Riker’s 15-Year Journey to Captain in Star Trek: Still Awaiting His Major Promotion

Captain William T. Riker, portrayed by Jonathan Frakes in Star Trek: The Next Generation, embarked on a lengthy journey that spanned 15 years before he finally earned the rank of starship captain. Even with this achievement, he finds himself still awaiting a promotion to admiral during the events depicted in Star Trek: Picard. Riker served as the First Officer under Captain Jean-Luc Picard (played by Patrick Stewart) aboard the USS Enterprise-D for nearly the entirety of its 18-year operational history. His loyalty to Picard and the Enterprise was so profound that he frequently declined offers for his own command to stay with the crew he cherished.

Riker eventually ascended to captain in Star Trek: Nemesis, taking command of the USS Titan. However, even in his new role, he often reminisced about his time on the Enterprise. From 2379 onwards, he commanded the Titan through much of the 2380s. By 2399, Riker and his wife, Counselor Deanna Troi (Marina Sirtis), had chosen to reside on the planet Nepenthe, seeking solace and healing for their terminally ill son, Thad. Tragically, despite their hopes, Thad passed away. Although Riker had stepped away from active duty, his connection to Starfleet would soon draw him back in.

Captain Riker Is Facing an Extended Wait for Admiral Promotion

Riker Has Endured a 23-Year Tenure as Captain

Riker in a no-win scenario in Star Trek: Picard

Captain Riker returns in Star Trek: Picard

Captain Riker rejoined active duty in Star Trek: Picard‘s first season, yet he still holds the captaincy by the conclusion of the series’ third season. He took command of the USS Titan in 2379, and the events of Picard season 3 take place in 2402, marking a full 23 years in the captaincy. Taking into account his break from active service, this duration is quite significant for a Starfleet officer. Riker has consistently demonstrated exceptional capabilities during his time on the USS Enterprise; however, it still took him 15 years to achieve the rank of captain.

In season 3 of Star Trek: Picard, Admiral Picard enlists Riker for a crucial rescue mission following a distress signal from Dr. Beverly Crusher (Gates McFadden).The season’s plot eventually leads the entire TNG crew into a large-scale battle against a combined Borg and Changeling threat aimed at dismantling Starfleet. Following these events, while Dr. Crusher was elevated to the rank of admiral, Riker remained a captain, making it even more notable that Geordi La Forge (LeVar Burton) surpassed Riker by attaining the rank of Commodore.

Reasons for Riker’s Prolonged Wait for an Admiral Promotion

Riker’s Hiatus from Active Duty Likely Deferred His Advancement to Admiral

Throughout the narrative of Star Trek: The Next Generation, it’s clear that Riker thrives in dynamic, action-oriented environments. This affinity, combined with his deep connections to Captain Picard and the crew of the Enterprise, influenced Riker’s decision to serve as First Officer longer than typical. It’s plausible that he may have received an admiralty offer in the past but chose to decline it, mirroring his past decisions. Riker’s character does not seem suited for a desk job, and without a ship to command, it remains logical for him to hold off on an admiral promotion.

Although Riker’s wait for an admiral rank may appear prolonged, it’s worth noting that Jean-Luc Picard himself remained a captain for nearly half a century, from 2333 until 2381. Riker’s own path might not have reached its peak yet, but the events of Star Trek: Picard season 3 present a compelling foundation for future advancement. With Riker and Troi rekindling their relationship and contemplating a family vacation with their daughter, Kestra (Lulu Wilson), he seems poised for a return to active duty. Nevertheless, given Riker’s previous experiences waiting 15 years for his command position on Star Trek: The Next Generation, it’s likely he will only accept an admiral promotion when the circumstances are just right.

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