The Legacy of the Riker Maneuver: A Surprising Opinion and Unveiled Tactics

The Iconic Riker Maneuver

The Riker Maneuver, made famous by Commander William Riker in Star Trek: The Next Generation, has become an iconic and recognizable feature within the Star Trek fandom. It involves a particular way of sitting in chairs, where Riker would swing one leg over the back of the chair before sitting down, making it a distinctive and memorable characteristic of the character.

Star Trek Insurrection Commander Riker

The maneuver has garnered such widespread recognition that it even made an appearance in the crossover episode of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, where Ensign Brad Boimler from Star Trek: Lower Decks humorously imitates Riker's move in Captain Christopher Pike's Ready Room. This playful nod to the Riker Maneuver demonstrates its enduring impact and cultural significance.

Star Trek Insurrection Son'a ships battle

During a Reddit Ask Me Anything (AMA) session, Jonathan Frakes, the actor behind Commander Riker, shared a surprising opinion about the classic move. When asked about the origin of the Riker Maneuver, Frakes revealed that it occurred by chance during the filming of TNG, attributing it to the low chairs in the 10 Forward set. He humorously described it as an 'a**hole move' but expressed his delight in seeing it evolve into a meme, highlighting the unexpected journey of the iconic maneuver.

Star Trek Insurrection Riker Maneuver Enterprise

The Riker Maneuver in Star Trek: Insurrection

In the film Star Trek: Insurrection, Captain Jean-Luc Picard and the crew of the USS Enterprise-E find themselves embroiled in a moral conflict involving the Ba'ku people and the rejuvenating properties of their planet. During a space battle with the Son'a, Riker utilizes a tactical maneuver that adds another layer to the legacy of the Riker Maneuver.

Star Trek Insurrection Enterprise Riker Maneuver

Commanding the Enterprise, Riker employs a strategic move known as the 'Riker Maneuver' to outmaneuver the Son'a battle cruisers. This maneuver involves the collection and release of highly unstable metreon gas to neutralize the Son'a ships, showcasing Riker's ingenuity and tactical prowess in high-stakes situations. While the official recognition of this maneuver within Starfleet remains ambiguous, its depiction in Star Trek: Insurrection adds depth to Riker's repertoire of maneuvers and tactics.

Star Trek Insurrection Son'a ship destroyed

The Legacy and Impact

The enduring legacy of the Riker Maneuver extends beyond its on-screen portrayal, resonating with fans and becoming a celebrated element of Star Trek lore. Its cultural impact is evident in its references across different Star Trek series and its recognition as a distinctive trait of Commander Riker. Jonathan Frakes's surprising opinion and the unveiling of additional tactics in Star Trek: Insurrection have shed new light on the maneuver's significance, enriching its narrative and contributing to the enduring fascination with the iconic move.