Star Trek's Epic Riker Homage in Strange New Worlds Leaves Fans in Awe, Confirms Unforgettable Improv Moment!

Summary

The episode featuring a crossover with Star Trek: Lower Decks included numerous "peculiarly precise" allusions to the Star Trek canon. Jack Quaid's impromptu acknowledgment of the Riker maneuver in the episode served as a heartwarming and comical homage to Jonathan Frakes and his renowned character.

Ensign Brad Boimler's hilarious homage to Captain William T. Riker (played by Jonathan Frakes) in the crossover episode of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds was brilliantly improvised by actor Jack Quaid. The much-anticipated crossover with Star Trek: Lower Decks was released early on Paramount+ to coincide with San Diego Comic-Con. The episode centered around Starfleet history enthusiasts Boimler and Ensign Beckett Mariner (played by Tawny Newsome) being transported back in time to the 23rd century, and it was filled with clever and specific references to the entire Star Trek canon.

Interestingly, not all of these references were part of the script. For instance, Newsome suggested on Twitter that Mariner's mimicking of a "beep-beep chair" in Captain Pike's quarters (played by Anson Mount) was improvised. During an interview on The Ready Room hosted by Wil Wheaton, Jack Quaid and the director of the Star Trek: Strange New Worlds crossover episode, Jonathan Frakes, talked about how Boimler's impromptu attempt at Riker's iconic maneuver was a spontaneous tribute to Frakes himself. Watch the clip from The Ready Room below.

Boimler Isn't The Only Star Trek Character To Attempt The Riker Maneuver

Wil Wheaton shared that, much like Boimler in Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, he drew inspiration from Jonathan Frakes and his character Will Riker. Wheaton expressed that, similar to how Wesley Crusher emulated Riker's distinctive way of sitting, he too admired Frakes and wanted to be like him. Reflecting on this, it is heartwarming to consider how both Wesley Crusher and Brad Boimler found inspiration in Frakes' iconic character, even as the Riker maneuver has evolved into a popular meme in recent times.

In the series, Boimler and his look-alike had the opportunity to serve under Captain Riker aboard the USS Titan, a dream come true for the ambitious Ensign. While Boimler struggled to keep up with the high-paced action and adventure of Riker's missions on the USS Titan, he proudly carried on the tradition of the unique seating maneuver. Jonathan Frakes amusingly shared his wife's enthusiastic reaction upon seeing Jack Quaid's subtle nod to the Riker maneuver, as she excitedly "screamed" with delight.

Frakes also highlighted the skillful improvisation by Jack Quaid, which was similarly evident in Wil Wheaton's numerous nods. In contrast, Boimler discreetly mentions "Riker" without a cheeky wink to the camera or explicitly stating that he is attempting the "Riker maneuver." This subtle homage adds a heartfelt and comedic touch to Star Trek: Strange New Worlds' callback to the beloved and enduring character, as well as the directors involved.

Stay tuned for the streaming of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds season 2 on Paramount+, airing on Thursdays.

Source: Star Trek on Paramount Plus on Twitter.