One of the best things about the first season of Star Trek: Picard was the return of several Star Trek: The Next Generation characters who didn't waste time in helping the former Enterprise captain. Not surprisingly, Trekkies loved it when Jean-Luc Picard met up with Will Riker, who would go on to get the chance to become a captain of a ship of his own later in the series. Now Jonathan Frakes may have confirmed that his character will be back in Star Trek: Picard Season 2.
In the first season episode Nepenthe, Jean-Luc Picard ended up on the planet where he was reunited with Will Riker and Deanna Troi, who have been enjoying a normal life. However, it was also obvious that Riker was eager to get back into action. During their conversation, Riker admitted that he is still in contact with Starfleet and would be happy to return if given a chance. Not surprisingly, this isn't the last time that Riker showed up in Star Trek: Picard Season 1.
The season finale actually brought back Will Riker, who was now a captain of his own ship who has come to support Jean-Luc Picard. Needless to say, seeing the character in costume delighted fans and led to speculations that Riker could play an even larger role in Star Trek: Picard Season 2. So is he going to be back in the second season? Jonathan Frakes teased on the possibility in a recent interview.
Jonathan Frakes was a guest on the TrekGeeks podcast where he spoke about working on Star Trek: Picard. At one point, the Star Trek: Discovery director was asked if he would return in the second season. Not surprisingly, Frakes initially played coy, choosing to praise Akiva Goldsman, Michael Chabon and Alex Kurtzman for what they have done for the series.
"I thought the writing was clever. I was wary of when they had gone to the well to have Riker show up again because he had said he had left Starfleet. But I think between Akiva, and Chabon, and Alex, they cleverly wove it into the story," Frakes said. He then added that he is hopeful for Will Riker's future.
"I hope that we see him again. I certainly hope to have the spacesuit on again," Frakes said.
Jonathan Frakes has not yet been confirmed for Star Trek: Picard Season 2. However, he is set to direct a few episodes for the new CBS All Access series Star Trek: Strange New Worlds.
