’s your Heavy Metal heart that recognises the sound of
Denim And Leather
Brought us all together
It was you that set the spirit free!
😁
Kinky
It really does add to the scene. Just the sound and the acting by these two makes it one of the best scenes in ST TNG.
Eeyup.
I like how Picard reacted to K’mpec’s revelation that he’s been poisoned. He didn’t offer sympathy cause he knew K’mpec wouldn’t want it and would most likely be offended by it.
Ridian-6 poisoning
@@oldrocker74 Ridian-6 poisoning
@@oldrocker74 "Veridian" 6.
@@MrTsuruta1000 Actually it's Veridium 6, though the names are very similar.
I love the detail in this scene - K'mpec knows he's being poisoned, and knows it's his Wine, yet still takes a drink. Facing Death without fear or hesitation - Klingon AF
"Oh yeah by the way my wine is poisoned." *drinks more wine* "it's actually quite good....also i just want to watch the guy who poisoned me squirm whenever i take a drink."
I always figured since he now knows his wine was poisoned, that now he is drinking non-poisoned in this scene, why would he continue to drink poisoned wine?
@@lander77477
To lull the culprit in a false sense of security.
If he stops drinking the poision, the culprit would know somethings off and be more cautious. And since there is no cure, there is no reason to stop drinking.
One of the last things he could do, besides calling for Picard, to defeat his cowardly enemy.
God I miss Star Trek.
I think because the poison was a slow one and he already got a lethal dose, he figured: why stop drinking good wine?
The human Picard had more honor than most Klingons - ESPECIALLY those on the High Council.
Especially all the generations of Duras.
The high council has low standards
Seems odd that the ''Honorably'' Klingons are constantly busy with backstabbing and hit-and-run tactics. That is not that Yautja from the Predator franchise do.
They specifically prefer prey that can defend itself, they will not kill pregnant women, children and sick men/women. To do so is deemed a great dishonour and will get them exiled.
@@Nerdiness1985 just like romulans can show honour, so can klingons show treachery
In the words of Sarak: "Klingon justice is a unique point of view." There seems to be two competing forms of Klingon Honor, the traditional form exemplified by Worf, who spent his life trying to be the "perfect Klingon" where Honor is absolute, especially personal Honor. And the other form, where Honor is more self-serving, ends justify the means, more about power for the sake of power and if doing things like murdering the innocent brings the Empire, "the group" victory in the end, then it was "honorable".
K'mpec was probably one of the best Klingons ever portrayed. As a young officer, he learned from General Chang and had a distinguished career as a commander. He became likely the most capable leader the Klingons had in modern times, demonstrated by his formidable will and the cunning with which he seemed to run things.
Are you saying he's the player character of Star Trek: Klingon Academy?
Ironic that K'mpec was felled so dishonourably, while trying to maintain that peace which his former mentor and superior officer had tried to undermine.
@@GreyDoofus88 or that the Klingon who kills without showing his face was none other than Chang with his special Bird of Prey
Must've left that part out. But unlike Duras, Chang wasn't as influential to the point where his exposure as a conspirator to assassinate Chancellor Gorkon, nor even his own demise would trigger a civil war.
I wouldn't list being mentored by the Klingon who tried to sabotage the peace talks in Undiscovered Country as a good thing about him.
I love how Picard recognizes the difference in stature between him and K'mpec and checks his ego in the end.
He understands he IS talking to the Klingon Supreme Commander
The Klingon Supreme Commander has that much respect for Picard
I think it was also that K'mpec pointed out that if Picard did not agree, it was much more likely that a dishonourable leader of the Empire would attack the Federation. K'mpec is a persuasive speaker- he also reminded Picard of his personal history with Duras.
@@stonem0013 Smart man he knew Picard would agree once he learned the full story and he explained his reasoning.
For once Picard gets owned and outsmarted!
Picard is a phenomenal diplomat and Captain but he didn't rule an intergalactic empire that was under consent threat of assassination
@@sirlaggzzalot For those reasons, apparently it's very rare for a klingon chancellor to live as long in office as he has.
Admiral Mendek outsmarted and "owned" him pretty hard. It was like the reverse of what Picard did to Tomalak
By General Changs apprentice
Charles Darwin Cooper played K'mpec.
His performance in that role was always memorable.
He passed in 2013.
RIP.
Kudos to the makeup department, who gave us such animated and emotive Klingons.
This is why Picard is so awesome a true gentleman but will gladly go into danger for true honour
On the one hand, this scene saddens me....a great warrior and Supreme Commander coming to the end of his days...but still facing it with dignity and working to ensure that the unworthy will not claim his position. On the other hand there is a certain....satisfaction in the knowledge that K'mpec's killer....didn't have the stones to face The Supreme Commander in battle even in his twilight years. "I go to my end, unbowed and undefeated in battle."
Back when Star Trek was Star Trek.
Truly my friend truly
[K'mpec's quarters]
(Picard is escorted into K'mpec's quarters. There's a lot of red in the decor, and the chairs are massive)
K'MPEC: It's about time you arrived, Picard. Sit.
(He dismisses the guard with a wave of his hand)
K'MPEC: I need your help.
PICARD: If the Enterprise medical facility can do anything to help.
K'MPEC: Too late. For some months I have been poisoned with small doses of Veridium six. The wine. There is no cure.
PICARD: What do you want of me?
K'MPEC: After I die, you will act in my name to arbitrate the struggle for power.
PICARD: I will?
K'MPEC: No one on the Council can be trusted, and I have my reasons for wanting an outsider.
PICARD: K'mpec, you cannot possibly be serious. A Federation officer has no business in
K'MPEC: Nonsense. You are an accomplished mediator. This is no different than any other dispute requiring your services.
PICARD: On the contrary, I think this is very different. And I must respectfully decline.
K'MPEC: If you refuse the dying request of the Klingon Supreme Commander it will be a insult by the Federation to all Klingons. Besides, I've already sent the order to the leaders of the two opposing factions. They're on their way.
PICARD: You had no right to involve me without my permission.
K'MPEC: If I'd asked, you would have said no.
PICARD: This is not a case of simple mediation. You are asking me to choose the next leader of the Klingon Empire.
K'MPEC: No. By tradition, the two strongest challengers fight for the right of succession. As mediator, only you can designate those challengers.
PICARD: But you have just said there are only two challengers arriving. What is the point?
K'MPEC: I want you to discover which one of them has killed me. Gowron or Duras. Yes, Duras. I thought you would find that interesting.
PICARD: Interesting? You could say that, since he tried to have me killed, and conspired to strip Worf of his good name.
K'MPEC: And I approved. All for the glory of the Empire. That should be my epitaph. Find the assassin. The Klingon who kills without showing his face has no honour. He must not lead the Empire. Such a man would be capable of anything. Even war with the Federation.
PICARD: Very well. I accept.
(K'mpec takes another drink of poisoned wine
thanks
The acting in this scene is captivating, kudos to both actors
“Yes! I thought you would find that interesting.” Brilliant.
this scene is so much heavier if you've played klingon academy
How so
K'mpec and K'porak were in Klingon Academy. Its not canon of course but im pretty sure these were intended to be the same people.
@@chriswarf5186 it is regarded as semi-canon as there is no contradictory material in the alpha canon. Gorkon also appears, and like Chang is played by his movie actor. The only question is how did K'mpec live so long since there are some 75 years between TNG and TOS movie timelines.
The Klingon Academy cadet manual says that Chang has spent the past seventy years of his life preparing for war with the Federation. And now that I think of it, Kor from the original series is in DS9 and is stated to be well over a century old. So Klingons can live for a long time.
@@SantomPh Probably the same way Koloth, Kang, and (as mentioned) Kor did: Klingon's are too stubborn to die of old age.
*Rest in Peace K'mpec Late 23rd century - 2367*
Gone but Never Forgotten.
K'mpec proves why his position was well-earned in this scene.
I would like to know how K'mpec would've handled the Dominion if he had lived long enough to become aware of them.
Manipulative as a Cardassian, tricky as a Romulan, opportunistic as a Ferengi, reading the field like a Bajoran, with the determination of the Borg.
At least, that’s what he would tell everyone who would listen. I mean, is it even a victory if you can’t make yourself into a superhero afterwards?!
Well he wouldn't have authorized the Cardassian invasion. Else, I'm sure he would've handled it similarly to Gowron, initially, by having Martok or another top general run it and not micromanage the effort like he later did.
@@nicholashernandez4611 flaaarrrgg
He poisoned them with small doses of viridian 6.
Such a powerful scene and well acted
K’mpec chose well when he chose Captain Picard as Arbiter of Succession. Duras was always sneaky, and I bet Duras has been poisoning K’mpec. I wouldn’t put it passed Duras.
I thought they figured Gowron for it but worf kind of narrowed the list of succession down to 1 on his own.
Duras was planned to be the assassin, by the writers, but it is never said outright due to the scene being cut.
The family of Duras has always been a problem for Starfleet and the Federation.
It was implied that Gowron was the poisoner
@@LordTalax It never been established as to whom actually poisoned Kempec. Though you can assume it to be either of Duras or Gowron as the writers intend you to believe it to be duras during said episode, given his previous actions during Sins of the father. Gowron's actions during DS9, also paint him as having personality and morality to be the poisoner.
i like this about the klingons. shows they're complex and have their own agendas, just like humans. they're not monoform like the romulans, cardassians, or ferengi. how many romulans did we ever see who were not passionate or treacherous?
Eh, DS9 did a good job showing the Cardassians are more than just space fascists
Sela was showed a lot
There was that Romulan scientist that Voyager's crew beamed across time through the micro wormhole and Donatra is always an ace. Actually Senator Cretak was a gem until Section 31 screwed her over. And let's not forget the original Romulan Commander from Balance of Terror.
@@InfernosReaper And Quark proved a ferengi can be more honorable than some klingon.
@@tomf3150 And Nog who decided to join Starfleet, and let's not forget Grand Nagus Rom!
The story arc of the Klingons both in TNG and DS9 is amazing. I live in eternal hope that the new ones will pick up a little.
STO did, thats enogh for me. Didnt know how great the final episode of the Dyson sphere arc was (where Klingons and Federation made a ceasefire and reunited at last).
"If I had asked, you would have said no"
"What....you just asked, and I just said no"
capybaras K’mpec meant that if he had asked Picard the moment he realized he was being poisoned, Picard would’ve said no. By the time this scene takes place, K’mpec had manipulated circumstances so that Picard did not have a real choice anymore. Picard tried to say no, then realized saying no would have disastrous results for the Federation, and therefore changed his answer.
@@omegastar19 Picard hand was forced into this mess and saying no would have created a bigger mess. K'mpec really understood Picard & humans motivation better than most Klingons who were far too arrogant & always thought humans were simply too weak/cowards.
He didn't ask, he put it in motion and told picard "btw mate, you're in charge now".
@@1993bahamut Vollen-told.
@@jakep1979 that's why I always liked K'mpec's character. As with all things concerning power. The highest echelons soon become parody and full of hypocrisy. At the scale of the Empire, that truly shows the insight and ability... the political animal K'mpec must have been.
...helps that the actor plays his role epically well.
this scene has so much more impact after playing klingon academy and seeing younger k'mpec
My favorite episode of the entire series. Such melancholy.
Really love how Klingon Academy had a young K'mpec; even if he wasn't a major player in that story.
K'mpec was the first Chancellor introduced, and interestingly, probably the best Chancellor (I guess David Warner would give him a run for his money, though.)
gorkon was by all acounts the best. he was progressive, he saw that the klingon empire could have a solid friendship with the federation without sacrificing their warrior identity
This is excellent acting. Every nuanced gesture, subtlety expressed emotion, and uttered precise wording makes this dialogue a choice piece.
Powerful High Chancellor K'mpec
Rest in Peace K'Mpec
Watch the superb acting in this episode. Sub textual hints make me think Gowron was the poisoner.
turns out it was duras and he was working with the romulans.
no Gowron wouldnt have poisoned him, Duras would have... though Gowron would be one to put a knife in his back. Both are without honor, but Duras was just the slimier of the two.
Gowron's style would have been to either challenge K'mpec openly or if that was not an option, erode K'mpec's support in council and have him publically humiliated into resigning/ritual suicide. Gowron may speak in whispers but when he moves he moves openly and decisively.
Yep, I personally assumed that it was Gowron. It makes the resolution bittersweet: there are no good guys here.
I'm not so sure of Gowron's honor after what he did in DS9. He seems to plot and scheme just like a Romulan would. Using manipulation and coercion along the way. I wouldn't doubt it a second that Gowron did indeed poison K'mpec. Remember that Gowron was an outsider, a far shot at getting a chance to take control of the Empire, but the timing would have been just right, as it was only between him and Duras. If K'mpec lived another 10 years of a normal life then Gowron may have vanished by other Houses making an impression. The time was right for Gowron to eliminate K'mpec and challenge Duras. Gowron was the better fighter of the two.
after k'mpec the klingon empire went to shit.
In many ways, Starfleet captains become like Roman provincial governors in that they not only have their official area of command, but they also have broad latitude to intervene in the political affairs of outlying tribes and aligned cultures.
K'mpec was a great character
Well, in Deep Space Nine, Gowron brought the Klingon Empire to war against the Federation. Then again, he did then proved to be an ally of the Federation in the Dominion War.
Then again, had Duras become emperor of the Klingon Empire, I don't think the Federation-Klingon alliance would have lasted. In fact, Duras would have probably sided the Klingon Empire with the Romulans or even the Dominion.
I have reserved the right to dismiss all ST branded shows after the TNG as garbage and non-canon. Convenient? Yes! I gave up on DS9 two years into its run. Ridiculous show.
Ridiculously great
#DS9BestST
Agree Rensune, deep space got better as it went along and the last two seasons were brilliant. Plus some episode like in the pale moonlight were just as good as many of next generations best episodes.
A rebel pilot?
The reason it's my favorite is out of All the Treks, the characters actually act like People.
Wheras before you'd see Glimpses of it with Kirk or Riker, the Entire cast actually not only acts like a family but has real world flaws, and conflicts.
yeah if duras would have become cancheler the cardians may have been wiped out and there would been likely a romulan kinglon war with both the federation and carsadians. heck they might have even tired to ally themselves with the maquis being like hey lets help you while giving them clearly false promises and wanting to screw them over. and yeah heck the carsdians themselves might have joined the domion after the kingons and romulans joined up. leaving the federation to face domion carsaian kinglon romulan froces.
The gravitas in that room was so thick you could cut it with a knife
Picard laughed when a nausican stabbed him in the heart
Just before the video came up The ad for Strongbow with sir Patric Stuart came up
This one scene has better writing then all the Star trek material in the last 10 years it's really sad.
Best episode!! 10/10!! This scene, was filmed so intensely!!! 👍👍👍
It’s same actor who played General Kord in Star Trek V The Final frontier isn’t it, playing K’Mpeck .
They certainly get their money’s worth out of the Klingon actors in Star Trek . In fact you could say that about the actors who play so many of the Extraterrestrial characters in the show’s history going right back to The Original Series.
Some say Koord was K'mpec's father. If you've played the game Klingon Academy, we see a young K'mpec
"You're still fat!" -Kahlest
"I still wanna smash tho" - K'mpec
A true Klingon continues to drink his vintage fearlessly even when he knows it will kill him.
Qapla' :) And the episode is called Reunion
You gotta love how K'mpec send his warrior out of the room .... waves and a simple grunt. xD
A truly great television show
RIP K'mpec.
The ASMR is strong with this one
i wish u put the sound up there so quiet
cheers
He was no Gorkon, but K'mpec will be remembered.
K'mpec was the longest reigning Chancellor that is a feat unto itself. Also K'mpec kept the empire stable even after his demise.
Being that Capt Picard took an initiative to assist Worf in Worf's challenge to restore and resolve his father's name and his family's house,
K'mpec knew that Picard, despite his reluctance at first, would agree to maintain relations with the Klingon Empire, and the Federation by eliminating the culprit of so much treachery.
That being Duras and his family.
A great choice of actor for the Klingon leader. Absolutely well played. Peace
This shows that K'mpec still had honor, and respected the idea of it still.
And drinking the wine, knowing that's how he was poisoned, showed he did not fear death either.
A true warrior of the Empire to the end.
He drinks the wine and says, "I accept too."
Gowron: More didn't poison him, still declared war on the Federation.
with my speakers at FULL and my sound at 100%, I still can't hear anything more than mumbling.
The volume quality is very poor, I know. I did my best to enhance it. Believe it or not, it used to be worse.
Well, for whatever reason, it's a common occurrence on UA-cam. So you're not alone.
Man, a reasonable guy like Gowron would never go to war with the Federation. Glad this all worked out for the best.
Talked all the way through his "death" and was still drinking at the end. A good death indeed.
3:14 Patrick Stewart himself is scared for his life
K’mpec was also General Korrd on Star Trek V
In the end, I believe it was Gowlron who killed K'mpec. Duras would have just up and killed the dude. It was Gowlron the rank outsider to win who did. He did end the Khittomor Accords and declare war on the UFP. Fine, he resigned up again later, but in the end, he kept sending Martok on suicide runs due to his fear of Martok's growing political power. Regardless of whether he wanted to use it.
In the end, he directs the Klingon part of the Dominion War just to make certain staff officers including Martok look bad. Dishonourable conduct in war. In the end, Worf killed him as he killed Duras.
Gowron is the one who would outright kill K'mpec, he is not the poisoning type. Power got to his head later, but until the Dominion War at least he was a very popular and capable Chancellor. His disdain for Martok was rooted in old feudal attitudes the Klingons had trouble shaking off, rather than an inability on his professional part.
Nah if it was Gowlron who was the poisoner he would of started poisoning Martok when he started seeing him as a threat, but he didn't which shows that's not his style
I don't think Duras had the guts to see the old man in battle. Even when he's fighting Worf he's actually trying to negotiate and plead off his rapidly impending death. Duras was a coward. Gowron got big headed and became a glory hound during the Dominion War, but when Worf challenged him, he threw the Chancellor's cloak off drew blades and went to work. Gowron could be an ego-maniac, but he was a true Klingon and died as such. He wouldn't have poisoned K'mpec. Duras by contrast had the mos power and stroke in the Empire, and the largest power bloc loyal to his house. If the old man dies, he's the de facto pick to become the new Chancellor, which is what he was counting on.
I think it's spelled Gowron, but now I want to spell it Growl-on.
He got what he deserved for protecting Duras and framing Worf’s dad!
TOTALLY underrated scene ...............................................
>ruins worf's reputation to save the empire from civil war that would result in showing Duras' dad was a traitor
>gets assassinated by Duras and triggers a civil war, Duras ends up getting killed in a duel by Worf anyway
Certified bruh moment.
Kempeck vs Robert Baratheon,
Oh no doubt Kempeck would have slain Baratheon thrice over. This is one of the greatest moments in Fantasy/Fiction history.
Why is the sound so low?
thedavecorp everyone in the scene is muttering
I want those chairs, seriously I would 100% use them as my gaming chair
"Let me stand up just so I can move to another chair and sit back down."
At first, he sits in a regular chair with Picard, like equals, then moves to his throne where he dies. There is symbolism in the act.
@@glenndallas7171 I'll watch the clip again; if that second chair looks like a throne, then I missed it.
Shakespeare would be proud.
The constant creek of Klingon leather
Looking back to this scene, it's clear the writers already had ideas about the corruption and decay in the Klingon Empire that was greatly expanded upon in DS9, even this early. They were spring boarding off the earlier plotline where the Klingon council knowingly "discarded" honor for political expedience, and discommendated Worf to protect Duras and by extension, prevent civil war.
Now don't get me wrong, I don't have a problem with political expediency in the real world. But these Klingons purport to live by different values, and are willing to die for them. Or are they? Perhaps in reality they're willing to die...but only for their own personal glory and legacy. That's quite different.
I think this conundrum is hinted at here by K'mpec when he jokes about his epitaph. He's frustrated by politics requiring him to discommendate an honorable man and his family. He views this request he's making of Picard as a last resort, to prevent the Empire from disaster, yet again from the brink. In his dying days, it seems to him like the Empire is also similarly on it's last legs, and he's trying to preserve it for just one more generation, or even a few years. He does not speak like a man anticipating the Empire's long future existence and the glory that comes with it.
He clearly didn't trust Duras...but he also didn't trust Gowron or the other Klingon House leaders much more. He quite literally didn't trust anybody to not be in the pocket of either Duras or Gowron. Back in TNG we saw Gowron as an energetic, ambitious man, who upheld the concept of honor, at least compared to Duras. But in hindsight, he too was a creature of politics even then, the best choice among a rotting stock of plotters and opportunists.
Well said.
Guy keeps a trio of gunnery chairs in his living room, eh?
Can barely hear this when ti plays. turn it up!!!
Turn dem shits up!
the old fake excuse: "I already sent the order"
i think this was k'mpec giving duras the chance to trip himself up and his expose his treachery to the empire.
Later the two Klingon challengers ritually made sure that K'mpec was dead by hitting him with pain sticks.
This just illustrates how backwards the Empire was if they were asking for mediation from a federation officer
generally they would just let Gowron and Duras duke it out in open warfare but even K'mpec knew an outside force was manipulating at least one side, so he brought in another outside force to verify it.
"such a man would be capable of anything, (haha) even war with the Federation".
Oddly enough, a few years later, this is exactly what Gowron does.
It would have come a lot sooner and it would have been far more devastating.
And it was aided by the Founders, who wanted a war between all the major players who would oppose them
I wonder if K'mpec thought this through.
He must have been aware that whatever choice Picard makes, the other faction will claim that this is the Federation involving itself in Klingon affairs and take that as cause for civil war.
Got to had it to those Klingons they love their drink and enjoy good food and fighting
Today is a good day to die
Someone poisoned my wine takes a big sip
I don't think I understood until recently the sheer ramifications of this decision. If Duras had won - and Gowron didn't have the support by himself to win, so it would have been likely - the Federation and Klingons would have torn each other apart and formed a neat little doormat for the Dominion to step on. I tend to view TNG and DS9 as one long story arc, and this is one of my favorite moments just because of how pivotal it was for the fate of the galaxy. Picard no doubt felt the weight of a mountain on his shoulders, but had he known of the Dominion threat, it would be the weight of a planet.
I don't think the Dominion was a thing at this point in TNG/DS9. It was more they were thinking about who would exploit the situation in the Alpha and Beta Quadrants. Powers like the Romulans and the Tholians would have jumped at the chance to snap up territory if these two main powers weakened themselves enough.
@@seanwhitman8353 Oh for sure the Dominion wasn't a thing at this point in the writers' room. I do think it makes for a really interesting point though that this situation, if the Dominion HAD been in the works, was one of the hinges around which the independence of the entire quadrant depended. Hindsight, I suppose, makes this particular wine age even finer.
@@Tintin824 True. Hindsight in this case does make for a deliciously aged bloodwine. Duras would have made a very poor Chancellor and the entire quadrant would have been conquered. No buts about it. For all of his scheming, Gowron was the better option, and he proved to be until he was killed by Worf and replaced by Martok. I doubt Duras would have lasted as long.
@@seanwhitman8353 I feel like Gowron was kind of just warming the seat for Martok. For all his strengths, the man was still corrupt and debatably even cowardly. But yeah, he did at least allow one of the most stabilizing parts of the quadrant to survive. I'm not sure how much I agree that Duras wouldn't have lasted as long, but then again schemers rarely last long, and ambitious puppets even less.
@@Tintin824 And keep in mind: Gowron did die with honor. Duras didn't. It is telling that Worf did the death scream for Gowron and not Duras.
Everyone knows it was Duras. Duras is a coward lol
I mean ask yourself? Can you see Duras drawing a blade on K'mpec? I don't see it.
What's this bandicam, a non grainy 480p upload quality? Are you feeling OK?
Better to ask forgiveness than permission.
From Romulus with Love
That one line about war puts a bit more zest on gowron declaring hostilities in ds9 doesn't it...
I think Gowron was a decent leader but when he actually had to fight his own people in their Civil war... It changed him....
Make it so!
The friend of my enemy is my friend.
Looking at how unstable and insecure Gowron was I believe it is just as plausible that he poisoned K'mpec.
I'm wondering how did he know he was being Posioning
K'mpec knows Picard doesn't say no to a chance fuck up someone from the House of Duras.
Gowron ends up making war with the Federation :)