Federation space politics and diplomacy are at the forefront of the plot, exemplified earlier by the well-known "Journey to Babel" episode. Kirk and his ship do not play courier to dozens of ambassadors as before; here there's only one. Oh, and a creature known as the Dohlman (translation: spoiled brat of a princess i.e.more trouble than a 100 ambassadors), whom the ambassador must train for her role as wife to the Troyiun prince. Some ground rules to observe when hosting a Dohlman: (1) kneel in her presence; (2) do not speak unless permitted; (3) do not leave without permission; (4) provide her with the best quarters on the ship; (4a) failing that, find other quarters; (5) provide breakable objects for her, but no pillows. These are for starters. Such a sophomoric attitude does provide more entertainment than the typical 3rd season episode and there are added elements of another touchy mission for Starfleet to bring peace to a region of space, as well as an unexpected attack by a Klingon warship. The likewise warlike Elasians make the Capellans of "Friday's Child" seem quite laid back by comparison. The story holds together well with all these plot turns in the first couple of acts and this episode is not boring - that's a given.
There's a switch to more silly-like plot contrivances in the 2nd half of the episode, when Kirk becomes infected by Elaan's tears. According to legend, and 23rd-century biochemistry, tears of such a female enslave all men. This provides another excuse for Kirk to, uh, fraternize inappropriately with an alien woman who is generally regarded as off-limits. It's similar to his tryst with the female invader in "Wink of an Eye" only a few episodes earlier (Kirk really got going in this area of interstellar relations during the 3rd season). As the beyond-arrogant royal bitch, actress Nuyen was well cast; helped by her accent, she brings a suitably exotic flavor to the role, flinging knives and enjoying a meal with equal aplomb. My favorite scene is probably her put-down of Scotty; oy, watch what you say to a proud Scotsman! To the episode's credit, the audience should feel at least a twinge of pity for her by the conclusion, despite her earlier antics. One is reminded that the episode's title is "Elaan of Troyius" not 'Elaan of Elas.' She seems doomed and forsaken at the end to spend the remainder of her life behaving in a certain fashion, contrary to her nature. I also liked the space battle in this one; the music, especially, called to mind the battles of a decade later in "Star Wars."