10 Times Star Trek Gave Fans EXACTLY What They Wanted
5. Riker To The Rescue
An entry that deserves its own spot as this was something that the fans had badly wanted to see. Starfleet ships, the old crew back and the Federation doing what it was supposed to do. What could wrong then?
The first season's final episode was a mixed affair. A massive positive to the episode is the handling of Data's fate - this aspect of the story was handled with grace and care. The lush tones of Isa Briones' singing Blue Skies as Data fades away while holding Picard's hand have to stand up with some of the most affecting scenes that the characters have ever been involved in.
The same cannot be said for the (second) return of Riker.
Picard flies up to face off against a fleet of Romulan Warbirds and there is a moment of sacrifice about the entire scene. Then, out of nowhere, a newly designed Federation ship warps into view. And then again. And the same ship...again. After copying and pasting 200 times or so, Riker comes on the screen, spouting some of the most poorly written dialogue that has ever come out of his mouth.
The scene seems like it was made for people to punch the air and shout COOL! However, due not just to the bland Federation fleet and bad writing, the scene ends in about a minute. The Romulans are sent packing and Riker leaves. Hardly inspiring.
This was a case of too much and too little at the same time. Nepenthe had seen the excellent use of Riker and Troi, while this episode squanders this old friend. Quit while you're ahead!