Jonathan Frakes was lured again to “Star Trek: Picard” by the third season’s showrunner, Terry Matalas, who promised the actor a model of Riker that had lived a life. Frakes, it appears, had little interest in taking part in the identical form of jovial cowboy he had been previously, preferring to play a barely extra stern, wounded, aged model of the character. It was vital to Matalas to be sure that Frakes favored his function, because the “Picard” story required his in depth presence. As an actor, Frakes appreciated the number of feelings he was given to play. Frakes recalled: 

“[Matalas] stated, ‘I wish to just be sure you’re all-in as a result of Riker goes to be a giant a part of this. They are going to be a giant a part of this. They’re breaking within the writers’ room proper now.’ He wrote one of the best s*** Riker ever needed to do! Riker is in battle with Picard, Riker takes the piss out of Worf. Riker and Troi have a really emotional reunion. Our marriage was having issues.”

It is even introduced up in dialogue that Riker is much less keen to take an enormous threat in a harmful starship battle as a result of he misplaced a toddler to illness and had different relations to lose. There was extra at stake for Riker. Picard had solely simply found he had an grownup son, and was lastly keen to be cavalier moderately than his outdated, even handed self. Riker was now the extra prudent one. The swap within the characters’ dynamic was scrumptious and expertly written. It additionally gave Riker an opportunity to yell at Picard and inform him that he was out of line. That second probably gave many Trekkies an intense pang. Riker had by no means spoken to Picard that method earlier than!