10 Star Trek Episodes They Should Have Made (It's Never Too Late)

5. 8 Years In Survival Mode

Thomas Riker
CBS Media Ventures

Yes, we're talking about Thomas Riker again. No, we're not letting this go. You can't give us a tantalising transporter clone and not expect us to want more.

One of the most intriguing aspects of Thomas was his backstory. When we meet him in Second Chances, he's been stranded, alone, for eight years. Most laptops don't even last that long these days.

Imagine something along the lines of Castaway, an episode that chronicles Thomas' struggle to survive across those long, hard years. From the moment he appears back on the surface after the transporter accident, his initial sense of relief gives way to the cold reality of his situation. Then onward, through the trials and tribulations of his survival, until one day, he finally hears the voices of the rescue team...and comes face to face with himself.

This seems like one of the more achievable stories for an OTOY style revisit. Perhaps a montage with little or no dialogue, showing Thomas' gruelling quest to stay alive and well. Or even a script based on his log entries across those years, as his situation became ever more desperate.

And when that's sorted out, we can talk about the sequel...

Contributor

Katherine has been boldly going since childhood, when the BBC Two 6pm Star Trek slot changed her life. She was drawn in by the franchise's optimism, compassion and flair for character-driven storytelling. She's been writing stories since she could pick up a pen and has spent far too much time immersed in television, films, books, music and theatre. She loves any chance to talk or write about her favourite fandoms, of which there are many. When not busy writing, she can usually be found playing video games or explaining why the concept of a transporter is actually terrifying.