Star Trek: TNG - Michael Dorn Had No Issue With The Worf-Troi Romance, Actually
In a utopian world where racism has been solved, and there is no need for money, conflict seems to be a thing of the past. This is what sets "Star Trek" apart from other sci-fi stories of its kind. Gene Roddenberry's creation is not a cautionary tale, but a bright hope for the future. The stories on the Enterprise are about exploration and embracing other cultures. But even in a seemingly hopeful future, human connections get in the way. The heart wants what the heart wants, and "Star Trek: Next Generation" created one of the most divisive romances in Star Trek history. Many of us were relieved when the short-lived dalliance between Worf (Michael Dorn) and Deanna Troi (Marina Sirtis) ended almost as quickly as it had begun. While these hearts were certainly yearning for each other, there was only one person who seemed to support it.
"The evolution of Worf was great, especially on 'Deep Space Nine.' It was just fantastic. The father thing, I thought, was a real challenge," Dorn told startrek.com about Worf's struggles with parenting his son, Alexander (Marc Worden). "What do I wish was not broached? People may expect me to say the Worf-Troi romance, but I actually liked that." In that regard, he was alone. Even his co-stars were vehemently vocal against Worf's attention toward the empathic Betazoid.
Worf and Troi shared common ground
Even though Worf and Troi's relationship disappeared without explanation between seasons, Michael Dorn supports the union between the unlikely pair. It wasn't because Troi needed to be with someone who wasn't her Imzadi, Riker (Jonathan Frakes). Dorn appreciated the pair for a logical reason.
"I felt that was a good thing because Troi was so not like Worf," Dorn further explained. The pair start to see each other romantically during Worf's struggles with his estranged son. As an empath, Deanna helps Worf with his emotional struggles concerning Alexander. "That worked for me, but Marina didn't, of course. She and Jonathan (Frakes) just go, 'Oh, that was stupid. We hated that.'" Riker and Troi's relationship is iconic and beyond reproach. The chemistry between the two is undeniable, and Frakes still considers Marina his favorite acting partner. But "Picard" writers also made sure that Worf didn't hang out to dry. He and Deanna get closure and a humorous moment after they reunite following the Episode 8 conflict.
"I just love the idea that in the rescue, after he's had this journey to Zen, he can't wait to tell Deanna about it. He's just not even looking at Will," showrunner Terry Matalas told Collider. "They all play it so perfectly. Frakes is the straight man, just sitting there, looking back and forth. It's fantastic." Even when played for humor, this moment was a concise way to include Worf and Troi's past.