William Riker's Beard

Discussion in 'Star Trek: The Next Generation' started by Amaraen, Oct 24, 2015.

  1. Amaraen

    Amaraen Lieutenant Commander Red Shirt

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    The Deanna Troi post made me think of this.

    Do you prefer William Riker with his beard, or without? I was always partial to his beard, and was a little sad when he shaved it off.
     
  2. JesterFace

    JesterFace Fleet Captain Commodore

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    We're so used to it, seasons 2-7 with a beard, it wouldn't be the same without it. :)
     
  3. Mojochi

    Mojochi Rear Admiral Rear Admiral

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    It gave his face some definition & distinction. Before that, he was just a pasty white dough face. If it hadn't been for the cleft chin, I'd have never even noticed he was on screen
     
  4. Christopher Miles

    Christopher Miles Lieutenant Commander Red Shirt

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    I would imagine the beard also serves a differentiator. No more ersatz Will Decker. Ryker's from Alaska, damnit, and has the beard to prove it!
     
  5. ManOnTheWave

    ManOnTheWave Vice Admiral Admiral

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    The beard gave Riker a second emotion. That's character development.
     
  6. Shark

    Shark Lieutenant Commander Red Shirt

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    I guess with his beard. He said it himself, "Ensign baby face" and as a baby faced person myself, I can understand him growing a beard.
     
  7. Triskelion

    Triskelion Rear Admiral Rear Admiral

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    Who needs acting classes, grow a chin butt.

    With.
     
  8. T'Girl

    T'Girl Vice Admiral Admiral

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    Somewhat disappointed that in six seasons, and two plus movies, Riker never took out an opponent with his "beard fist."
     
  9. Ar-Pharazon

    Ar-Pharazon Admiral Premium Member

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    Like Chuck Norris' "third fist in his beard"?

    [​IMG]
     
  10. Tracy Trek

    Tracy Trek Fleet Captain Fleet Captain

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    I suppose with the beard. Until he grew it, I kept thinking of him as another character he played.
     
  11. maneth

    maneth Fleet Captain Fleet Captain

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    Definitely with!
     
  12. Lance

    Lance Rear Admiral Rear Admiral

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    My friends and I used to use the phrase ''Riker Syndrome'' to describe anyone in real-life who evidently looks better with a beard than without one. :D Kevin Smith being a prime example of ''Riker Syndrome''. He just looks wrong without his beard, as if his face isn't quite 'finished' yet without it, don't you think? ;)

    There was some critique when TNG started in '87 that Frakes looked like an adult Potsie from Happy Days. A not unfair comparison, but Frakes growing a beard between seasons changed that, and gave both the character and the actor who played him some much needed definition. :techman:

    :rofl:
     
  13. at Quark's

    at Quark's Rear Admiral Rear Admiral

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  14. Amaraen

    Amaraen Lieutenant Commander Red Shirt

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    Ashley Longworth?
     
  15. JesterFace

    JesterFace Fleet Captain Commodore

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    How about women with beards? Some hot alien girl with a beard... that would be interesting.

    As I wrote that I thought, there might be one somewhere? I've just forgot?
     
  16. Kilana2

    Kilana2 Vice Admiral Admiral

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    I have been thinking about opening the same thread.

    For me it's like other people have already said: I'm so used to Riker's beard, that seeing him without in one of the movies was very odd. TNG season 1 beardless Riker was younger and slimmer. The beard added maturity and dignity to him. Worf as a Klingon would certainly prefer him with beard.....;) :klingon:
     
  17. The Wormhole

    The Wormhole Fleet Admiral Admiral

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    William Riker's Beard is the Ultimate Power Source in the Universe. So, yeah, I prefer Bearded Riker.
     
  18. Amaraen

    Amaraen Lieutenant Commander Red Shirt

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    I compiled this image of the various looks of William Riker for your viewing pleasure (I did not include Thomas Riker). Please forgive me, I am not an artist and I do not have Photoshop.

    I think I do believe I like him best from image #3, throughout most of the series (I like the Season 3 uniforms better than Seasons 1-2).

    [​IMG]
     
  19. Ar-Pharazon

    Ar-Pharazon Admiral Premium Member

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    I think Images #1 & #6 show how he has a weak chin, as compared to the size and shape of his face.

    That's why I think he looks better with the beard.
     
  20. Kilana2

    Kilana2 Vice Admiral Admiral

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    I like Nr. 2 and Nr. 5. :techman: :)