Star Trek: 10 Worst Things William T. Riker Has Ever Done

10. Not Assuming Command At The Neutral Zone

In All Good Things, there is a rather sudden return of the simmering feelings that Riker has for Troi. While she and Worf have begun a relationship, Riker is clearly bothered by this. Normally, personal matters would hardly be an issue on the bridge of starship (except for the hundreds of exceptions to that rule, of course) but this one is particularly egregious.

Picard clearly explains to Riker, on the bridge, that his time shifting often leads to a moment or two of disorientation. Should that occur, he presses, Riker must assume command immediately so as to keep the ship safe. Lost in his own thoughts, though still listening, Riker doesn't react to his words - but assures him a moment later that he will follow this order.

Cut to barely minutes later when he fails to do so. Picard, returning from a point in the past, turns to find himself eye-to-eye with Tomalok, who angrily asks him how long they intend to stare at each other across the Neutral Zone.

If we allow for the rapid nature of Picard's time shifting, there must surely have been a moment or two where he seemed to freeze. Why didn't Riker follow orders, as he had assured his captain he would? 

This may seem a harsh review but the Romulans were by no means Starfleet's ally at this point. Riker's inaction may well have led to a combat situation, one thankfully avoided by Picard's quick thinking.