Riker Inheriting Enterprise

[Brennyren]

I didn't realize Riker/Frakes was that popular at the time.

I meant that the ensemble was popular, not Frakes particularly.

 

[USS Firefly]

They could have had Frakes/Riker make guest appearances, or whatever, if they thought he was that popular.

Or put Tom Riker on the Enterprise at the conn or ops and move Data to first officer, that way you keep Frakes on the show