By Any Other Name

Enterprise is taken over by the Kelvans, who are scouting planets to conquer before returning home to the Andromeda galaxy.

This is an enjoyable episode with decent concept and some good character moments.

The plot involves a fairly straightforward problem of baddies taking over Enterprise for the crew to resolve. In true Star Trek manner it is done in a mostly non-violent way that is quite fun to watch unfold. The theme about humanity and how it's weaknesses are used against the Kelvans is a good one.

There is a quite ominous tone to the initial set up of the situation with the Kelvans seemingly almost impossible antagonists to overcome, but the writers cleverly put their human form to good use. A little too much in some ways, as they do not seem to just have human emotions, but also develop human stupidity.

It is in this stupidity and in the rather silly scenes during the final act that the episode loses any suspense it had developed. However, for me there is still plenty left to enjoy from a humorous perspective. Scotty's drinking contest, Kirk's seduction of Kelinda, Rojan's jealousy, and Spock stirring the pot all provides great entertainment.

Visually it's good, with nice set design, costuming, props, and well worked physical confrontations.

All performances are solid, with William Shatner, James Doohan and Warren Stevens standing out. I'm not sure what Barbara Bouchet aiming for with her performance but if it was deliberate awkwardness of a character unfamiliar with human emotion she pulled it off well.

"We do not colonize. We Conquer! We Rule!" Guess we know where these Kelvans stand, don't we? Or, perhaps not. For, they have taken human form. Actual Kelvans are 'immense beings' with a hundred tentacles. Such beings would have problems with a turbolift (and sixties FX would have problems depicting them). So, hearkening back to the aliens of "Catspaw" and "Return to Tomorrow," these Kelvans have set themselves up for major seduction trouble by assuming our treacherous human form. And, strictly speaking, they're not invaders, merely an expedition force on its way back to the Andromeda Galaxy, where radiation levels will make life impossible there in about 10,000 years. Once back home, they'll tell the rest of the Kelvans to go ahead and proceed to our Milky Way galaxy and then conquer the hell out of it. But, the Federation would have no immediate worries; the invasion force probably won't arrive for at least 600 years (the round trip). If they ever create a Trek show set in the 29th century (or even the 26th), there's at least one story arc ready to be used.

So, I'm not sure why Kirk and his officers were so worked up. Of course, their personal situation was a bit grim: the prospect of being stuck on the Enterprise for the rest of their lives as it hurtles towards Andromeda is kind of a downer. Though there are only half-a-dozen of these Kelvans, they easily take over the ship with their paralysis field weapons. They also modify the ship's engines. We're back at the galactic barrier first seen in the 2nd pilot episode, "Where No Man Has Gone Before" - and through it. Then most the crew are turned into small weightless tetrahedron-like blocks. When I first saw this as a kid, a genuine chill ran thru me when one these blocks was crushed to dust, thereby killing a crew member in a rather horrifying manner. This was super-science employed as a war tactic, as an instrument of terror. This was alien invasion thrills and chills, no doubt, and these Kelvans seemed a step up from the usual baddies encountered on the original show (Klingons, Romulans, etc).

But then, as was customary with many episodes after the first season, a grim tone changes to a playful one in the 2nd half of the episode. Then we get games of seduction and inebriation, of Kirk, Spock, McCoy and Scotty using their wits rather than their brawn, though in a manner befitting a Marx Brothers comedy instead of a sf adventure. It's still entertaining, sure, but I would have preferred some payback for that first half of terror, and the episode is rather uneven as a result of the precious ploys. The sugary ending is so cloying, so convenient, I usually need a shot of Scotch to get rid of the taste. On the plus side, Kelinda (Bouchet) is probably the sexiest alien we see on the original show and Kirk's super-stud status was assured with this episode. Scotty has the best scenes - it's green, indeed - and rumors of his alcoholism might have started here. And those images of the Enterprise zooming towards another galaxy stay in the mind for awhile. This imagery was repeated in the 3rd season's "Day of the Dove."

Starship Enterprise becomes a taxi, moves aliens from galaxy A to B, but they'll turn you to stone, if you try to dethrone, though one is partial to a drop of whiskey.

Hijacked, the Enterprise must make it to another galaxy to move some homesick and lost aliens back to where their journey began.

"By Any Other Name" (Feb. 23, 1968) Old TV Guide synopsis: 'Kirk tries to outwit colonizers from Andromeda who assume human form to seize the Enterprise.' Jerome Bixby's second episode presents Kelvan invaders intent on conquest rather than diplomacy, the Enterprise forced to transport the last survivors to a new home on a journey that will last 300 years. With over 400 crew members completely immobilized, Kirk, Spock, McCoy and Scotty take it upon themselves to force the inexperienced Kelvans to fall victim to their all too human emotions. While Kirk inflames jealousy in Rojan (Warren Stevens) by romancing the beautiful Kelinda (Barbara Bouchet), Scotty whets the palate of Tomar (Robert Fortier) with a plethora of intoxicating beverages. A storyline including the brutal death of a pretty female yeoman (Julie Cobb) finishes in such broadly comical fashion that it can't help but come off a bit jarring, but still a worthy addition to the series. Warren Stevens had just costarred opposite Michael Rennie in "Cyborg 2087," while Barbara Bouchet would soon relocate to Italy for yet greater cult stardom alongside other sex symbols like Edwige Fenech, Femi Benussi, and Erika Blanc.

"By Any Other Name" is a solid Star Trek episode that blends high-stakes drama with moments of humor and ingenuity, though it doesn't quite reach the heights of the series' best outings.

The plot revolves around the Enterprise crew being captured by the Kelvans, powerful extragalactic beings who assume human form and plan to commandeer the ship for a 300-year journey back to their distant home galaxy. With their advanced technology, they neutralize most of the crew and leave Kirk, Spock, McCoy, and Scotty scrambling for a way to regain control of the ship.

The episode shines in its second half, as the crew exploits the Kelvans' unfamiliarity with human emotions and weaknesses. Scotty's drunken antics and Kirk's signature use of romance as a distraction provide some amusing and memorable moments. Meanwhile, Spock and McCoy contribute with their own subtle manipulations, making for a clever and engaging resolution.

Where the episode falls short is in its pacing-some of the early portions feel drawn out, and the Kelvans, while imposing, aren't the most compelling adversaries. That said, the concept is intriguing, and the blend of tension and humor works well.

Overall, By Any Other Name is an enjoyable Star Trek episode with a mix of suspense, wit, and classic Enterprise problem-solving, earning a respectable 7 out of 10.