The Irresistible Romantic Saga of Commander Riker: Unveiling all his Love Interests in Star Trek: TNG (Including Troi)

Summary

Commander Riker had numerous romantic relationships throughout Star Trek: The Next Generation, but his true love was always his Imzadi, Counselor Deanna Troi.

Riker had many romantic experiences, engaging with a planet leader, a holographic character, and a colonist's daughter, among others. However, despite numerous flings and crushes, Riker and Troi eventually reignited their romance, tying the knot and starting a family together, which ultimately solidified their enchanting love story.

During Star Trek: The Next Generation, Commander William T. Riker gained a well-deserved reputation as a ladies' man. He succeeded Captain James T. Kirk from the original series and embarked on a series of romantic escapades during his tenure on the USS Enterprise-D as the First Officer under Captain Jean-Luc Picard. Riker encountered potential romantic partners both on and off the ship, charming women from various cultures and planets.

While Riker's ultimate love interest was his beloved Counselor Deanna Troi, their path to marriage in Star Trek: Nemesis was not without its twists and turns. Riker experienced several relationships before finally finding his one true love. Some notable encounters included the Starfleet cadet Amanda Rogers who turned out to be a Q, and Data's created daughter Lal. Even Deanna Troi's mother, Lwaxana Troi, made a flirtatious advance during her "Betazoid phase." Here, we highlight ten significant relationships Riker had throughout Star Trek: The Next Generation.

10 Beata in TNG's "Angel One"

9 Minuet in TNG's "11001001" & "Future Imperfect"

: TNG's "Angel One" - An Unfavorable Episode Revealing Riker's First Romantic Encounter on the Show

In TNG season 1, episode 15, "11001001," the Bynars upgrade the holodeck and create Minuet (played by Carolyn McCormick), a holographic character, to divert Riker's attention from their plan to take over the Enterprise. Minuet is so lifelike that Riker becomes infatuated with her, surpassing his previous encounters with other holodeck characters. His attachment is so strong that in TNG season 4, episode 8, "Future Imperfect," an alien mistakes Minuet for a real person after seeing her in Riker's thoughts.

8 Brenna Odell in TNG's "Up The Long Ladder"

7 Yuta in TNG's "The Vengeance Factor

: The Enterprise comes to the aid of the Bringloidi, a group of settlers who are descendants of the crew members from the SS Mariposa, an Earth ship that was launched centuries ago. During their time together on the Enterprise, Riker forms a connection with Brenna Odell, the daughter of the Bringloidi leader. However, Brenna's devotion to her people and natural leadership qualities compel her to leave when her colony merges with the Mariposa colony. Despite their fondness for each other, Brenna cannot abandon her people and takes on the role she was destined for as the true leader of the Bringloidi.

During the Enterprise's hosting of the leader of Acamar III, Commander Riker attempts to forge a connection with Yuta (Lisa Wilcox), the leader's assistant. Yuta, however, remains guarded and speaks in enigmatic terms about her past and future aspirations. Meanwhile, Captain Picard endeavors to mediate negotiations between the Acamarians and the raiders known as the Gatherers. Tragically, one of the Gatherers is found murdered, prompting a thorough investigation. Gradually, it comes to light that Yuta is the solitary survivor of a massacred clan from decades ago, and her sole objective is to eliminate the individuals responsible for the annihilation. When Yuta targets the leader of the Gatherers, Riker is compelled to use his phaser, resulting in her demise.

6 Lanel in TNG's "First Contact"

After sustaining injuries during an undercover operation, Commander Riker's disguise is exposed as the inhabitants of Malcor III perceive his distinctive biological composition. Meanwhile, Picard and Deanna Troi endeavor to establish formal first contact with the leaders of Malcor, while also seeking information regarding the whereabouts of Number One. While Riker is confined to a Malcorian medical facility, an inquisitive nurse named Lanel (portrayed by Bebe Neuwirth) becomes captivated by his presence. Lanel approaches Riker with an offer to aid in his escape, only if he consents to an intimate encounter, confessing her long-held desire to engage in a romantic liaison with an extraterrestrial being. In the subsequent sequence, Lanel indeed assists Riker in his fleeing endeavor, although their efforts prove futile as he is swiftly apprehended once more.

5 Carmen Davila in TNG's "Silicon Avatar"

Carmen Devila (Susan Diol) makes a brief appearance in the opening scene of TNG season 5, episode 4, "Silicon Avatar." Along with her colony, Carmen falls victim to an attack by the malicious Crystalline Entity, the same destructive force that annihilated the colony where Lt. Commander Data (Brent Spiner) was discovered. As Riker and the away team engage in discussions with the colonists on the planet Melona IV, Riker arranges a dinner date with Carmen. Tragically, the Crystalline Entity strikes shortly after, and Carmen loses her life while aiding the escape of the other colonists. Ultimately, the Crystalline Entity meets its demise at the hands of a determined xenobiologist seeking vengeance for her son, just as the entity begins to display signs of intelligence.

4 Etana Jol in TNG's "The Game"

While taking a break on the planet Risa during Shore Leave, Commander Riker crosses paths with a Ktarian woman named Etana Jol (Katherine Moffat). Etana introduces Riker to a captivating game that involves wearing a head-mounted device which projects captivating images right before his eyes. Impressed by the game, Riker decides to bring it back to the Enterprise and, eventually, the entire crew becomes ensnared by its addictive allure. However, the situation takes a sinister turn when Captain Picard and most of the crew fall under its compelling spell.

To everyone's surprise, Etana contacts the Enterprise, confessing that the game was cunningly designed as part of the Ktarian's plot to seize control of the Enterprise and, ultimately, the entire Federation. Fortunately, it is the timely arrival of Wesley Crusher (Wil Wheaton), who is visiting the ship, that leads to a remarkable breakthrough. With Data's assistance, Wesley manages to liberate the remaining crew members from the insidious grip of the mind-controlling game.

3 Ro Laren in TNG's "Conundrum"

In episode 14 of season 5 of TNG titled "Conundrum," the crew of the USS Enterprise makes a startling discovery. Their memories and a significant amount of information from the ship's computer have been completely wiped out. Despite their efforts, the crew is unable to recall any details of their personal lives or their relationships with one another. However, as the crew works to restore the computer memory, they manage to recover their names and positions on the ship.

During this time, Riker and Ensign Ro Lauren (Michelle Forbes) experience a unique situation. Their shared attraction becomes apparent, and they decide to embark on a romantic relationship. Interestingly, the crew soon uncovers a shocking revelation - an alien species intentionally erased their memories as part of a plan to seize control of the Enterprise for their own war efforts. Fortunately, the crew is able to regain their memories before irreversible damage occurs. Nevertheless, Riker finds himself in an uncomfortable situation when he interacts with Ro.

2 Soren in TNG's "The Outcast"

In

1 Deanna Troi

, an exceptional episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation, Commander Riker finds himself deeply involved in a captivating encounter. The Enterprise stumbles upon a fascinating alien race known as the J'naii, who possess an androgynous nature. During his close collaboration with Soren, a member of the J'naii played by Melinda Culea, Riker gradually develops strong emotions towards her. Despite the J'naii's differing beliefs, Soren, who identifies as female, reciprocates his affection, leading the two to embark on a romantic journey together. Unfortunately, their love story takes a heartbreaking turn when the J'naii authorities discover Soren's perceived "abnormality." Despite Riker's valiant efforts to rescue her, Soren is coerced into undergoing a distressing psychotectic treatment aimed at "curing" her. As a result, the once-alluring bond between Riker and Soren dissolves, leaving her devoid of any feelings for him.

Commander Riker and Counselor Troi's romantic journey commenced during Riker's assignment on Troi's ancestral planet, Betazed. Throughout his life, Will's professional aspirations always took precedence over committing to any profound romantic relationships, ultimately causing the dissolution of his bond with Deanna. While working side by side on the Enterprise for numerous years, Riker and Troi occasionally teased with flirtations, yet it wasn't until Star Trek: Insurrection that they officially reignited their passionate love story.

Riker and Troi tied the knot in the early stages of Star Trek: Nemesis, and together they served on board the USS Titan when Riker assumed command. Their union remained intact during the events of Star Trek: Picard, and they were blessed with two children. Tragically, their son Thaddeus lost his life to an uncommon silicon-based virus. When Admiral Picard paid them a visit during season 1 of Picard, Will and Deanna had settled on the planet Nepenthe alongside their daughter, Kestra Troi-Riker (Lulu Wilson).

Although Riker and Troi faced some challenges in their relationship following Thad's passing, they eventually found happiness once more by the conclusion of Picard season 3, as they made plans for a vacation together. Referring to each other as Imzadi throughout Star Trek: The Next Generation and Star Trek: Picard, Will and Deanna's connection deeply affirmed their destiny as soulmates, cementing their love story as one of the most enchanting romances in the Star Trek universe.