In being able to laugh both with and at Bortus and Klyden, it gives an emotional investment that makes their stories all the more intriguing. Klingon death rituals are a cool spectacle and all, but when have one of those scenes ever matched the emotional weight of when Bortus revealed in couples counseling he never forgave Klyden for Topa's sex change? Those moments aren't emotional without alleviating the tension tied to their characters I believe, and more science fiction shows could benefit from making their serious warrior races less serious from time to time.