If Picard dies in Best of Both Worlds

[2takesfrakes]

Had Sir Patrick Stewart left the show, Jonathan Frakes would've allayed the fears of TNG fans, magnificently, as the new lead. The remaining cast would've likely become even more tightly-knit, if that's possible. The further success of this series would've been assured with Jonathan Frakes in the Driver's Seat. But ditch Commander Shelby. I really do not like her ... or her ways ... and bump Data up to the position of Number One. Besides that, I wouldn't change a thing.

Frakes would likely direct even more episodes in TNG, than he did, and that could've only benefitted the show, enormously. But Sir Patrick Stewart did not leave, of course, and that's probably the way it should've been. The hammyness of Shatner was obliterated and in its place was the kind of talent that this franchise - and its fans - deserves, in the Captain's seat. Stewart even kept himself in superior physical condition to Shatner. Hell, with a performer like that leading the cast ... you can't lose!

 

[locutus101]

Had Sir Patrick Stewart left the show, Jonathan Frakes would've allayed the fears of TNG fans, magnificently, as the new lead. The remaining cast would've likely become even more tightly-knit, if that's possible. The further success of this series would've been assured with Jonathan Frakes in the Driver's Seat. But ditch Commander Shelby. I really do not like her ... or her ways ... and bump Data up to the position of Number One. Besides that, I wouldn't change a thing.

Frakes would likely direct even more episodes in TNG, than he did, and that could've only benefitted the show, enormously. But Sir Patrick Stewart did not leave, of course, and that's probably the way it should've been. The hammyness of Shatner was obliterated and in its place was the kind of talent that this franchise - and its fans - deserves, in the Captain's seat. Stewart even kept himself in superior physical condition to Shatner. Hell, with a performer like that leading the cast ... you can't lose!

Well, we'll never know.

 

[Bry_Sinclair]

Had Picard died, Riker made Captain, and Sheldy stayed onboard, it would've seen a woman in a more prominent role, which was sorely missing from TNG (no offence to Crusher or Troi). I wonder what the dynamic would've been between Riker, Shelby and Ro.

Also the important question: would Riker have called Shelby "Number One"? Or would she be "Number Two"?

 

[Paradise City]

Promote Ro to tactical, Worf to XO. I think Data would be a damp squib as XO frankly so I wouldn't do that. But there's nothing stopping him from being promoted to Cmdr whilst staying on at ops.

 

[Shamrock Holmes]

Promote Ro to tactical, Worf to XO. I think Data would be a damp squib as XO frankly so I wouldn't do that. But there's nothing stopping him from being promoted to Cmdr whilst staying on at ops.

Not sure who I'd have as XO (although arguably Data as OPS is probably doing a lot of the same work already), however Ro as TO doesn't work c. TNG: BOBW p2 or Family doesn't work as she wouldn't be introduced until about a year later based on stardates (SD44076.3 v 44012.3). Ensign Burke from TNG: Peak Performance might be a more likely candidate for Worf's 2-i-C and therefore replacement.

 

[Endgame]

Just watched BOBW as streamed recently. Lent DVDs to nephew. Have old VHS of BOBW too. But really only watched it as part of consecutive viewing of the series recently. I haven't yet watched beyond BOBW. Maybe a few but not many. How would I feel the series might have continued? It could have went the route of the later TV series' or perhaps some of the novelverse. It would not have to contend with all the later materials which have since been produced. I guess I shall just have to watch and see... At least having watched the movies can prepare a bit about what to expect in the TV series.

 

[locutus101]

Just watched BOBW as streamed recently. Lent DVDs to nephew. Have old VHS of BOBW too. But really only watched it as part of consecutive viewing of the series recently. I haven't yet watched beyond BOBW. Maybe a few but not many. How would I feel the series might have continued? It could have went the route of the later TV series' or perhaps some of the novelverse. It would not have to contend with all the later materials which have since been produced. I guess I shall just have to watch and see... At least having watched the movies can prepare a bit about what to expect in the TV series.

If you've watched the movies then you know that there won't be anymore tasha-like casualties along the way. They'll even wait till the end of the last movie to dispose of Data.

 

[OtherGene]

I think had Picard been killed by the Borg then Star Fleet would have brought in someone new. As we learnt in the episodes Riker had turned down several commands so I'd be surprised he's be rewarded with the flagship. Who does he think he is?

Maybe Captain Jellico, he'd certainly shake things up and then the last few seasons of programming would've consisted of the crew getting told off week in week out.

 

[Endgame]

But does Data come back? I have yet to read "Immortal Coil" and the trilogy with Cold Equations, Silent Weapons, and, Body Electric which I imagine are about androids and maybe even Data... MASH had major character changes. Military vessels would even more so. But MASH was more of a serial soap than TNG.

 

[locutus101]

But does Data come back? I have yet to read "Immortal Coil" and the trilogy with Cold Equations, Silent Weapons, and, Body Electric which I imagine are about androids and maybe even Data... MASH had major character changes. Military vessels would even more so. But MASH was more of a serial soap than TNG.

Well, Data has been vaporized, so it really can't be him, unless you involve time travel or parallel realities in which case all bets are off.

 

[starburst]

You're ignoring the hint we got from the episode, from Riker himself: "They don't usually go through the ceremony if it's just a temporary assignment."

I think Nechayev was planning to make it permanent if Picard hadn't returned from his mission, which seemed a likely outcome.

I think that's what pissed Riker off, more than anything else.

There are two ways of looking at what Riker said; Firstly that you are spot on and Jellico was to be the permanent CO of the Enterprise or alternatively they made this rather drastic change to the command structure of the Enterprise complete with pomp and ceremony to sell it to the Cardassians. Making it look temporary could have tipped them off so this new Captain upsetting officers on the Flagship (which you can bet their spies were keeping an eye on) would go a long way to selling the cover (especially if they can get access to Riker's duty and personal logs for example).

Had Picard died, Riker made Captain, and Sheldy stayed onboard, it would've seen a woman in a more prominent role, which was sorely missing from TNG (no offence to Crusher or Troi). I wonder what the dynamic would've been between Riker, Shelby and Ro.

Also the important question: would Riker have called Shelby "Number One"? Or would she be "Number Two"?

I don't think he would have, it would have been too much like how people hate (Kelvin) Kirk copying Pike's "punch it". Its not like we have seen other Captains use that term so its likely something Picard and maybe some other officers (like the Cage version of Pike) did.

If they had promoted Riker I don't think they would have kept any Picard manerisms like "Number One" or "Make it So" as it would have looked like a child imitating his Dad (Kirk/Pike) so I can imagine he would have referred to them as Commander (insert your choice here) or an alternative could have been him referring to them as the "XO" like BSG and Naval shows... I don't think thats in Riker's vocabulary though.

 

[locutus101]

There are two ways of looking at what Riker said; Firstly that you are spot on and Jellico was to be the permanent CO of the Enterprise or alternatively they made this rather drastic change to the command structure of the Enterprise complete with pomp and ceremony to sell it to the Cardassians. Making it look temporary could have tipped them off so this new Captain upsetting officers on the Flagship (which you can bet their spies were keeping an eye on) would go a long way to selling the cover (especially if they can get access to Riker's duty and personal logs for example).
.....

It makes sense. And also Netchaev couldn't let Riker in on that because she sensed that he was incapable of keeping a secret. Sooner or later he would have made a face or said something that would have made it plain to any observer that something was up.

 

[Seven of Five]

I've had a thought about this (obviously too much ) but despite Frakes not being as strong an actor as Stewart, I could still foresee a show without PIcard in it. If Shelby is the theoretical new first officer, they could focus on her more than Captain Riker, perhaps in a similar manner to what they tried to do with Riker and Picard in season one.

Or they could do a Cheers after Diane left and go full-ensemble? Perhaps introduce one or two other cast members along the way too?

 

[locutus101]

I've had a thought about this (obviously too much ) but despite Frakes not being as strong an actor as Stewart, I could still foresee a show without PIcard in it. If Shelby is the theoretical new first officer, they could focus on her more than Captain Riker, perhaps in a similar manner to what they tried to do with Riker and Picard in season one.

Or they could do a Cheers after Diane left and go full-ensemble? Perhaps introduce one or two other cast members along the way too?

Well, Diane wasn't the captain of Cheers, Sam was.

 

[Kevin Wolff]

Maybe Jellico and then he dies and they bring in someone new. Riker would probably remain first officer for most of the reasons mentioned above. Not good enough an actor to carry the lead after Stewart, turned down too many commands, and he would have an all new dynamic with the new captain giving his character a refresh.

Interestingly, in the 5yr mission, they said they seriously considered killing Will Riker off and bringing Thomas Riker back to the Ent as a Lt. Commander or something for S7. The only reason they couldn't do it was because of the movies. TPTB wanted everyone where they were in the show. Worf got promoted but did the same job.

 

[locutus101]

Maybe Jellico and then he dies and they bring in someone new. Riker would probably remain first officer for most of the reasons mentioned above. Not good enough an actor to carry the lead after Stewart, turned down too many commands, and he would have an all new dynamic with the new captain giving his character a refresh.

Interestingly, in the 5yr mission, they said they seriously considered killing Will Riker off and bringing Thomas Riker back to the Ent as a Lt. Commander or something for S7. The only reason they couldn't do it was because of the movies. TPTB wanted everyone where they were in the show. Worf got promoted but did the same job.

At the end of DS9 Worf was supposed to be ambassador to chronos. I guess he must have gotten bored and decided to go back to his former function.

 

[OtherGene]

At the end of DS9 Worf was supposed to be ambassador to chronos. I guess he must have gotten bored and decided to go back to his former function.

Maybe the events of Nemesis happened during one of his weekends off?

What a crappy weekend.

 

[locutus101]

Maybe the events of Nemesis happened during one of his weekends off?

What a crappy weekend.

You can say that again. However, knowing worf, he probably welcomed the action.

 

[OtherGene]

^Actually, the more I think about it the more it makes sense. I'm away the weekend after next to attend a wedding of two people I know through work.

I'll be keeping an eye out for anybody hovering in the background who resembles a younger version of my boss.

 

[locutus101]

....
I'll be keeping an eye out for anybody hovering in the background who resembles a younger version of my boss.

You mean like his son?