Was Commander William Riker in Star Trek: Voyager?

Yes, Commander William Riker did appear in Star Trek: Voyager, albeit for a brief period during the Season 2 episode titled Emissary. This appearance featured a significant crossover moment involving the omnipotent Q from the Star Trek: The Next Generation era.

The episode in question was titled “Death Wish,” and it serves as an important bridge between the two series. In this installment, Q sought to grant asylum to a member of the Q Continuum in exchange for committing suicide. This decision was highly unusual for Q, as his title often brings to mind an eternal, almost god-like existence. However, this particular Q was clearly experiencing existential ennui, having 'done it all' and found his existence to be utterly devoid of meaning.

Captain Janeway and Q

The scene in which Riker appeared was part of a larger storyline where Q called him back to Voyager to testify. This act by Q was not just a random occurrence; it bore a deeper connection to Riker’s lineage. Riker was chosen because one of his ancestors, Union Colonel Thaddeus “Iron Boots” Riker, was saved by Q during the American Civil War.

The Significance of the Appearance

During the events of “Death Wish,” Commander Riker's witness account was instrumental in demonstrating the profound impact of Q on human history. Without Colonel Riker’s survival, it is highly likely that William Riker, as we know him, would never have been born. The episode highlighted the intertwining nature of Q's roles in not only the ongoing storylines of Star Trek: The Next Generation but also in the uncanny connections within the vast Star Trek universe.

Following Riker’s testimony, Q proceeded to erase his guest star’s memory, as was his characteristic behavior in the series. This act ensured that Riker would not remember his appearance on Voyager, maintaining the integrity of the timeline while also providing narrative depth to the ongoing plot.

Conclusion

In essence, while Commander William Riker’s appearance might seem ephemeral given the extensive scope of both Star Trek: The Next Generation and Star Trek: Voyager, it holds significant value both in storytelling and in the exploration of the complex interplay between reality and the lives of the characters within the Star Trek universe.

Key Takeaways:

William Riker appeared in Star Trek: Voyager in an episode titled “Death Wish”. He was called back to Voyager to testify about the impact of Q on human affairs. His appearance was tied to his ancestral connection to Colonel Thaddeus “Iron Boots” Riker, a figure from the American Civil War.

These elements not only weave a distinctive narrative thread between the two series but also reinforce the themes of destiny, prophecy, and the role of powerful beings in the lives of mortals.