‘Star Trek’ Retro Recap: ‘Elaan of Troyius’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

We’ve talked a lot about the various components that make Star Trek such a wonderful series as of late, and there is good reason for that. Because while season three hasn’t exactly been the strongest year of storytelling, the elements that we love the most in regard to this franchise, have suddenly been on display for the most part, and that’s definitely been worth celebrating and discussing. For these are the elements that allow for this series to endure. If anything, this is relevant to today’s discussion, simply because the next episode in this storied saga is another entry in the five-year mission that offers up something that fans love to see in this franchise, specifically; some eerie parallels to the modern world.  
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Something that of course doesn’t seem to be within the framework of ‘Elaan of Troyius’ at first glance. Since this is a story that revolves around a diplomatic mission for the Enterprise. One where they need to transport a powerful and feared princess to a nearby world, where she is to be married off in order to bring peace between two peoples. And this is a job for James T. Kirk and his intrepid crew, simply because the Klingons are lurking near this star system and hoping for failure so they can step in and take over. Because that’s how they do and that setup, along with Kirk’s unexpected romance with the princess, and other various shenanigans, make it seem as though this is going to be your everyday episode that features one grandiose adventure and a battle with the Klingons.

But while it is delightful to see the NCC-1701 go toe to toe with a D-7 Klingon Battlecruiser, and hilarious to see Captain Kirk play space Casanova once again, it is the parallels to our world that we need to focus upon today and what makes this episode’s pondering so worth our while in this tale, is the subtlety with which they are presented. Take for example the conflict between the Federation and the Klingon Empire here. Because you don’t think twice about these ships slugging it out, since these two factions have fought for ages on end, but when one takes a moment to think about it; this is a contemporary reflection of the times. For the Cold War was raging on when this episode was released and there were plenty of incidents where Soviet warships tried to goad the United States into a fight like the Klingons did here, giving this battle, and the espionage that happens aboard the ship, a little real-world gravity.

As did the entire mission to bring Elaan to Troyius. Because both the Federation and the Klingons were quietly vying for the favor of these two worlds and toying around with loyalties without the other party’s knowledge, which is another Cold War practice. Because time and time again, the Soviet Union and the United States quietly offered resources to smaller nations and their people, in exchange for loyalty and intelligence, in the hopes of getting the upper hand over one another and oddly enough, this is something we also see happening now. For superpowers still make every effort to support any nation that will help them further their interests, and it was quite fascinating to find these two parallels present within the story.

Which means that in the end, this turned out to be quite the delightful and poignant episode. Simply because it was packed to the brim with something for everyone. If you wanted some action and adventure, that was taken care of via space battle. If you wanted a little romance and/or humor, Kirk has you covered there, and if you wanted a little depth and meaning, well then just take a moment to ponder deeply upon the plot. Which definitely allows for this story to wipe away any bad memories of ‘The Empath’ and it is just wonderful to see season three rebound from an ugly misstep with a quality story that reminds us exactly why this saga has a special place in our hearts. Until next time.   

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