Synopsis:  A brilliant scientist (non-crazy kind) kind tries to save his entire planet from destruction, but can’t finish his experiments because his 60th birthday is a comin’.

Memory Alpha Summary:  Forget Obamacare.  This will erase the fucking deficit.

Review:  Why did the Federation make Lwaxana an ambassador?  Up to this point in the series, her social skills have appeared to be severely lacking, irritating most people she meets.  Isn’t that the opposite of what an ambassador should do?

At least she grows a bit in this episode.  I love David Ogden Stiers, and he performs admirably in the role of a scientist who wants to buck his society’s traditions.  The whole idea of ritual suicide to improve dignity and cut health care costs is a bit over the top; but then again, it’s something the Klingons would find honorable.  I wonder, though: if this society has had this rule for centuries, I wonder if their society improved much in the way of medicine.  Presumably, there would then be debates as to raising the suicide age from 60 to say…80 or something.  Also, what if a couple bears a child when they’re say…45?  The kid becomes an orphan while steel a teenager.  Way to go, weird plot device society.

Money Quote

O’Brien, in the middle of another mother/daughter fight:  I’ll go check the pattern buffers.