Unveiling the Epic Star Trek Secret Behind Riker's Unforgettable Comeback in Picard Season 3

Summary

Star Trek: Picard season 3 showcased the best version of Captain Will Riker, who was more charismatic, playful, and formidable than ever before.

Riker's success lies in his deep resemblance to Jonathan Frakes, as Frakes' authentic persona has been seamlessly integrated into the character.

In the upcoming spinoff, Star Trek: Legacy, Jonathan Frakes eagerly anticipates reprising his role as Admiral Riker. In this new installment, he envisions Admiral Riker overseeing a fresh ensemble of characters, guiding them into a new era.

In Star Trek: Picard season 3, Captain Will Riker was portrayed at his best, thanks to the exceptional talent and storytelling of Jonathan Frakes. Frakes not only reprised his role as William T. Riker but also directed two notable episodes, "Seventeen Seconds" and "No Win Scenario." Behind the scenes, Frakes played a significant role in the show's success, particularly when showrunner Terry Matalas directed the final two episodes, "Vox" and "The Last Generation."

When Admiral Jean-Luc Picard sought assistance in Star Trek: Picard season 3, his first choice was Captain Will Riker, a former companion from the USS Enterprise-D. Together, they devised a plan to commandeer the USS Titan-A and save Dr. Beverly Crusher. However, their mission encountered resistance on the Titan's bridge, as they battled Captain Vadic and the menacing Shrike. Throughout their perilous journey, Riker faced personal challenges within his marriage to Counselor Deanna Troi, leaving him grieving and filled with doubts. Despite these obstacles, Riker displayed unparalleled courage and wit in Star Trek: Picard season 3, captivating audiences with his renewed energy and charisma.

Picard Season 3 Had The Best Riker Because Jonathan Frakes IS Riker

Captain Will Riker's greatness in Star Trek: Picard season 3 stems from his undeniable resemblance to Jonathan Frakes. In fact, Riker can be considered as a perfect embodiment of Frakes himself. Both Frakes and Terry Matalas, in the episode commentary of the Blu-ray and DVD release of Star Trek: Picard season 3, confirmed that Riker's character was infused with the real-life personality of Jonathan. Known for his charm, sociability, and affable nature, Frakes brings these qualities to life in Captain Riker's portrayal, even exhibiting his candid manner of speaking. Consequently, Riker surpassed his previous charisma, playfulness, and strength in Star Trek: The Next Generation.

Additionally, in the commentary tracks of Star Trek: Picard season 3, Jonathan Frakes commended Terry Matalas for his humorous writing for Captain Will Riker. One memorable instance was when Riker expressed his exasperation with the world by saying, "I don't understand the world anymore." Frakes also particularly enjoyed a witty retort where he responded to Captain Worf's reference to their trio collaboration as "a threesome" by asking, "Do you even hear yourself?" Within the confines of Star Trek: The Next Generation, improvising dialogue was forbidden. However, Frakes, along with the other actors from the TNG legacy, relished in the liberating opportunity to infuse their iconic characters with aspects of their own personalities.

Riker Needs To Return In Star Trek: Legacy

Jonathan Frakes openly admitted that he had not acted in quite some time and was quite nervous when he received the call to portray Captain Will Riker once again in season 1 of Star Trek: Picard. However, in season 3, Frakes has settled comfortably into the role of Riker, and he believes there is plenty more enjoyment to be had. In fact, Frakes has shared his exciting vision for a potential spinoff called Star Trek: Legacy, where Riker would serve as the Admiral and the new Captain of the USS Enterprise-G, overseeing Seven of Nine (Jeri Ryan) and giving her orders. Frakes jokingly suggests that Riker could be similar to Charlie from Charlie's Angels.

Taking on the dual role of Admiral Riker in Star Trek: Legacy would be a perfect fit for Jonathan Frakes, who also hopes to take on directing duties for episodes of the Picard spinoff if it comes to fruition. Frakes, as Riker, has already formed a strong bond with the planned cast of Star Trek: Legacy, which includes Jack Crusher (Ed Speleers), Sidney La Forge (Ashlei Sharpe Chestnut), and Alandra La Forge (Mica Burton), the offspring of Admiral Picard and Commodore Geordi La Forge (LeVar Burton). Returning for Star Trek: Legacy would create an even more captivating fusion of Jonathan Frakes and Wil Riker than we have seen in Star Trek: Picard season 3.

Star Trek: Picard's last season is now available on DVD, Blu-ray™, and a special edition Blu-ray SteelBook from Paramount Home Entertainment. Additionally, you can now get the complete series of Star Trek: Picard. Mark your calendars for November 7 when the limited-edition Star Trek: The Picard Legacy Collection will be released.