The Various Iterations of Riker in Star Trek

Article Overview

The assessment of Star Trek: The Next Generation's caliber can be measured by Commander Will Riker's beard, however, it is important to note that the show's initial season's shortcomings were unrelated to Riker's facial hair being absent.

Riker's most renowned depiction is the bearded one, where he evolved into a skilled and respected First Officer, a trusted confidant of Captain Picard, and a charismatic charmer with women.

Throughout his journey, Riker has encountered various versions of himself, such as a transporter clone called Thomas Riker, and lifelike holographic recreations, which exemplify the show's affinity for doppelganger narratives.

Since his debut in the first episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation, William T. Riker (played by Jonathan Frakes) has appeared in various iterations within the Star Trek franchise. Serving as the First Officer aboard the USS Enterprise-D under the leadership of Captain Jean-Luc Picard (played by Patrick Stewart), Riker took charge of most of the away missions throughout TNG's duration and assumed command of the Enterprise in Picard's absence. Captain Picard once hailed Riker as "the finest officer I have ever served with," which is particularly noteworthy given Picard's discerning nature.

Over the course of TNG, Riker evolved into Jean-Luc's closest confidant and friend, a bond that remained strong even thirty years later in Star Trek: Picard. Riker's romantic relationship with Counselor Deanna Troi (played by Marina Sirtis) blossomed into marriage in Star Trek: Nemesis, solidifying their status as one of the franchise's most beloved couples. Whether due to transporter mishaps, alternate timelines, or modifications in facial hair, the character of Will Riker has undergone several transformations throughout his Star Trek journey. In all of these versions, Jonathan Frakes has portrayed Riker, establishing himself as one of Star Trek's most revered and accomplished directors as well.

7. Clean Shaven Commander Will Riker

Star Trek: The Next Generation Season 1 & Star Trek: Insurrection

The presence of William Riker's beard is commonly used as an indicator of the quality of Star Trek: The Next Generation. Many fans argue that the show truly comes into its own when Riker grows his beard. However, most fans and critics agree that the first season of TNG is the weakest, and Riker's lack of facial hair is not the primary reason for this. While it is true that Riker's character development thrives once he grows a beard, many of the actors and characters were still finding their footing in the early episodes of TNG. Without his beard, Riker portrayed a more conventional Starfleet officer, but he appeared to have more enjoyment and spontaneity after embracing his facial hair. Though Riker briefly parted ways with his beard in Star Trek: Insurrection, he reclaimed it for the sequel, Star Trek: Nemesis.

"Growing the Beard" is listed on TVtropes.com as a phrase used to describe the moment a television show dramatically improves in quality.

6. Commander Will Riker With A Beard

Star Trek: The Next Generation, Star Trek Generations, Star Trek: First Contact, & Star Trek: Nemesis

During the transition from TNG seasons 1 to 2, Riker decided to sport a beard, which would ultimately become his signature look throughout the entire series and the subsequent movies. This version of Riker, distinguished by his beard and mustache, became widely recognized as the definitive portrayal of the character. As time went on, Will Riker not only excelled in his role as First Officer but also forged a deep friendship with Captain Jean-Luc Picard, establishing a profound attachment to the Enterprise. Riker's dedication to serving aboard the iconic starship alongside Picard was so strong that he declined numerous offers to command his own vessel, opting to remain on board instead.

In the early seasons of TNG, Riker displayed a brash and overconfident demeanor, but as the show progressed, he adopted a more discerning approach. Despite eventually settling down with Deanna Troi, Riker maintained a reputation as a ladies' man throughout the entirety of TNG, regardless of whether or not he had a beard. In combat situations, Riker proved himself more than capable and often improvised inventive fighting techniques. Over the years, Riker invented a few ship maneuvers, but "The Riker Maneuver" became synonymous in the Star Trek fandom with the unique way in which he sat and stood from his chair. Apparently, Jonathan Frakes adopted this posture due to a previous back injury.

5. Admiral Will Riker

Star Trek: The Next Generation Season 7, Episodes 25 & 26 (“All Good Things”)

In the final episode of TNG, Captain Picard discovers himself traveling through time, experiencing his past, present, and future. In the future timeline, Admiral Riker appears both at Starbase 247 and commanding the upgraded USS Enterprise-D. Initially reluctant to assist Picard due to constraints, Riker arrives with the Enterprise just in the nick of time to save the situation. In this future version, Deanna Troi has passed away, and several former crew members of the Enterprise-D have grown apart. Notably, Riker and Worf have not communicated in a considerable period.

4. Will Riker's Transporter Clone, Thomas Riker

Star Trek: The Next Generation Season 6, Episode 24 ("Second Chances") & Star Trek: Deep Space Nine Season 3, Episode 9 ("Defiant")

In the TNG season 6 episode, "Second Chances," Riker stumbles upon a doppelganger tale, a recurring theme in Star Trek. During a visit to Nervala IV to recover scientific data abandoned by a previous Starfleet team, the Enterprise crew is astounded to encounter an exact replica of Will Riker residing on the planet. This duplicate, who later adopts the name Thomas, was inadvertently formed in a transporter mishap eight years prior.

After spending eight years in solitude on a harsh planet, Thomas underwent a transformation, becoming a completely different person from the original Will Riker. During his time on the Enterprise, Thomas reignited his connection with Deanna Troi. However, he eventually made the decision to join another ship, leaving Troi behind on the Enterprise. Subsequently, Thomas Riker made an appearance on DS9, where he engaged in a romantic relationship with Major Kira Nerys (Nana Visitor) and revealed his affiliation with the rebel Maquis.

3. Other Versions of Will Riker on TNG

Star Trek: The Next Generation

Several variations of Will Riker make appearances in individual episodes of Star Trek: The Next Generation. In the renowned TNG season 3, episode 15, titled "Yesterday's Enterprise," a disruption in the fabric of spacetime leads to a profound alteration in the timeline, transforming the Enterprise-D into a battleship with battle-hardened officers. Within this timeline, Riker meets his demise when Klingons unleash their firepower upon the Enterprise. However, this alternate sequence of events is ultimately undone when the proper timeline is restored. On multiple occasions, a holographic recreation of Will Riker is brought to life, most notably by Lt. Reginald Barclay (Dwight Schultz) in one of his intricate holodeck fantasies during season 3, episode 21, entitled "Hollow Pursuits."

2. Animated Captain Will Riker

In TNG season 4, episode 8, titled "Future Imperfect," Will Riker wakes up to discover that sixteen years have elapsed, although he is not actually an alternative version of himself. This turns out to be a deception orchestrated by a solitary extraterrestrial. In episode 11 of season 7, entitled "Parallels," Lt. Worf (Michael Dorn) navigates through diverse parallel universes and encounters different iterations of the Enterprise crew, including Riker.

2. Animated Captain Will Riker

Star Trek: Lower Decks

After the events of Star Trek: Nemesis, William Riker finally embraces a promotion to captain and assumes command of the USS Titan. In Lower Decks, Riker appears to thoroughly enjoy his role as captain, accompanied by his wife Troi. He has developed into a confident and skilled captain, finding immense pleasure in his thrilling Starfleet exploits. Following his assistance to the USS Cerritos in defeating the Pakleds, Riker extends an offer to Ensign Brad Boimler (Jack Quaid) for a promotion and a position on the Titan. However, when a clone of Boimler, named William Boimler, is created by the transporter and takes his place on the Titan, Boimler chooses to transfer back to the Cerritos. Despite Riker's admiration for his captaincy on the Titan, he confesses to Boimler his yearning for his time on the Enterprise-D.

Before returning to the Cerritos, Boimler encounters a similar experience to one of Riker's. In Season 2, Episode 2 of Lower Decks, titled "Kayshon, His Eyes Open," a transporter mishap leads to the creation of a clone of Boimler. This clone, known as William, ultimately joins Section 31 after receiving assistance from them in framing his own demise.

1. Captain Will Riker

Star Trek: Picard

When William Riker makes his return in Star Trek: Picard, he and Deanna have stepped away from Starfleet and settled on the planet Nepenthe with their daughter, Kestra (played by Lulu Wilson). They faced tension in their relationship due to the passing of their son, Thaddeus, during his childhood. Initially appearing as a captain in Picard season 1, Riker later decides to rejoin Starfleet permanently in Picard season 3. When Picard receives a distress signal from Dr. Beverly Crusher (played by Gates McFadden), he seeks Riker's assistance.

Without hesitation, Riker seizes the opportunity for another adventure and, alongside Picard, takes command of the USS Titan-A. This decision causes annoyance to the ship's current commander, Captain Liam Shaw (played by Todd Stashwick). Throughout Picard season 3, Riker reunites with his crew from the Enterprise-D and strengthens his bond with Deanna Troi. By the season's end, he and Troi have made the choice to embark on an extended and well-deserved vacation with their daughter, Kestra. Captain Riker in Picard embodies the ideal mix of leadership, friendship, parenthood, and spousal support, serving as an exemplary Star Trek hero.

Editor's P/S

As a Gen Z fan, I have a unique perspective on the various iterations of Riker in Star Trek. I grew up watching The Next Generation and its subsequent movies, so I have a strong attachment to the character. I appreciate the way Riker has evolved over time, from a clean-shaven young officer to a bearded and experienced captain. I think his journey is a reflection of the growth and maturity of the Star Trek franchise as a whole.

I also appreciate the way Riker has been portrayed by Jonathan Frakes. Frakes has brought a great deal of depth and nuance to the character, and he has made Riker one of the most iconic characters in Star Trek history. I am excited to see what the future holds for Riker, and I hope he will continue to be a part of the Star Trek universe for many years to come.