Elaan of Troyius

Federation space politics and diplomacy are at the forefront of the plot, exemplified earlier by the well-known "Journey to Babel" episode. Kirk and his ship do not play courier to dozens of ambassadors as before; here there's only one. Oh, and a creature known as the Dohlman (translation: spoiled brat of a princess i.e.more trouble than a 100 ambassadors), whom the ambassador must train for her role as wife to the Troyiun prince. Some ground rules to observe when hosting a Dohlman: (1) kneel in her presence; (2) do not speak unless permitted; (3) do not leave without permission; (4) provide her with the best quarters on the ship; (4a) failing that, find other quarters; (5) provide breakable objects for her, but no pillows. These are for starters. Such a sophomoric attitude does provide more entertainment than the typical 3rd season episode and there are added elements of another touchy mission for Starfleet to bring peace to a region of space, as well as an unexpected attack by a Klingon warship. The likewise warlike Elasians make the Capellans of "Friday's Child" seem quite laid back by comparison. The story holds together well with all these plot turns in the first couple of acts and this episode is not boring - that's a given.

There's a switch to more silly-like plot contrivances in the 2nd half of the episode, when Kirk becomes infected by Elaan's tears. According to legend, and 23rd-century biochemistry, tears of such a female enslave all men. This provides another excuse for Kirk to, uh, fraternize inappropriately with an alien woman who is generally regarded as off-limits. It's similar to his tryst with the female invader in "Wink of an Eye" only a few episodes earlier (Kirk really got going in this area of interstellar relations during the 3rd season). As the beyond-arrogant royal bitch, actress Nuyen was well cast; helped by her accent, she brings a suitably exotic flavor to the role, flinging knives and enjoying a meal with equal aplomb. My favorite scene is probably her put-down of Scotty; oy, watch what you say to a proud Scotsman! To the episode's credit, the audience should feel at least a twinge of pity for her by the conclusion, despite her earlier antics. One is reminded that the episode's title is "Elaan of Troyius" not 'Elaan of Elas.' She seems doomed and forsaken at the end to spend the remainder of her life behaving in a certain fashion, contrary to her nature. I also liked the space battle in this one; the music, especially, called to mind the battles of a decade later in "Star Wars."

The exotic France Nuyen as the angry bride, Elaan, is displayed beauteously. Coiling, raven locks and searing, jet-black eyes engage with Cleopatra styling to hold our attention, and one wonders what snake-like moves she will utilize to gain her way. Elaan is captivating to her subjects, but her magical tears must flow to tempt our powerful Captain Kirk. After Kirk uncovers the psychology behind Elaan's temper, I ceased the wish for her quick drop into the dilithium chamber. Running opposite to Trek's usual choice for a beauty, Elaan is dark and petite, with a thicker accent slightly reminiscent of latter Gen's Counselor Troi. Trek reminded viewers that fulfilling duty is inevitable in order to be honorable. I felt the loss incurred in more than one of the characters' hearts at the finale. Kirk and Elaan will engender a range of memorable emotions.

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.

I honestly can't understand why people never cared for this episode. It's always been one of my favorites since I was a kid. It had everything: space battles, romance, Klingons, etc. Granted, it's not as good as The Doomsday Machine or Balance of Terror or Amok Time, but it's certainly not as bad an episode as The Way to Eden or Plato's Stepchildren. The acting seemed pretty solid, especially between Kirk and Elaan. Granted, the costumes looked pretty cheap (they said the guards were wearing "placemats"), and the rear wide-shots of Kirk and the navigator's position showed someone other than Chekov, but to me those were the only negative things about "Elaan of Troyius".