Star Trek: Elaan of Troyius Rewatch

November 15, 2015 2:42 PM - Season 3, Episode 13

While transporting an arrogant, demanding princess for a political marriage, Captain Kirk must cope both with her biochemical ability to force him to love her and sabotage on his ship.

"Elaan of Troyius" was first broadcast December 20, 1968. It is episode #68, production #57, and was written and directed by John Meredyth Lucas, the only person in Star Trek production history ever to both write and direct a filmed Star Trek television episode, whether animated or live-action.

Memory Alpha Link

AVClub Review

Deleted Scene descriptions of the episode.

The episode can be viewed on Netflix and Amazon Prime.

posted by Benway (2 comments total)

From memory alpha:

Producer Fred Freiberger noted that the episode was intended to appeal to women who were skeptical of science fiction. He remarked, "We tried to reach a segment of the audience we couldn't otherwise reach, and didn't succeed."

weird sexist jokes and a female lead with little consistency of character - surprisingly not effective!
posted by vibratory manner of working at 6:31 AM on December 22, 2016

Hmm, forced marriage is what passes for political intrigue plots in TOS I guess. Not a great look for the federation (or the writers).

Chekhov's dagger: as soon as I saw her silver outfit had a dagger somewhat camouflaged on the arm, I assumed it was to be used at some point. Thrice!
posted by pwnguin at 2:48 PM on January 21