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{{Short description|Fictional character from Star Trek}}
{{Short description|Fictional character from Star Trek}}
{{Other uses}}
{{Other uses}}
{{Use American English|date=April 2023}}
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{{Use mdy dates|date=April 2023}}
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{{Infobox character
{{Infobox character
| name = William T. Riker
| name = William T. Riker
| series = [[Star Trek: The Next Generation]]
| series = [[Star Trek: The Next Generation]]
| image = WilRiker.jpg
| image = WilRiker.jpg
| color = #00549A
| first = "[[Encounter at Farpoint (Star Trek: The Next Generation)|Encounter at Farpoint]]" (1987) <br> (''[[Star Trek: The Next Generation|The Next Generation]]'')
| first = "[[Encounter at Farpoint (Star Trek: The Next Generation)|Encounter at Farpoint]]" (1987) <br> (''[[Star Trek: The Next Generation|The Next Generation]]'')
| last =
| last =
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| lbl23 = Posting
| lbl23 = Posting
| data23 = {{plainlist|
| data23 = {{plainlist|
* USS Zheng He (''[[Star Trek: Picard|PIC]]'')
* USS ''Zheng He'' (''[[Star Trek: Picard|PIC]]'')
* USS Titan (''[[Star Trek Nemesis|NEM]]'', ''[[Star Trek: Lower Decks|LDS]]'')
* USS ''Titan'' (''[[Star Trek Nemesis|NEM]]'', ''[[Star Trek: Lower Decks|LDS]]'')
* [[USS Enterprise (NCC-1701-E)|USS Enterprise-E]]
* USS ''[[USS Enterprise (NCC-1701-E)|Enterprise-E]]''
* (''[[Star Trek: First Contact|FCT]]'', ''[[Star Trek Insurrection|INS]]'', ''[[Star Trek Nemesis|NEM]]'')
* (''[[Star Trek: First Contact|FCT]]'', ''[[Star Trek Insurrection|INS]]'', ''[[Star Trek Nemesis|NEM]]'')
* [[USS Enterprise (NCC-1701-D)|USS Enterprise-D]]
* USS ''[[USS Enterprise (NCC-1701-D)|Enterprise-D]]''
* (Seasons 1–7, ''[[Star Trek Generations|GEN]]'')
* (Seasons 1–7, ''[[Star Trek Generations|GEN]]'')
* USS Pegasus
* USS ''Pegasus''
* USS Potemkin
* USS ''Potemkin''
* USS Hood
* USS ''Hood''
}}
}}
| lbl24 = Position
| lbl24 = Position
| data24 = {{plainlist|
| data24 = {{plainlist|
* Commanding Officer
* Commanding Officer
* (USS Enterprise-D,
* (USS ''Enterprise-D'',
* USS Titan,
* USS ''Titan'',
* USS [[Zheng He]])
* USS ''[[Zheng He]]'')
* First Officer
* First Officer
*(USS Enterprise-D,
*(USS ''Enterprise-D'',
* USS Enterprise-E)
* USS ''Enterprise-E'')
}}
}}
| lbl31 = [[Star Trek uniforms|Rank]]
| lbl31 = [[Star Trek uniforms|Rank]]
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* [[Starfleet ranks and insignia|Commander]] (Seasons 1–7, Movies)
* [[Starfleet ranks and insignia|Commander]] (Seasons 1–7, Movies)
}}
}}
| family = Kyle Riker (father)<br>Betty Riker (mother) <ref name="ST1"/>
| family = Kyle Riker (father)<br>Betty Riker (mother)<ref name="ST1"/>
| spouse = [[Deanna Troi]]
| spouse = [[Deanna Troi]]
| children = Thaddeus Troi-Riker (deceased)<br>Kestra Troi-Riker
| children = Thaddeus Troi-Riker (dead)<br>Kestra Troi-Riker
| fighting_style = [[Anbo-jitsu]]
| fighting_style = [[Anbo-jitsu]]
| origin = [[Alaska]], [[United States]], [[Earth]]
| origin = [[Alaska]], United States, Earth
}}
}}
'''William Thomas''' "'''Will'''" '''Riker''' is a fictional character in the ''[[Star Trek]]'' [[fictional universe|universe]] appearing primarily as a main character in ''[[Star Trek: The Next Generation]],'' portrayed by [[Jonathan Frakes]]. Throughout the series and its accompanying [[Star Trek (film series)#The Next Generation films|films]], he is the ''[[USS Enterprise (NCC-1701-D)|Enterprise]]''{{'}}s [[Executive officer|first officer]], and briefly captain, until he accepts command of the USS ''Titan'' at the end of ''[[Star Trek: Nemesis]]''. He is the husband of [[Deanna Troi]].
'''William Thomas''' "'''Will'''" '''Riker''' is a fictional character in the ''[[Star Trek]]'' [[fictional universe|universe]] appearing primarily as a main character in ''[[Star Trek: The Next Generation]],'' portrayed by [[Jonathan Frakes]]. Throughout the series and its accompanying [[Star Trek (film series)#The Next Generation films|films]], he is the ''[[USS Enterprise (NCC-1701-D)|Enterprise]]''{{'}}s [[Executive officer|first officer]], and briefly captain, until he accepts command of the USS ''Titan'' at the end of ''[[Star Trek: Nemesis]]''. He is the husband of [[Deanna Troi]].
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{{Expand section|date=January 2023}}
{{Expand section|date=January 2023}}


Frakes went to seven auditions over six weeks before being cast as Riker. Frakes stated: {{blockquote|I started with the cattle call, then the casting director, the producer, then other directors, to [[Gene Roddenberry]], and then through the Paramount execs, including the vice-president himself and the heads of television.<ref>{{cite book|last=Schrager|first=Adam|title=The Finest Crew in the Fleet: The Next Generation Cast On Screen and Off|publisher=Wolf Valley Books|location=New York |year=1997|isbn=1-888149-03-5|pages= 48–49 }}</ref>}}
Frakes went to seven auditions over six weeks before being cast as Riker. Frakes stated: {{blockquote|I started with the cattle call, then the casting director, the producer, then other directors, to [[Gene Roddenberry]], and then through the Paramount execs, including the vice-president himself and the heads of television.<ref>{{cite book|last=Schrager|first=Adam|title=The Finest Crew in the Fleet: The Next Generation Cast On Screen and Off|publisher=Wolf Valley Books|location=New York |year=1997|isbn=1-888149-03-5|pages= 48–49 }}</ref>}}Frakes was not the first choice for the part of Riker, Patrick Stewart was the number one choice when casting began.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Box |first=Christy |date=2021-04-21 |title=Star Trek: All The Actors Who Almost Played William T. Riker |url=https://screenrant.com/star-trek-william-riker-tng-actors-auditioned/ |access-date=2024-07-02 |website=ScreenRant |language=en}}</ref>


==Depiction==
==Depiction==
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Riker is usually referred to as "Will". He is also usually (and informally) called "Number One" by [[Jean-Luc Picard|Captain Picard]], because of his position as first officer on the ''Enterprise''.
Riker is usually referred to as "Will". He is also usually (and informally) called "Number One" by [[Jean-Luc Picard|Captain Picard]], because of his position as first officer on the ''Enterprise''.


Riker was originally scripted as a much more serious, by-the-book officer, but by the middle episodes of the first season, it was felt that he was too "official", and his character was toned down and became more of a ladies' man. For the first two seasons, Riker is portrayed as a bold, confident and sometimes arrogant, ambitious young officer; however, over time Riker's character becomes more reserved, as experience teaches him the wisdom of a patient, careful approach. He becomes comfortable on the ''Enterprise'', repeatedly turning down offers of his own command, and he learns to cherish the company of his fellow officers. Nonetheless, Riker retains a willingness to occasionally disregard the [[command hierarchy|chain of command]].
Riker was originally scripted as a much more serious, by-the-book officer, but by the middle episodes of the first season, it was felt that he was too "official", and his character was toned down and became more of a ladies' man. For the first two seasons, Riker is portrayed as a bold, confident and sometimes arrogant, ambitious young officer; however, over time he becomes more reserved, as experience teaches him the wisdom of a patient, careful approach. He becomes comfortable on the ''Enterprise'', repeatedly turning down offers of his own command, and he learns to cherish his fellow officers' company. Nonetheless, he retains a willingness to occasionally disregard the [[command hierarchy|chain of command]].


Although Riker was clean-shaven for the first season, he grew a mustache and beard at the start of the second season that later would become something of a trademark. Frakes had grown a mustache and beard between seasons, for his role in the [[American Civil War|Civil War]] miniseries ''[[North and South (miniseries)|North and South]]'', and Gene Roddenberry asked him to keep it, because he thought it made Riker look more nautical.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.avclub.com/article/jonathan-frakes-talks-william-riker-playing-trombo-100891|title=Jonathan Frakes talks William Riker, playing trombone with Phish, and more|first=Will|last=Harris|website=[[The A.V. Club]] |date=30 July 2013 }}</ref> Because Frakes' growing of a mustache and beard coincided with what fans and critics perceived as an improvement of the show's writing quality, "[[Jumping the shark#Growing the beard|growing the beard]]" has become an internet colloquialism for a once subpar television series achieving a dramatic level of improvement.<ref>{{Cite web|date=May 12, 2021|title=Star Trek: Why Commander Riker Grew a Beard for The Next Generation Season 2|url=https://www.cbr.com/star-trek-why-commander-riker-grew-a-beard-for-the-next-generation-season-2/|access-date=November 3, 2021|website=CBR|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Gartenberg|first=Chaim|date=September 14, 2017|title=How Seth MacFarlane could save his terminally bland Star Trek clone The Orville|url=https://www.theverge.com/2017/9/14/16307156/the-orville-fox-star-trek-seth-macfarlane-humor-originality|access-date=November 3, 2021|website=The Verge|language=en}}</ref> Riker did shave his mustache and beard during the events of ''[[Star Trek Insurrection]]'', to the amusement of [[Data (Star Trek)|Data]].
Although Riker was clean-shaven for the first season, he grew a beard at the start of the second season that later became something of a trademark. Between sessions, Frakes grew a beard for his role in the [[American Civil War|Civil War]] miniseries ''[[North and South (miniseries)|North and South]]'', and Gene Roddenberry asked him to keep it because he thought it made Riker look more nautical.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.avclub.com/article/jonathan-frakes-talks-william-riker-playing-trombo-100891|title=Jonathan Frakes talks William Riker, playing trombone with Phish, and more|first=Will|last=Harris|website=[[The A.V. Club]] |date=July 30, 2013 }}</ref> Because Frakes' beard coincided with what fans and critics perceived as an improvement of the show's writing quality, "[[Jumping the shark#Growing the beard|growing the beard]]" has become an internet colloquialism for a once subpar television series achieving a dramatic level of improvement.<ref>{{Cite web|date=May 12, 2021|title=Star Trek: Why Commander Riker Grew a Beard for The Next Generation Season 2|url=https://www.cbr.com/star-trek-why-commander-riker-grew-a-beard-for-the-next-generation-season-2/|access-date=November 3, 2021|website=CBR|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Gartenberg|first=Chaim|date=September 14, 2017|title=How Seth MacFarlane could save his terminally bland Star Trek clone The Orville|url=https://www.theverge.com/2017/9/14/16307156/the-orville-fox-star-trek-seth-macfarlane-humor-originality|access-date=November 3, 2021|website=The Verge|language=en}}</ref> Riker did shave his mustache and beard during the events of ''[[Star Trek Insurrection]]'', to the amusement of [[Data (Star Trek)|Data]].


Riker's background is first explored in the second-season episode "[[The Icarus Factor]]". In the episode, Riker's estranged father, Kyle, visits the ''Enterprise'' to offer his son the command of the USS ''Aries'', which Riker refuses. We learn that Riker grew up in [[Alaska]];<ref name="ST1">{{cite web | title=Riker | website=Star Trek | date=2017-02-24 | url=https://www.startrek.com/database_article/riker-william | access-date=2020-10-15}}</ref> that his mother, Elizabeth (Betty), died when he was two years old; and that he was raised by his father until the age of 15, when he left home. In the episode, Riker had not spoken with his father for 15 years, but they manage to partially mend their relationship over a game of martial-arts [[sparring]] called Anbo-jitsu. In the episode "[[Lower Decks (Star Trek: The Next Generation)|Lower Decks]]" a waiter at Ten Forward mistakenly states that Riker is [[Canadians|Canadian]], and in the same episode Riker clarifies that he grew up in Alaska. According to the ''Voyager'' episode "[[Death Wish (Star Trek: Voyager)|Death Wish]]" (in which Riker made a guest appearance), Riker's distant ancestors also lived in the United States: during the [[American Civil War]], his ancestor Colonel Thaddeus Riker fought on the Union side, as an officer in the [[102nd New York Volunteer Infantry|102nd New York Infantry Regiment]] during the [[Atlanta Campaign]].
Riker's background is first explored in the second-season episode "[[The Icarus Factor]]". In the episode, Riker's estranged father, Kyle, visits the ''Enterprise'' to offer his son the command of the USS ''Aries'', which Riker refuses. We learn that Riker grew up in [[Alaska]];<ref name="ST1">{{cite web | title=Riker | website=Star Trek | date=February 24, 2017 | url=https://www.startrek.com/database_article/riker-william | access-date=October 15, 2020}}</ref> that his mother, Elizabeth (Betty), died when he was two; and that he was raised by his father until age 15, when he left home. In the episode, Riker had not spoken with his father for 15 years, but they manage to partially mend their relationship over a game of martial-arts [[sparring]] called Anbo-jitsu. In the episode "[[Lower Decks (Star Trek: The Next Generation)|Lower Decks]]", a waiter at Ten Forward mistakenly states that Riker is Canadian, and in the same episode Riker clarifies that he grew up in Alaska. According to the ''Voyager'' episode "[[Death Wish (Star Trek: Voyager)|Death Wish]]" (in which Riker made a guest appearance), Riker's distant ancestors also lived in the United States: During the [[American Civil War]], his ancestor Colonel Thaddeus Riker fought on the Union side as an officer in the [[102nd New York Infantry Regiment]] during the [[Atlanta Campaign]].


In the two-part episode "[[The Best of Both Worlds (Star Trek: The Next Generation)|The Best of Both Worlds]]" Riker takes command of the ''Enterprise'', promoted to the rank of captain through a [[field promotion]], and orchestrates Picard's rescue. This episode also explores the idea of Riker being unwilling to take chances since he had grown comfortable in his role as First Officer aboard the ''Enterprise''. By the end of the episode, when he orders the ''Enterprise'' to fire on former Captain Picard, now Locutus of Borg, Riker has grown into a more confident leader. The sixth-season episode "[[Second Chances (Star Trek: The Next Generation)|Second Chances]]" reveals that Will Riker was duplicated long ago by a [[Transporter (Star Trek)|transporter]] malfunction. The "second" Riker takes the name "[[Thomas Riker|Thomas]]", which is revealed to be William Riker's middle name. In the seventh-season episode "[[The Pegasus (Star Trek: The Next Generation)|The ''Pegasus'']]", Riker must confront his former commanding officer, Admiral Erik Pressman, over a cover-up related to the destruction of the USS ''Pegasus''. The ''Pegasus'' had illegally developed a radically different type of cloaking device that also allowed it to phase through matter, resulting in it becoming fused within an asteroid when unstable power consumption forced the cloaking device offline. In the ''Enterprise'' series finale, Riker appears as a never before seen cook discussing matters of life, duty, and sacrifice with the crew. It is revealed that his presence is part of a holodeck simulation of historic events that Riker initiated to help himself make the decision to inform Captain Picard of the illegal research once conducted by Admiral Pressman aboard the ''Pegasus''.
In the two-part episode "[[The Best of Both Worlds (Star Trek: The Next Generation)|The Best of Both Worlds]]" Riker takes command of the ''Enterprise'', promoted to the rank of captain through a [[field promotion]], and orchestrates Picard's rescue. This episode also explores the idea of Riker being unwilling to take chances since he had grown comfortable in his role as First Officer aboard the ''Enterprise''. By the end of the episode, when he orders the ''Enterprise'' to fire on former Captain Picard, now Locutus of Borg, Riker has grown into a more confident leader. The sixth-season episode "[[Second Chances (Star Trek: The Next Generation)|Second Chances]]" reveals that Will Riker was duplicated long ago by a [[Transporter (Star Trek)|transporter]] malfunction. The "second" Riker takes the name "[[Thomas Riker|Thomas]]", which is revealed to be William Riker's middle name. In the seventh-season episode "[[The Pegasus (Star Trek: The Next Generation)|The ''Pegasus'']]", Riker must confront his former commanding officer, Admiral Erik Pressman, over a cover-up related to the destruction of the USS ''Pegasus''. The ''Pegasus'' had illegally developed a radically different type of cloaking device that also allowed it to phase through matter, resulting in it becoming fused within an asteroid when unstable power consumption forced the cloaking device offline. In the ''Enterprise'' series finale, Riker appears as a never before seen cook discussing matters of life, duty, and sacrifice with the crew. It is revealed that his presence is part of a holodeck simulation of historic events that Riker initiated to help himself make the decision to inform Captain Picard of the illegal research once conducted by Admiral Pressman aboard the ''Pegasus''.


Before the beginning of the series, Riker was involved in a romantic relationship with [[Deanna Troi|Counselor Troi]] on her home planet [[Betazoid|Betazed]]. They often refer to each other as ''imzadi'', a Betazoid term of endearment meaning "soulmate". The novel ''[[Imzadi]]'' takes place before the beginning of the series and explores the history of the relationship between the two characters. The two characters are close friends throughout the series, but their relationship does not resume until ''[[Star Trek: Insurrection]]'', the third ''Star Trek'' film set in the ''Next Generation'' era, although Thomas Riker, the duplicate created by a transporter malfunction, attempts to respark their relationship in "Second Chances". The following movie, ''[[Star Trek: Nemesis]]'', begins with their wedding reception on board the ''Enterprise''-E. At the start of the film, Riker finally accepts a promotion to [[Starfleet ranks and insignia|Captain]] and an offer to command the USS ''Titan''; during the movie's final scenes he bids Picard, and the ''Enterprise'', farewell.
Before the beginning of the series, Riker was involved in a romantic relationship with [[Deanna Troi|Counselor Troi]] on her home planet [[Betazoid|Betazed]]. They often refer to each other as ''imzadi'', a Betazoid term of endearment meaning "soulmate". The novel ''[[Imzadi]]'' takes place before the beginning of the series and explores the history of the relationship between the two characters. The two characters are close friends throughout the series, but their relationship does not resume until ''[[Star Trek: Insurrection]]'', the third ''Star Trek'' film set in the ''Next Generation'' era, although Thomas Riker, the duplicate created by a transporter malfunction, attempts to respark their relationship in "Second Chances". The following movie, ''[[Star Trek: Nemesis]]'', begins with their wedding reception on board the ''Enterprise''-E. At the start of the film, Riker finally accepts a promotion to [[Starfleet ranks and insignia|captain]] and an offer to command the USS ''Titan''; during the movie's final scenes he bids Picard, and the ''Enterprise'', farewell.


===''Star Trek: Voyager''===
===''Star Trek: Voyager''===
Riker guest-starred along with Q in the ''[[Star Trek: Voyager]]'' episode "[[Death Wish (Star Trek: Voyager)|Death Wish]]".
Riker guest-starred along with [[Q (Star Trek)|Q]] in the ''[[Star Trek: Voyager]]'' episode "[[Death Wish (Star Trek: Voyager)|Death Wish]]".


===''Star Trek: Enterprise''===
===''Star Trek: Enterprise''===
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===''Star Trek: Picard''===
===''Star Trek: Picard''===
Riker returns to the screen in an episode of ''[[Star Trek: Picard]]'', titled "Nepenthe". In that episode, taking place in 2399, Riker is married to Deanna Troi; they have two children, Thad (now deceased), and Kestra. Picard and his gynoid companion Soji visit the Rikers' home, a National Parks-style lodge on the planet Nepenthe, and are welcomed with open arms. Will and Deanna are retired from Starfleet although Will describes his status as being on "active reserve."<ref>{{cite web | url =http://trekcore.com/blog/2019/07/star-trek-picard-brings-back-jeri-ryan-brent-spiner-jonathan-frakes-marina-sirtis/ | title = TREK Vets Brent Spiner and Jeri Ryan Back for STAR TREK: PICARD, Plus: Frakes and Sirtis Returning Too! | date = 20 July 2019 | access-date= July 20, 2019 | publisher= TrekCore}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.etonline.com/star-trek-picard-what-you-need-to-know-before-diving-into-the-cbs-all-access-series-140094|title='Star Trek: Picard': The Complete Guide to the CBS All Access Series|website=Entertainment Tonight|language=en-US|access-date=2020-01-23}}</ref>
Riker returns to the screen in the "Nepenthe" episode of ''[[Star Trek: Picard]]''. In that episode, taking place in 2399, Riker is married to Deanna Troi; they have two children, Thad (now deceased) and Kestra. Picard and his gynoid companion Soji visit the Rikers' home, a National Parks-style lodge on the planet Nepenthe, and are welcomed with open arms. Will and Deanna are retired from Starfleet although Will describes his status as being on "active reserve."<ref>{{cite web | url =http://trekcore.com/blog/2019/07/star-trek-picard-brings-back-jeri-ryan-brent-spiner-jonathan-frakes-marina-sirtis/ | title = TREK Vets Brent Spiner and Jeri Ryan Back for STAR TREK: PICARD, Plus: Frakes and Sirtis Returning Too! | date = July 20, 2019 | access-date= July 20, 2019 | publisher= TrekCore}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.etonline.com/star-trek-picard-what-you-need-to-know-before-diving-into-the-cbs-all-access-series-140094|title='Star Trek: Picard': The Complete Guide to the CBS All Access Series|website=Entertainment Tonight|language=en-US|access-date=January 23, 2020}}</ref>


Riker makes another ''Picard'' appearance in the Season 1 finale, "Et in Arcadia Ego, Part II". In that episode, Riker has been reinstated to active duty. He is temporarily in command of the USS ''Zheng He'', the lead ship in a Starfleet squadron sent to the planet Coppelius to protect its inhabitants from imminent [[Romulan]] attack.
Riker makes another ''Picard'' appearance in the Season 1 finale "Et in Arcadia Ego, Part II". In that episode, Riker has been reinstated to active duty. He is temporarily in command of the USS ''Zheng He'', the lead ship in a Starfleet squadron sent to the planet Coppelius to protect its inhabitants from imminent [[Romulan]] attack.


Riker, along with other former members of the crew of the USS ''Enterprise''-D, return for an extended story arc in the fourth and final season of ''Picard''. Riker appears from the season premiere onward (as of the fourth episode), and is acting captain of the {{USS|Titan|NCC-80102-A}}{{snd}}successor to [[#Star Trek: Lower Decks|the ship he was given command of]] at the end of ''[[Star Trek: Nemesis]]'', continuing in ''[[Star Trek: Lower Decks]]''{{snd}}in the third and fourth episodes.
Riker, along with other former members of the crew of the USS ''Enterprise''-D, return for an extended story arc in the third and final season of ''Picard'', wherein they fight a rogue Changeling conspiracy against the Federation. Riker appears from the season premiere onward (as of the fourth episode), and is acting captain of the {{USS|Titan|NCC-80102-A}}{{snd}}successor to [[#Star Trek: Lower Decks|the ship he was given command of]] at the end of ''[[Star Trek: Nemesis]]'', continuing in ''[[Star Trek: Lower Decks]]''{{snd}}in the third and fourth episodes. While conducting a heist at the advanced research center the Daystrom Institute on Picard's behalf, Riker is captured by the rogue Changelings, and reunited with Deanna in the sixth episode. Riker had fallen into an existential crisis after Thad's death, and their relationship had turned into one of toxic codependency and longing for adventure, necessitating their temporary separation and Picard's help. Their former crewmate [[Worf]] rescues the couple and brings them aboard the ''Titan'' in the eighth episode, reuniting the crew of the ''Enterprise''.


===''Star Trek: Lower Decks''===
===''Star Trek: Lower Decks''===
Riker appears in "No Small Parts", the 2020 finale of the first season of ''[[Star Trek: Lower Decks]]'', as captain of the USS ''Titan'' (NCC-80102) alongside his wife [[Deanna Troi]]{{snd}}continuing a posting announced in dialogue at the end of ''[[Star Trek: Nemesis]]'' (2002). Riker appeared in the first and second episodes of the second season.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-10-08|title=Star Trek: Lower Decks — Jonathan Frakes' Riker To Return in Season 2|url=https://www.denofgeek.com/tv/star-trek-lower-decks-season-2-cast-jonathan-frakes-riker/|access-date=2020-10-24|website=Den of Geek|language=en-US}}</ref>
Riker appears in "No Small Parts", the 2020 finale of the first season of ''[[Star Trek: Lower Decks]]'', as captain of the USS ''Titan'' (NCC-80102) alongside his wife [[Deanna Troi]]{{snd}}continuing a posting announced in dialogue at the end of ''[[Star Trek: Nemesis]]'' (2002). Riker appeared in the second season's first and second episodes.<ref>{{Cite web|date=October 8, 2020|title=Star Trek: Lower Decks — Jonathan Frakes' Riker To Return in Season 2|url=https://www.denofgeek.com/tv/star-trek-lower-decks-season-2-cast-jonathan-frakes-riker/|access-date=October 24, 2020|website=Den of Geek|language=en-US}}</ref>


==Alternate versions==
==Alternate versions==
Frakes appeared in dual roles in "[[Second Chances (TNG episode)|Second Chances]]", a ''TNG'' episode in which it was established that Riker had a "duplicate" created years earlier by a transporter malfunction. Frakes appeared as the duplicate, [[Thomas Riker]], in the ''[[Star Trek: Deep Space Nine]]'' episode "[[Defiant (DS9 episode)|Defiant]]", in which he impersonates the main William Riker to commandeer the starship ''Defiant'' as a member of the Maquis.
Frakes appeared in dual roles in "[[Second Chances (Star Trek: The Next Generation)|Second Chances]]", a ''TNG'' episode where it was established that a duplicate of him was created years earlier by a transporter malfunction. Frakes appeared as the duplicate, [[Thomas Riker]], in the ''[[Star Trek: Deep Space Nine]]'' episode "[[Defiant (Star Trek: Deep Space Nine)|Defiant]]", where Thomas impersonates William in order to commandeer the {{USS|Defiant}} on behalf of the Maquis.


==Popular culture==
==Popular culture==
In 1993, [[Boole & Babbage]] announced that it had signed a two-year licensing agreement, paying [[Paramount Pictures]] $75,000 a year, to use ''Star Trek'' imagery in advertising for its computer software products.<ref name=uni>{{cite web |title=Boole & Babbage, Inc. History |date=1999 |work=[[Lendio#Funding Universe|FundingUniverse]] |url=http://www.fundinguniverse.com/company-histories/boole-babbage-inc-history/ |access-date=2023-03-10}}</ref> Boole & Babbage's campaign used actor Jonathan Frakes, playing his character of Commander William Riker, in their ''Star Trek''-themed advertisements.<ref name=IDoCH>{{cite book |title=International Directory of Company Histories |volume=25 |editor-first=Laura E. |editor-last=Whiteley |pages=86–88 |publisher=[[St. James Press]] |location=Detroit |date=1999 |isbn=1558623671 |url=https://archive.org/details/internationaldir0000unse_i5u1/page/86/mode/2up?q=Boole |access-date=2023-03-10}}</ref>
In 1993, mainframe software company [[Boole & Babbage]] announced that it had signed a two-year licensing agreement, paying [[Paramount Pictures]] $75,000 a year, to use ''Star Trek'' imagery in advertising for its products.<ref name=uni>{{cite web |title=Boole & Babbage, Inc. History |date=1999 |work=[[Lendio#Funding Universe|FundingUniverse]] |url=http://www.fundinguniverse.com/company-histories/boole-babbage-inc-history/ |access-date=March 10, 2023}}</ref> Boole & Babbage's campaign used actor Jonathan Frakes, playing his character of Commander William Riker, in their ''Star Trek''-themed advertisements.<ref name=IDoCH>{{cite book |title=International Directory of Company Histories |volume=25 |editor-first=Laura E. |editor-last=Whiteley |pages=86–88 |publisher=[[St. James Press]] |location=Detroit |date=1999 |isbn=1558623671 |url=https://archive.org/details/internationaldir0000unse_i5u1/page/86/mode/2up?q=Boole |access-date=March 10, 2023}}</ref>


==Reception==
==Reception==
In 2009, ''[[IGN]]'' rated William Riker the 22nd best character of all ''Star Trek'' up to that time.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2009/05/08/top-25-star-trek-characters |title=Top 25 Star Trek Characters |date=2009-05-08 |website=[[IGN]] |language=en-US |access-date=2019-06-20}}</ref>
In 2009, ''[[IGN]]'' rated William Riker the 22nd best character of all ''Star Trek'' up to that time.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2009/05/08/top-25-star-trek-characters |title=Top 25 Star Trek Characters |date=May 8, 2009 |website=[[IGN]] |language=en-US |access-date=June 20, 2019}}</ref>


In 2016, ''[[Wired (magazine)|Wired]]'' magazine ranked First Officer Riker as the 6th most important character of [[Starfleet]] within the ''Star Trek'' science fiction universe.<ref>{{Cite magazine |url=https://www.wired.com/2016/09/star-treks-100-crew-members-ranked/ |title=Star Trek's 100 Most Important Crew Members, Ranked|last=McMillan |first=Graeme |date=2016-09-05 |magazine=[[Wired (magazine)|Wired]] |access-date=2019-03-20 |issn=1059-1028}}</ref>
In 2016, ''[[Wired (magazine)|Wired]]'' magazine ranked First Officer Riker as the 6th most important character of [[Starfleet]] within the ''Star Trek'' science fiction universe.<ref>{{Cite magazine |url=https://www.wired.com/2016/09/star-treks-100-crew-members-ranked/ |title=Star Trek's 100 Most Important Crew Members, Ranked|last=McMillan |first=Graeme |date=September 5, 2016 |magazine=[[Wired (magazine)|Wired]] |access-date=March 20, 2019 |issn=1059-1028}}</ref>


In 2017, [[IndieWire]] ranked Riker as the 2nd best character on ''Star Trek:The Next Generation''.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.indiewire.com/2017/09/star-trek-the-next-generation-characters-ranked-1201882388/ |title='Star Trek: The Next Generation': Ranking the Crew, From Picard to Pulaski |last=Miller |first=Liz Shannon |date=2017-09-30 |website=[[IndieWire]] |language=en |access-date=2019-06-23}}</ref>
In 2017, [[IndieWire]] ranked Riker as the 2nd best character on ''Star Trek:The Next Generation''.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.indiewire.com/2017/09/star-trek-the-next-generation-characters-ranked-1201882388/ |title='Star Trek: The Next Generation': Ranking the Crew, From Picard to Pulaski |last=Miller |first=Liz Shannon |date=September 30, 2017 |website=[[IndieWire]] |language=en |access-date=June 23, 2019}}</ref>


In March 2018, ''[[TheWrap]]'' placed William Riker as 5th out 39 in a ranking of main cast characters of the ''Star Trek'' franchise.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.thewrap.com/all-39-star-trek-main-characters-ranked-from-spock-to-wesley-photos/ |title=All 39 'Star Trek' Main Characters Ranked |date=2018-03-21 |website=[[TheWrap]] |language=en-US |access-date=2019-06-22}}</ref> In October 2018, [[Comic Book Resources|CBR]] ranked Riker as the 12th best Starfleet character of ''Star Trek''.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |url=https://www.cbr.com/star-trek-starfleet-members-ranked/ |title=Star Trek: The 25 Best Members Of Starfleet, Ranked |date=2018-10-27 |website=[[Comic Book Resources]] |language=en-US |access-date=2019-06-20}}</ref>
In March 2018, ''[[TheWrap]]'' placed William Riker as 5th out 39 in a ranking of main cast characters of the ''Star Trek'' franchise.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.thewrap.com/all-39-star-trek-main-characters-ranked-from-spock-to-wesley-photos/ |title=All 39 'Star Trek' Main Characters Ranked |date=March 21, 2018 |website=[[TheWrap]] |language=en-US |access-date=June 22, 2019}}</ref> In October 2018, [[Comic Book Resources|CBR]] ranked Riker as the 12th best Starfleet character of ''Star Trek''.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |url=https://www.cbr.com/star-trek-starfleet-members-ranked/ |title=Star Trek: The 25 Best Members Of Starfleet, Ranked |date=October 27, 2018 |website=[[Comic Book Resources]] |language=en-US |access-date=June 20, 2019}}</ref>


In 2019, ''[[CinemaBlend]]'' ranked Riker the fifth best Starfleet character of all time.<ref name=autogenerated1>{{Cite web |url=https://www.cinemablend.com/television/2474542/the-best-star-trek-characters-of-all-time |title=The Best Star Trek Characters Of All Time|date=2019-06-10|website=[[CinemaBlend]] |access-date=2019-06-20}}</ref> They point out he is good at his job as "Number One", first officer to Captain Picard on the starship USS ''Enterprise'' 1701-D.<ref name=autogenerated1 />
In 2019, ''[[CinemaBlend]]'' ranked Riker the fifth best Starfleet character of all time.<ref name=autogenerated1>{{Cite web |url=https://www.cinemablend.com/television/2474542/the-best-star-trek-characters-of-all-time |title=The Best Star Trek Characters Of All Time|date=June 10, 2019|website=[[CinemaBlend]] |access-date=June 20, 2019}}</ref> They point out he is good at his job as "Number One", first officer to Captain Picard on the starship USS ''Enterprise'' 1701-D.<ref name=autogenerated1 />


==References==
==References==
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[[Category:Starfleet captains]]
[[Category:Starfleet captains]]
[[Category:Starfleet commanders]]
[[Category:Starfleet commanders]]

Latest revision as of 14:16, 3 September 2024

For other uses, see William Riker (disambiguation).

William T. Riker
Star Trek: The Next Generation character
First appearance"Encounter at Farpoint" (1987)
(The Next Generation)
Created byGene Roddenberry
D. C. Fontana
Portrayed byJonathan Frakes
In-universe information
SpeciesHuman
Affiliation
Fighting styleAnbo-jitsu
FamilyKyle Riker (father)
Betty Riker (mother)[1]
SpouseDeanna Troi
ChildrenThaddeus Troi-Riker (dead)
Kestra Troi-Riker
OriginAlaska, United States, Earth
Posting
Position
  • Commanding Officer
  • (USS Enterprise-D,
  • USS Titan,
  • USS Zheng He)
  • First Officer
  • (USS Enterprise-D,
  • USS Enterprise-E)
Rank

William Thomas "Will" Riker is a fictional character in the Star Trek universe appearing primarily as a main character in Star Trek: The Next Generation, portrayed by Jonathan Frakes. Throughout the series and its accompanying films, he is the Enterprise's first officer, and briefly captain, until he accepts command of the USS Titan at the end of Star Trek: Nemesis. He is the husband of Deanna Troi.

Casting

[edit]

Frakes went to seven auditions over six weeks before being cast as Riker. Frakes stated:

I started with the cattle call, then the casting director, the producer, then other directors, to Gene Roddenberry, and then through the Paramount execs, including the vice-president himself and the heads of television.[2]

Frakes was not the first choice for the part of Riker, Patrick Stewart was the number one choice when casting began.[3]

Depiction

[edit]

Star Trek: The Next Generation

[edit]

Riker is usually referred to as "Will". He is also usually (and informally) called "Number One" by Captain Picard, because of his position as first officer on the Enterprise.

Riker was originally scripted as a much more serious, by-the-book officer, but by the middle episodes of the first season, it was felt that he was too "official", and his character was toned down and became more of a ladies' man. For the first two seasons, Riker is portrayed as a bold, confident and sometimes arrogant, ambitious young officer; however, over time he becomes more reserved, as experience teaches him the wisdom of a patient, careful approach. He becomes comfortable on the Enterprise, repeatedly turning down offers of his own command, and he learns to cherish his fellow officers' company. Nonetheless, he retains a willingness to occasionally disregard the chain of command.

Although Riker was clean-shaven for the first season, he grew a beard at the start of the second season that later became something of a trademark. Between sessions, Frakes grew a beard for his role in the Civil War miniseries North and South, and Gene Roddenberry asked him to keep it because he thought it made Riker look more nautical.[4] Because Frakes' beard coincided with what fans and critics perceived as an improvement of the show's writing quality, "growing the beard" has become an internet colloquialism for a once subpar television series achieving a dramatic level of improvement.[5][6] Riker did shave his mustache and beard during the events of Star Trek Insurrection, to the amusement of Data.

Riker's background is first explored in the second-season episode "The Icarus Factor". In the episode, Riker's estranged father, Kyle, visits the Enterprise to offer his son the command of the USS Aries, which Riker refuses. We learn that Riker grew up in Alaska;[1] that his mother, Elizabeth (Betty), died when he was two; and that he was raised by his father until age 15, when he left home. In the episode, Riker had not spoken with his father for 15 years, but they manage to partially mend their relationship over a game of martial-arts sparring called Anbo-jitsu. In the episode "Lower Decks", a waiter at Ten Forward mistakenly states that Riker is Canadian, and in the same episode Riker clarifies that he grew up in Alaska. According to the Voyager episode "Death Wish" (in which Riker made a guest appearance), Riker's distant ancestors also lived in the United States: During the American Civil War, his ancestor Colonel Thaddeus Riker fought on the Union side as an officer in the 102nd New York Infantry Regiment during the Atlanta Campaign.

In the two-part episode "The Best of Both Worlds" Riker takes command of the Enterprise, promoted to the rank of captain through a field promotion, and orchestrates Picard's rescue. This episode also explores the idea of Riker being unwilling to take chances since he had grown comfortable in his role as First Officer aboard the Enterprise. By the end of the episode, when he orders the Enterprise to fire on former Captain Picard, now Locutus of Borg, Riker has grown into a more confident leader. The sixth-season episode "Second Chances" reveals that Will Riker was duplicated long ago by a transporter malfunction. The "second" Riker takes the name "Thomas", which is revealed to be William Riker's middle name. In the seventh-season episode "The Pegasus", Riker must confront his former commanding officer, Admiral Erik Pressman, over a cover-up related to the destruction of the USS Pegasus. The Pegasus had illegally developed a radically different type of cloaking device that also allowed it to phase through matter, resulting in it becoming fused within an asteroid when unstable power consumption forced the cloaking device offline. In the Enterprise series finale, Riker appears as a never before seen cook discussing matters of life, duty, and sacrifice with the crew. It is revealed that his presence is part of a holodeck simulation of historic events that Riker initiated to help himself make the decision to inform Captain Picard of the illegal research once conducted by Admiral Pressman aboard the Pegasus.

Before the beginning of the series, Riker was involved in a romantic relationship with Counselor Troi on her home planet Betazed. They often refer to each other as imzadi, a Betazoid term of endearment meaning "soulmate". The novel Imzadi takes place before the beginning of the series and explores the history of the relationship between the two characters. The two characters are close friends throughout the series, but their relationship does not resume until Star Trek: Insurrection, the third Star Trek film set in the Next Generation era, although Thomas Riker, the duplicate created by a transporter malfunction, attempts to respark their relationship in "Second Chances". The following movie, Star Trek: Nemesis, begins with their wedding reception on board the Enterprise-E. At the start of the film, Riker finally accepts a promotion to captain and an offer to command the USS Titan; during the movie's final scenes he bids Picard, and the Enterprise, farewell.

Star Trek: Voyager

[edit]

Riker guest-starred along with Q in the Star Trek: Voyager episode "Death Wish".

Star Trek: Enterprise

[edit]

Frakes reprised his role of Commander Riker in the 2005 Enterprise series finale, "These Are the Voyages...".

Star Trek: Picard

[edit]

Riker returns to the screen in the "Nepenthe" episode of Star Trek: Picard. In that episode, taking place in 2399, Riker is married to Deanna Troi; they have two children, Thad (now deceased) and Kestra. Picard and his gynoid companion Soji visit the Rikers' home, a National Parks-style lodge on the planet Nepenthe, and are welcomed with open arms. Will and Deanna are retired from Starfleet although Will describes his status as being on "active reserve."[7][8]

Riker makes another Picard appearance in the Season 1 finale "Et in Arcadia Ego, Part II". In that episode, Riker has been reinstated to active duty. He is temporarily in command of the USS Zheng He, the lead ship in a Starfleet squadron sent to the planet Coppelius to protect its inhabitants from imminent Romulan attack.

Riker, along with other former members of the crew of the USS Enterprise-D, return for an extended story arc in the third and final season of Picard, wherein they fight a rogue Changeling conspiracy against the Federation. Riker appears from the season premiere onward (as of the fourth episode), and is acting captain of the USS Titan (NCC-80102-A) – successor to the ship he was given command of at the end of Star Trek: Nemesis, continuing in Star Trek: Lower Decks – in the third and fourth episodes. While conducting a heist at the advanced research center the Daystrom Institute on Picard's behalf, Riker is captured by the rogue Changelings, and reunited with Deanna in the sixth episode. Riker had fallen into an existential crisis after Thad's death, and their relationship had turned into one of toxic codependency and longing for adventure, necessitating their temporary separation and Picard's help. Their former crewmate Worf rescues the couple and brings them aboard the Titan in the eighth episode, reuniting the crew of the Enterprise.

Star Trek: Lower Decks

[edit]

Riker appears in "No Small Parts", the 2020 finale of the first season of Star Trek: Lower Decks, as captain of the USS Titan (NCC-80102) alongside his wife Deanna Troi – continuing a posting announced in dialogue at the end of Star Trek: Nemesis (2002). Riker appeared in the second season's first and second episodes.[9]

Alternate versions

[edit]

Frakes appeared in dual roles in "Second Chances", a TNG episode where it was established that a duplicate of him was created years earlier by a transporter malfunction. Frakes appeared as the duplicate, Thomas Riker, in the Star Trek: Deep Space Nine episode "Defiant", where Thomas impersonates William in order to commandeer the USS Defiant on behalf of the Maquis.

[edit]

In 1993, mainframe software company Boole & Babbage announced that it had signed a two-year licensing agreement, paying Paramount Pictures $75,000 a year, to use Star Trek imagery in advertising for its products.[10] Boole & Babbage's campaign used actor Jonathan Frakes, playing his character of Commander William Riker, in their Star Trek-themed advertisements.[11]

Reception

[edit]

In 2009, IGN rated William Riker the 22nd best character of all Star Trek up to that time.[12]

In 2016, Wired magazine ranked First Officer Riker as the 6th most important character of Starfleet within the Star Trek science fiction universe.[13]

In 2017, IndieWire ranked Riker as the 2nd best character on Star Trek:The Next Generation.[14]

In March 2018, TheWrap placed William Riker as 5th out 39 in a ranking of main cast characters of the Star Trek franchise.[15] In October 2018, CBR ranked Riker as the 12th best Starfleet character of Star Trek.[16]

In 2019, CinemaBlend ranked Riker the fifth best Starfleet character of all time.[17] They point out he is good at his job as "Number One", first officer to Captain Picard on the starship USS Enterprise 1701-D.[17]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b "Riker". Star Trek. February 24, 2017. Retrieved October 15, 2020.
  2. ^ Schrager, Adam (1997). The Finest Crew in the Fleet: The Next Generation Cast On Screen and Off. New York: Wolf Valley Books. pp. 48–49. ISBN 1-888149-03-5.
  3. ^ Box, Christy (April 21, 2021). "Star Trek: All The Actors Who Almost Played William T. Riker". ScreenRant. Retrieved July 2, 2024.
  4. ^ Harris, Will (July 30, 2013). "Jonathan Frakes talks William Riker, playing trombone with Phish, and more". The A.V. Club.
  5. ^ "Star Trek: Why Commander Riker Grew a Beard for The Next Generation Season 2". CBR. May 12, 2021. Retrieved November 3, 2021.
  6. ^ Gartenberg, Chaim (September 14, 2017). "How Seth MacFarlane could save his terminally bland Star Trek clone The Orville". The Verge. Retrieved November 3, 2021.
  7. ^ "TREK Vets Brent Spiner and Jeri Ryan Back for STAR TREK: PICARD, Plus: Frakes and Sirtis Returning Too!". TrekCore. July 20, 2019. Retrieved July 20, 2019.
  8. ^ "'Star Trek: Picard': The Complete Guide to the CBS All Access Series". Entertainment Tonight. Retrieved January 23, 2020.
  9. ^ "Star Trek: Lower Decks — Jonathan Frakes' Riker To Return in Season 2". Den of Geek. October 8, 2020. Retrieved October 24, 2020.
  10. ^ "Boole & Babbage, Inc. History". FundingUniverse. 1999. Retrieved March 10, 2023.
  11. ^ Whiteley, Laura E., ed. (1999). International Directory of Company Histories. Vol. 25. Detroit: St. James Press. pp. 86–88. ISBN 1558623671. Retrieved March 10, 2023.
  12. ^ "Top 25 Star Trek Characters". IGN. May 8, 2009. Retrieved June 20, 2019.
  13. ^ McMillan, Graeme (September 5, 2016). "Star Trek's 100 Most Important Crew Members, Ranked". Wired. ISSN 1059-1028. Retrieved March 20, 2019.
  14. ^ Miller, Liz Shannon (September 30, 2017). "'Star Trek: The Next Generation': Ranking the Crew, From Picard to Pulaski". IndieWire. Retrieved June 23, 2019.
  15. ^ "All 39 'Star Trek' Main Characters Ranked". TheWrap. March 21, 2018. Retrieved June 22, 2019.
  16. ^ "Star Trek: The 25 Best Members Of Starfleet, Ranked". Comic Book Resources. October 27, 2018. Retrieved June 20, 2019.
  17. ^ a b "The Best Star Trek Characters Of All Time". CinemaBlend. June 10, 2019. Retrieved June 20, 2019.
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