"Elaan of Troyius" deftly delivers intrigue and action, focused undoubtedly by its unique construction both written and directed by production maestro John Meredyth Lucas. As one of those third season "crew-fests" all the primary and most of the secondary cast enjoy well developed scenes (excepting Sulu and Chekov who still manage significant screen time). Scott and Uhura demonstrate particular competence as they endure the Dohlman's jabs, Uhura about her "soft" quarters and Scott with his "menial" engines. Spock and McCoy rally to assist the Captain, particularly in one sidesplitting moment as they interrupt an intense lip-lock with Elaan.

The supporting performers are simply excellent. Jay Robinson depicts the obsequious ambassador from Troyius with cool aplomb that quickly disintegrates under the callous aggression of his "student." (When he mentions the "royal jewels for her lovely neck" his urge to replace them with choking hands drips from his tone!) France Nuyen brings great verve to Elaan with her distinctive accent, majestic mannerisms, and great emotional range. Even her bodyguards enliven otherwise drab background performances, not only the spy Kryton using his "Elasian Death Grip" on the unfortunate rad-shirt Watson, but also "The Dohlman has promised I'll be whipped to death if I let Captain Kirk pass through that door." Hee!

The Elasians resemble the Capellans, another tall, aggressive, though less advanced, species. It's interesting in this bargaining for rocks (aka common stones) once again Kirk outwits the Klingons. (Showing again why they detest him so, as a wallowing Enterprise emerges victorious.) Kirk shoulders a heavy responsibility for this important mission yet completes it perfectly. His appeals to calm and duty ("stop trying to kill each other") clearly matures both Petri and Elaan, yet somber as the task is his lessons on "courtesy" and "table manners" are as hilarious as Elaan eating green-colored chicken or hurling a dagger at him (later a loving keepsake fondly handed-to and not thrown-at).

Special details abound, from faint orange traces in Petri's hair to myriad beautiful wardrobe changes for Elaan. This episode also provides gorgeous views of the D7 warship, even if the anonymous Klingon commander leaves something to be desired. For all the fun that redeems it though this episode lacks a happy ending. Cleverly Elaan sets her trap but, perhaps reflecting a two-way effect of Elasian tears, becomes ensnared herself. It's good Captain Kirk avoids biochemical enslavement to Elaan for life, and Troyius remains un-obliterated, but after such excitement the return to duties and obligations seems banal even for such high-minded notions as interplanetary peace.