Uncovering the Untold Influence of Jonathan Frakes on Riker's Role as First Officer in Star Trek: TNG

Summary

Jonathan Frakes' likability and charisma made fans love Commander Riker on Star Trek: The Next Generation, according to writer Ronald D. Moore.

Riker's position as the second in command presented difficulties due to his ambition as a human character. However, Frakes managed to successfully navigate this challenge through his natural charm and enjoyable personality.

In Star Trek: Picard, Riker eventually achieved the rank of Captain and demonstrated his own authoritative command, adding complexity and subtlety to the role. Additionally, he managed to resolve his marital problems and played a crucial role in saving the entire galaxy.

According to writer Ronald D. Moore, Jonathan Frakes is the reason why Commander William T. Riker was successful on Star Trek: The Next Generation. The show broke boundaries by portraying Riker as a younger and more dynamic character compared to the stoic Captain Jean-Luc Picard. Despite being an ambitious Starfleet Officer, Riker consistently turns down promotions to remain as First Officer of the USS Enterprise-D. In the oral history "The Center Seat: 55 Years of Star Trek" by Peter Holmstrom, Moore explains the challenges of creating a unique First Officer after the iconic Spock. He credits late showrunner Michael Piller for bringing Riker to the forefront, but it was Frakes' likability and charisma that made fans adore Commander Riker.

Riker Has Evolved As Captain In Star Trek: Picard

Being second in command on that series is no easy task, especially if you're not the Vulcan science officer. The Vulcan science officer brings a unique cultural perspective, providing a contrast to McCoy and a trusted companion for Kirk. This dynamic functions differently when it's a human character who is just as ambitious, capable, and heroic in his own right. So why does he choose to remain in the second position? It's a challenging role, but Jonathan skillfully pulls it off thanks to his innate charm and sense of fun. You genuinely like Riker and are captivated by his backstory with Troi, and the actor's force brings the character to life.

After two decades since his promotion to Captain and his marriage to Counselor Deanna Troi (Marina Sirtis) in Star Trek: Nemesis, Will Riker fulfills his potential in Star Trek: Picard. Jonathan Frakes, who hadn't portrayed Riker for many years, returned to his iconic role in the first season of Star Trek: Picard, after establishing himself as a celebrated director. In addition to his appearances in Star Trek: Lower Decks, fans were introduced to Captain Will Riker of the USS Titan, who finally stepped out of Captain Picard's shadow and assumed command of his own starship, while also embracing his roles as a husband and father.

Jonathan Frakes delivered his most exceptional performances to date as Captain Riker in the third season of Star Trek: Picard. In addition to directing two episodes of the show's final season, he brought an added layer of depth, charisma, emotion, and subtlety to the character of Riker. Throughout the season, he displayed his own command authority, resolved his issues with Troi, and played a pivotal role in saving the galaxy alongside the reunited crew of Star Trek: The Next Generation. Hopefully, Frakes' desire for Riker's next logical progression will become a reality, allowing him to portray Admiral Will Riker in the proposed spinoff "Star Trek: Legacy," if it comes to fruition.