Star Trek (TOS)

[Dropo]

IMO, it is the best TOS episode because…

Greatest episodes of television ever

Apologies for the hijack. There are many ways to assess TOS episodes. For me, one of the more important ones is visual effects; in particular, starships maneuvering through space and firing beams. “Elaan of Troyius” has more such action than (almost?) any other TOS episode. Along with miscellaneous other efx, it also has the greatest transporter effect of any episode, a close-up with (what looks like) 4 or 5 glitter passes on Ms. Nuyen as she beams down. Another important TOS consideration…

When it comes to exemplifying all the best elements of the series, no other episode can match - let alone, surpass - Elaan of Troyius.