Is There in Truth No Beauty?

The sub-story is the story. This one has two story-lines that are excellently woven into a brilliant, coherent message. Every detail has a point. One of my favorites!

...so said the great poet Keats in his "Ode on a Grecian Urn". And so it is---truth and beauty, two inseparable concepts, whatever we humans choose to make of them. And one wonders what Kollos---the ambassador in the box---really looked like. Probably the best person to ask would be Spock, who successfully joined with said ambassador in the Vulcan mind-fusion. And we could ask Captain Kirk, the real hero in this story, who when he saw that Spock was in danger went after Miranda Jones with both barrels, chewed her out mercilessly and forced her to see just what her insane jealousy was doing to her. (And she had trained on Vulcan!) So she had to let go of that most destructive emotion so that she could achieve her desired objective---to be one with the ambassador. And she probably felt a great sense of relief.

A lot of people dump on this episode because it's a third season episode that doesn't have the plot driven punch of the first two seasons. It's essentially a science fiction love triangle that relies more on the abilities of the thespians to carry the story with their skill than the writers.

That's not to say that the story isn't interesting, but it's not as deeply thematic as the stories of the first two seasons, and there's a spartan quality that pervades the third season because of budget cuts. Therefore the story is kept simple. The story is essentially a love triangle when a jealous lover driven to rage acts out, and consequences ensue.

The performances are first rate. Where the plot is lacking (in fact, there's hardly a plot at all) the basic story and actors carry the episode. There is a distinct lack of action though a bit of interpersonal intrigue, and the exploration of a character who is unusually handicapped.

To me this is a decent episode, worthy of more than the mediocre criticisms and praise that have come from other fans of the show. It's actually better than a few of the second season episodes in spite of its lack of plot elements.

If you're not a fan, then give it a shot and see what you think.

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.

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.