Jonathan Frakes shared his experience directing Jack Quaid’s unexpected and humorous Riker Maneuver during the Star Trek: Strange New Worlds and Star Trek: Lower Decks crossover. Frakes’ directorial debut for Strange New Worlds marked a pivotal moment for the series, as it produced one of the show’s most acclaimed episodes.
In the episode “Those Old Scientists,” aired as season 2, episode 7, animated characters Ensign Bradward Boimler and Ensign Mariner, voiced by Jack Quaid and Tawny Newsome respectively on Star Trek: Lower Decks, appeared in live-action form. Boimler’s accidental time travel to the 23rd century brings him face-to-face with legendary characters such as Captain Christopher Pike, played by Anson Mount, and Spock, portrayed by Ethan Peck aboard the USS Enterprise.
Behind the Scenes: Improvisation Brings a Classic Moment to Life
While appearing on his podcast with Brent Spiner titled Dropping Names… And Other Things, Jonathan Frakes recounted how Jack Quaid’s impromptu execution of the Riker Maneuver on a saddle in Captain Pike’s office caused him to break character due to laughter. Frakes explained that Quaid, a fan of Captain Pike, roamed the set and eventually threw his leg over an office saddle, leading to the unforgettable moment.
“He was secretly going around the ship because he was a huge fan of Anson’s character, Captain Pike. So he’s in Pike’s office, and in Pike’s office, there’s a saddle of a horse. So I said to Jack, I said, ‘Just examine the office, and I’ll follow you around with a steadicam… So he did, he checked the desk, and he checked some stuff. Then he threw his leg over the saddle. And I said, ‘Okay, that’ll be great. Let’s shoot that. This is going to be fun.’ So he does the same thing, we call the take. And as he throws his leg over the saddle and settles down, he goes, ‘RIKER!’ I was behind the camera, and I, of course, couldn’t not ruin the take.”
Brent Spiner: Did you use that take?
Jonathan Frakes: Every inch of it.
The Legacy of the Riker Maneuver Brought to a New Generation
During his tenure as Commander William T. Riker on Star Trek: The Next Generation, Jonathan Frakes became known for his distinct way of sitting—swinging his leg over the back of a chair—an action dubbed the Riker Maneuver. Jack Quaid’s rendition of this move in Strange New Worlds delighted fans, serving as a clever and affectionate nod to Frakes, the original Riker.
Frakes noted that Quaid’s use of improvisation highlights a major shift in how Star Trek performances are approached today, with Paramount+ productions encouraging actors more freedom than previous series from the TNG era, where strict adherence to the script was mandatory.
Impact and Reception of the Star Trek Crossover Episode
“Those Old Scientists” achieved notable acclaim, standing out not only as a milestone for Star Trek: Strange New Worlds but also as one of the Paramount+ Star Trek franchise’s best episodes. It resonated strongly with audiences by celebrating Star Trek fandom through its clever storytelling and character interactions.
Jonathan Frakes expressed admiration for the comedic talents and improvisational skills of Jack Quaid and Tawny Newsome, emphasizing their enthusiasm to engage in the creative and playful atmosphere fostered on the Strange New Worlds set. Quaid’s spontaneous Riker Maneuver remains a standout moment that helped elevate the episode’s status among fans and critics alike.
Key Players in the Strange New Worlds Ensemble
The crossover featured returning leads Anson Mount as Captain Christopher Pike and Ethan Peck as Spock, reaffirming the series’ connection to broader Star Trek lore. Jack Quaid and Tawny Newsome’s portrayal of their Lower Decks characters in live action further blended elements of animation and live-action storytelling, adding depth to the Star Trek universe.
