Summary
Commander Riker's history with Q is different from Captain Picard's, as Q once granted Riker the powers of the Q.
Riker's temporary acquisition of Q's powers received little further attention, and Q appeared to lose interest in him. It would be intriguing to witness a reunion between Riker and Q in Star Trek: Legacy, especially given Riker's development as a character, now capable of confidently matching Q.
Commander William T. Riker (Jonathan Frakes) and the omnipotent being known as Q (John de Lancie) have an intriguing history in Star Trek: The Next Generation. Star Trek: Legacy presents an opportunity for their reunion. Q has always been a thorn in the side of Captain Jean-Luc Picard (Patrick Stewart), but he has shown a particular fascination with Commander Riker since the pilot episode of TNG. In episode 10 of season 1, titled "Hide and Q," Q pays a visit to the USS Enterprise-D, following his trial of humanity in the series premiere. This time, Q focuses on Riker, offering him an extraordinary opportunity.
Upon arriving on the Enterprise bridge, Q transports most of the senior officers to a mysterious planet, leaving Captain Picard alone on the ship. Q then presents a game to the senior officers, intending it as a test for Commander Riker. Captain Picard quickly realizes that Q's interest lies in Riker, and he expresses confidence in his first officer's ability to defeat Q. As a result, Picard proposes a wager: if Q emerges victorious, he will take command of the Enterprise, but if Riker wins, Q must leave humanity alone forever. Meanwhile, on the planet's surface, the away team faces an attack from unfamiliar creatures armed with energy weapons. It is then revealed that Riker has been granted the powers of the Q.
Riker's Unique History With Q Is Different From Picard's
Since Q's debut in the premiere of TNG, the Q Continuum has taken a keen interest in humanity. They desire a human representative to immerse themselves in the Continuum, and Q selects Commander Riker for this role, granting him the abilities of a Q. Instantaneously, Riker becomes consumed by a sense of superiority and aggression. Q suggests that Riker bestow gifts upon the other officers on the bridge, catering to what he believes they desire most. However, each officer rejects Riker's offerings, just as Captain Picard foresaw. Picard exhibits a superior understanding not just of his crew, but also of humanity as a whole.
A comparison between the scenes where Riker and Q engage in verbal combat and where Picard and Q converse sheds light on why Q may have chosen Picard for subsequent encounters. The chemistry between John de Lancie and Patrick Stewart in their scenes possesses a certain sparkle that is absent in those featuring de Lancie and Jonathan Frakes. The Shakespearean banter between Q and Picard stands out as one of the episode's finest moments, while Q's interaction with Riker is largely forgettable. Nevertheless, Riker briefly obtaining Q's powers is quite significant, although it is seldom brought up again.
Riker Needs To Meet Q Again In Star Trek: Legacy
The growth of William Riker's character since TNG season 1 has been significant, and it would be fascinating to witness Q's reaction to Captain Riker in Star Trek: Picard and its potential spinoff, Star Trek: Legacy. The Captain Riker portrayed in Picard season 3 truly embodies the essence of the character and is more than capable of holding his ground against Q. Additionally, Jonathan Frakes has shown remarkable growth as an actor since his early episodes in TNG, making it all the more imperative for him to engage in a verbal sparring match with de Lancie's Q. Despite Q's apparent loss of interest in Riker after the events of TNG season 1, episode 10, it is clear that Q must have recognized something exceptional in him to offer him the powers of Q.
Based on the after-credits scene following the finale of Picard season 3, it can be inferred that Q will have a presence in Legacy if it comes to fruition. Although Legacy is expected to primarily focus on the new generation of Starfleet officers, such as Picard's son Jack Crusher (played by Ed Speleers), there is still a possibility for appearances by the older generation of Trek characters. Given Riker's imminent promotion to Admiral, it is crucial for him to share a scene with Q. While William Riker may not have been capable of handling the powers of Q in Star Trek: The Next Generation season 1, even Q himself would undoubtedly be impressed by the remarkable individual Riker has evolved into by the end of Star Trek: Picard.
