Elaan of Troyius

...a super-babe. Make no mistake, this episode is a showcase for the exotic and ethereal beauty of Eurasian actress France Nuyen as Elaan. The storyline is secondary to the display of her charms and their predictable effect on perpetually-aroused James Kirk. Skimpy costumes and form-fitting gowns accentuate Nuyen's lithe, but femininely muscular build. Her vaguely French accent adds to her allure. Kirk can't help but fall prey to her feminine charms, with near-catastrophic results.

That's not to say it's a bad story. The acting, especially by Nuyen, is first-rate. It's a fun twist on the "Taming Of The Shrew" theme, and when Elaan comes around at the end one feels a sense of completion as well as a lingering sense of desolation. She has to go on with her slated "role" as consort to the enemy society's ruler for the sake of peace between their people. But I have a feeling the bridegroom-in-waiting has more of a treat in store for him than he might otherwise have anticipated.

Probably one of the better Season 3 episodes, which were generally lacking in pace and punch compared to seasons 1 and 2.

No, this is not top flight TOS. But it is Season Three slipping its shackles and supplying a top 20 (of the TOS 70-odd) episode.

Early on, as the exclamations and cushions fly, the story is briefly in danger of becoming a serious embarrassment.

But the interaction of Kirk and transported princess is as galaxy-popping as Kirk's romances get... you can enjoy similar escapades in, say, Mirror Mirror, and respect more solemnly the doomed love in City on the Edge of Forever, but the second half of Elaan of Troyius is pure first love/crush aboard combat mode spaceship.

In entrapping Kirk Elaan's calculations are clear, but she gains much sympathy as someone who (First real love? Erstwhile impossible child suddenly develops maturity? Emotional depth prompted by probable immediate obliteration?) becomes responsible and even perhaps an asset to her fellow travellers.

But – issues raised on marriage and diplomacy apart – this is from the first frame a comedy turn/showcase for one of SciFi's greatest guest stars. If you like your TOS austere and intelligent you shall despair, but if you prefer it to rove through every emotional high and moreover to do so with a unending belting grin, draw up a chair. There's no deep sci fi complexity here, but there is ample genius of acting, push-boat-out costume design, and eternal questions probed of youth, beauty, marriage and - duty.

Enterprise transports Elaan, the bride promised to the King of Troyius.

This is an entertaining episode that has problems but I could not help but enjoy it.

The plot is a simple Star Trek rework of 'The Taming of the Shrew', with some Federation politics and Klingon interference thrown in. It all unfolds in a pretty fun and relatively unpredictable way.

The character of Elaan seems a bit of an antiquated notion by today's standards, particularly the scenes of her being trained to be a respectful and dutiful wife, but the concept of the 'marriage of state' is prevalent throughout history and is a good idea for an episode. I have to admit I find these scenes enjoyable, but I am one who does not take them particularly seriously. I think France Nuyen does a great job in the title role. Her character is not particularly consistent, but it's more a fault with the writing being slightly contrived to make certain things happen and to keep it all centred around Captain Kirk.

Kirk is the main focus of the story, and his interaction with Elaan is entertaining, if you can forgive the implausibility of the 'poison tears' and the (comical) threats of spanking. William Shatner carries a lot of the episode well.

I think the dilithium crystal resolution to the Klingon problem is a bit of a weak idea, but does not spoil the episode. Also, the fact of Kirk being in love with the Enterprise more than any girl in the galaxy is a great and humorous note to finish on.

Visually it is as strong and colourful as ever in the original series. I liked the costumes, hair pieces, and props. The updated effects of the remastered version are excellent.

The Enterprise has a very rude guest, no values or manners or respect for the rest, though she captures the ear, of Kirk with a tear, now he's smitten, in love, all possessed.

A marriage of convenience is planned but looks to be on the rocks well before the bride has met the groom who you have immense sympathy for.

Over the course of the series run Captain James T. Kirk has had a few romantic entanglements. But nothing like France Nuyen as the Elaan who is going quite unwillingly to another planet in a state arranged marriage. It's an obligation of royalty, but not one that the hot blooded and quite spoiled princess wants to make.

Watching this episode I was wondering if Daphne Zuniga borrowed some of France Nuyen's character for playing Princess Vespa in Spaceballs. As a Druish princess she had enough of the character, but not the powers.

The women of Nuyen's planet do a little crying and if their tears touch the man they want, those men are hooked. To get what she wants Nuyen pouts and sobs on William Shatner's shoulder and that's it. He's got a bit of problem paying attention to duty.

But duty does call when the Klingons start interfering.

An interesting and one of the better episodes of the last season.