Eternal_Freedom wrote:
It's not so much a hard-on for TOS Klingons as preferring them to TNG Klingons. If nothing else, in this new timeline the Klingons are essentially a tabula rasa and I woudl like to see them based upon the Klingons from The Undiscovered Country.
IIRC, the TOS Klingons differed not just in terms of facial appearance, but culture as well. Apparently, at some point between TOS and TNG, the Klingon Empire underwent a sort of cultural revolution. Their emphasis shifted from being cultured warriors to focusing strictly on being warriors. Again, because the TOS Klingons were basically Soviets, they weren't afraid of using underhanded tactics. Somewhere, they decided this didn't sit too well with their self-image of being honorable warriors, and things just spiraled out of hand. Part of it may have been due to the almost religious viewing of Khaless and his achievements or it might simply have been a reaction to how the end of the Cold War with the Federation ended. Worf called the expansion of the Empire into the Cardassian Union a sign they were returning to the "Old Ways", which may have referred to the belief that Klingons were conquerors and should fight. The Klingons of Undiscovered Country acted more like samurai, warriors who believed in honor but didn't make it the focal point of every activity. They were cultured and disciplined, rather than the drunken, barbaric nature some Klingons were seen with in TNG and DS9. Granted, not all are this way, as we see Gowron and Martok behaving as disciplined men rather than the brash younger Klingons, but that might also be simply maturity.
The Klingons are hard to sum up in simple terms. Their culture is rich and diverse, with many facets, which is definitely a good thing. Worf is a good example of how a Klingon is bound by his honor but also has strong emotions and isn't afraid to let them out every now and then. Gowron shows us that while Klingons may prefer war, they are also capable of being diplomats. Martok is a warrior and a general, who knows that wars aren't always honorable but are still necessary. The Klingons such as Chang and the Duras sisters show that Klingons will sometimes sacrifice honor for their goals, which adds an added depth to them. Knowing that a Klingon will act honorably is one thing, knowing they may also act dishonorably and betray you, that makes you even more leery of them. Befriend a Klingon and they'll give their life for you, but some you just can't trust until you know them better. I honestly don't mind what era they are, if you take their entire history into context when you look at them. Are they doing something because they feel it will bring them honor? Or are they fueled by other goals that may be less than honorable? It's hard to tell, which isn't all that bad.