Is There in Truth No Beauty?

A creature so strange and alien that humans cannot survive just seeing it! That is a strong and true science-fiction premise. Also with obvious classic overtones. The story is very compelling. Also one of the more genuinely frightening (the Medusa of Greek mythology). The Thing in the box! What it really is, is left up to our imagination. Yet when Spock is inhabited by the alien's consciousness, he proves to be kind and gentle. Experiencing existence inside the fragile, isolated shell of a human body the Alien/ Spock gives one of the most eloquent speeches of the series "... to be so -alone!"

Diana Muldaur's character had qualities a lot of the Star Trek "space bimbos" lacked - sophistication, beauty, grace, elegance, wit, maturity, depth of character... I could go on and on!!! All the men were captivated by her, I can see why. Next to Uhura and Spock's mother (Jane Wyatt), there were no other female characters on Star Trek with more substance to them.

Enterprise hosts an Medusan ambassador and a telepathic doctor.

This is an enjoyable episode with some good themes and strong performances.

The plot has a lot of emphasis on dialogue as it focuses heavily on guest characters and their interaction with the Enterprise crew. I would not describe it as a compelling screen story, but it is very interesting.

It contains a number of literary connections with its characterisations and quotations, and it philosophises on the nature of truth, beauty, physical form, and connections between individuals.

It is quite distinct from most other episodes in its complex portrayal of characters. Dr Miranda Jones is one of the great guest characters of the original series, who is written as strong, intelligent, quick-witted, having the power of telepathy, but she also suffers very human failings such as jealousy. Diana Muldaur gives a typically powerful and charismatic performance in this role.

Dr Jones' interaction with male characters like Marvick, Kirk, and McCoy involves them pitching lots of objectification and patronisation her way. Refreshingly, for a female character written in the 60s, she smashes each bit of dated sexism out of the ground for a home run. She is not interested in being idolised for her physical beauty or attain the love and admiration of men. She has an ambition so big it actually transcends humanity.

Kirk and Bones are rather unusually and intentionally portrayed as lecherous, and this works well for the episode themes and Dr Jones' arc.

Spock has an important role, with his Vulcan physiology and mental abilities being crucial to a key point in the story. Leonard Nimoy has one of those rare opportunities when he can be emotional and it is enjoyable to watch.

Visually I think it is excellent. There are a number of unique camera angles rarely used on Star Trek that are effective. I also liked the trippy, flashy green light sequences. Non-humanoid creations are always a plus for me in the franchise. As stated in multiple other reviews, the issue with Kirk at the transporter near the very end is poor continuity, but it doesn't spoil the episode for me.

"Is There in Truth No Beauty?" (Oct. 18, 1968) Old TV Guide synopsis: 'Jealousy is the catalyst when the Enterprise picks up two passengers: an alien whose ugliness drives humans mad, and his stunning woman companion.' Librarian Jean Lisette Aroeste first tries her hand at writing stories for TREK ("All Our Yesterdays" would be the other), the last of two appearances for Diana Muldaur, from "Return to Tomorrow." The Medusans are known throughout the universe for their proficiency in navigation, which comes in handy when the Enterprise becomes stranded outside the galaxy. They also keep hidden from human gaze, being so physically repulsive that no man can look upon them without going insane; only Spock, through his Vulcan mind meld, can communicate with Medusan ambassador Kollos, driving caretaker Miranda Jones (Muldaur) into fits of rage. The moment when Spock becomes Kollos is brief but memorable, McCoy offering poignant insight on Miranda that she strives to keep to herself.

The Medusan Ambassador lives in a case, you'll go round the bend if you look at his face, hideous, revolting, shocking and pug ugly, he's no oil painting and quite possibly all nubbly (but we'll never know as to find out would be diabolical).

Unsatisfactory risk analysis leads to unforeseen consequences and the loss of Mr. Spock's sanity.