This is not one of the stronger entries among the earlier episodes at least story wise, and accordingly, many of those involved with the show bemoan the fact that it was chosen as the premiere. The show has kind of a spooky Outer Limits type vibe, complete with a wicked-looking monster which was probably what the network felt audiences of the time wanted to see. Also the supporting players in this episode such as Sulu, Uhura and Rand each get some great character moments. Sadly, this would become the exception rather than the rule for most of the series.
"The Man Trap" has often been compared unfavorably with episodes such as "The Devil in the Dark" because the Enterprise crew sees the monster as something that must be killed instead of trying to communicate with it and come to mutual terms, which is usually in conflict with later ST philosophy. However, this is not Kirk and co.'s fault. The creature didn't give them a chance to be pacifistic regarding it. Indeed, "Nancy" behaves like a sociopathic predator, much like a black widow spider, concerned only with its own needs. It is aware of the intelligence and emotions of the human characters, but exploits them, as in the case of McCoy's latent feelings for it. It even kills Crater when it has no more use for him. Perhaps this is a species the galaxy is better off without.
This segment benefits greatly from the contributions of guest star Alfred Ryder, who has played many memorably creepy roles on TV. These include the ghost of a German U-Boat captain, a fugitive Nazi war criminal, and the leader of the alien invasion force on the series THE INVADERS.
