A former star of Star Trek will be directing an episode for Star Trek: Discovery, and let's just say we think the choice is "Number one." Jonathan Frakes, who played the iconic William T. Riker in Star Trek: The Next Generation, will step behind the camera to helm an episode of the series. Here's what we know so far regarding Frakes return to the franchise, and what it means for the show.
Star Trek fans will know this is not a new thing for Jonathan Frakes, as EW notes he has directed episodes of Star Trek before. In fact, Frakes has directed episodes for his own series The Next Generation as well as Deep Space Nine, Voyager and two films in the franchise First Contact and Insurrection. With his list of Star Trek directing credits going that deep, it would be weird if Frakes was not involved with the Star Trek: Discovery in some way.
Jonathan Frakes has directed shows beyond Star Trek and, more recently, has directed quite a few episodes of The Librarians. Frakes has also directed in series like Leverage, Roswell, Burn Notice, and Agents Of S.H.I.E.L.D just to name a few. With over 38 directing credits of shows and film, his experience will be felt just as much behind the camera as they would in front.
While many fans would perhaps like to see Riker on the small screen in addition to his duties behind the camera, it would be impossible for him to reprise the role of Riker due to the timeline in which everything takes place. But perhaps Jonathan Frakes could take on the role of another character in the Star Trek universe, just so fans can have a chance to see him on a starship again. It's worth mentioning that Frakes has appeared in every Star Trek show he's directed, so it would be a terrible streak to break if he stopped now. Star Trek canon does place the Riker bloodline as far back as the American Civil War, so it's possible that an ancestor could've found their way on Starfleet between now and then. Having a Riker ancestor briefly on the starship would be neat considering the show has gone to lengths to bring back characters from the original series.
The addition of Jonathan Frakes is a bit of welcoming familiarity in the face of new change headed to Star Trek: Discovery. The series premieres September 24th at 8:30 p.m. ET on CBS, and will be featured on CBS All Access following the premiere. After all the delays, we'll finally get another chance to boldly go where no man has gone before, which all Star Trek fans should relish in. September is still quite a ways away, so check out CinemaBlend's summer premiere guide to find some great summer shows worth watching.
