Riker’s Trial: The Burden and Humility of Omnipotence
Plot Beats
The narrative micro-steps within this event
Riker, brooding on the bridge, silences Picard with a gesture and asserts control of the meeting, addressing Picard by his first name, signaling his transformed authority.
Riker attempts to calm the uneasy crew by insisting he is not a monster despite his unusual 'Q' powers, confronting fears raised by his new abilities.
Picard reminds Riker of the old adage 'power corrupts absolutely,' expressing concern over Riker’s burgeoning powers and their effect on him.
Riker defends his use of 'Q' powers to save the crew and the child, asserting that his actions reflect humanity's admirable capacity for growth despite Picard's cautions.
Who Was There
Characters present in this moment
Alert yet unsettled, ready to respond to threats.
Tasha Yar supports the group’s cautious stance, reacts with surprise to the sudden appearance of the Klingon warrioress and the attacks, and contributes to the collective concern and defense posture.
- • To maintain security on the bridge.
- • To support Picard and the crew.
- • To respond quickly to any attacks.
- • To uphold Starfleet protocols under pressure.
- • Unexpected threats must be met decisively.
- • The bridge is the critical command center.
- • Team cohesion is essential in crisis.
- • Caution is necessary against Q’s games.
Calm and authoritative with an undercurrent of stern resolve; intellectually engaged and morally grounded.
Captain Picard enters the bridge, exchanging measured and authoritative dialogue with Riker. He authorizes Riker’s experiment with the powers, cautiously balancing support with skepticism. Picard challenges Q’s masquerade and mocks the cosmic entity’s pretenses, ultimately reaffirming Starfleet values and human authenticity through his leadership.
- • To maintain order and ethical clarity aboard the Enterprise.
- • To guide Riker through the temptation of godlike power.
- • To protect the crew from Q’s manipulations.
- • To affirm humanity’s intrinsic moral values.
- • Power always carries a corrupting risk.
- • Human authenticity and responsibility are paramount.
- • Q is a deceiver and manipulator.
- • Tests of character reveal true human nature.
Calm and resolute, with an unshakeable commitment to self-truth and integrity.
Data firmly refuses Riker’s offer to become human, articulating a logical and principled stance on authenticity and illusion. He physically and intellectually anchors the crew’s resistance to seductive, false transformations, embodying steadfast rationality and moral clarity.
- • To maintain personal and intellectual integrity.
- • To counsel the crew on the dangers of illusion.
- • To resist godlike temptations that threaten authenticity.
- • To support Picard and the crew's moral clarity.
- • To thine own self be true is paramount.
- • Illusions are ultimately harmful even if superficially attractive.
- • Humanity’s strength lies in authenticity, not power.
- • He must reject falsehood to preserve identity.
Defiant and protective, driven by deep personal and cultural pride.
Worf fiercely rejects the Klingon warrioress conjured by Riker, defending his personal code and cultural integrity. He physically intervenes to protect Troi from attack and verbally denounces the gift, embodying loyalty, honor, and resistance to external manipulation.
- • To defend his honor and cultural identity.
- • To protect his crewmates from harm.
- • To reject artificial gifts that compromise integrity.
- • To support Picard and the crew’s moral stance.
- • Honor is paramount and must not be compromised.
- • External gifts can be threats to identity.
- • Loyalty to crew and culture guides action.
- • Violence is justified in defense of values.
Initially emboldened and somewhat arrogant, shifting to vulnerable humility and self-awareness as he grapples with the moral implications of his power.
Riker commands the bridge confidently, wielding newly acquired Q-like powers with a mix of determination and uncertainty. He offers gifts to his crewmates to demonstrate affection and test the moral weight of his omnipotence, visibly struggling with the allure and burden of this godlike power before ultimately accepting the crew's rejection as a lesson in humility.
- • To prove to the crew that his powers can be benevolent.
- • To understand the human cost and limitations of omnipotence.
- • To gain acceptance and trust from his crewmates despite his transformation.
- • To resist corruption despite temptation.
- • His powers could be used responsibly for good.
- • True leadership requires connection and authenticity, not domination.
- • The crew’s genuine responses are crucial to his understanding.
- • Absolute power is a test of character, not just strength.
Anxious and cautious, motivated by care for her son’s welfare.
Beverly Crusher arrives with Wesley and expresses urgent concern about Wesley’s presence on the bridge after his transformation, advocating for his safety and emotional well-being, reflecting her protective maternal instincts.
- • To shield Wesley from potentially harmful situations.
- • To ensure Wesley’s emotional and physical safety.
- • To support crew harmony and order.
- • To assert parental authority when needed.
- • Wesley is vulnerable and needs protection.
- • The bridge is not an appropriate place for him now.
- • Maternal care is essential amid crisis.
- • Quick transformations can be destabilizing.
Apprehensive and vigilant, sensing underlying dangers despite surface calm.
Deanna Troi voices caution and unease about Riker’s powers and Q’s manipulations, serving as the empathic conscience of the group. She expresses nervousness about the possible emotional and psychological fallout.
- • To protect the crew’s emotional well-being.
- • To warn against unchecked power and manipulation.
- • To provide counsel to Picard and Riker.
- • To maintain psychological stability aboard the ship.
- • Q’s gifts are deceptive and dangerous.
- • Emotional truth is key to survival.
- • Power without restraint leads to harm.
- • The crew must stay united and grounded.
Calmly attentive, prepared to execute orders efficiently.
Mark (Geordi La Forge) receives Wesley’s coordinates from Riker and prepares to engage the ship’s helm, demonstrating focused professionalism and readiness to act under command.
- • To pilot the ship according to command.
- • To facilitate crew safety and mission success.
- • To support his crewmates through precise action.
- • To maintain operational readiness.
- • Clear commands must be followed.
- • Precision and timing are critical.
- • Crew coordination is essential for survival.
- • His role is vital despite unseen status.
Playfully malicious and contemptuous toward humanity, yet constrained by the terms of the wager.
Q appears on the bridge disguised mockingly as a Franciscan friar, taunting Riker and the crew. He embodies temptation and the corrupting allure of absolute power, challenging human limitations with sarcasm and theatricality before being decisively rejected and expelled by Picard.
- • To tempt Riker into embracing godlike arrogance.
- • To expose human frailty and failure.
- • To assert cosmic dominance over the crew.
- • To provoke conflict and despair.
- • Humans are inferior and easily corrupted.
- • Absolute power inevitably leads to destruction.
- • Tests like this prove the Q Continuum's superiority.
- • The crew cannot resist the lure of godlike gifts.
Objects Involved
Significant items in this scene
Geordi's VISOR is symbolically significant as the technological aid that Riker attempts to discard after offering Geordi restored natural sight. Geordi’s refusal to discard it underscores his acceptance of his authentic self and the cost behind miraculous gifts.
The Klingon weapon, a kligat, appears wielded by the conjured Klingon warrioress intended as a companion gift for Worf. It becomes a symbol of Worf’s cultural identity and fierce rejection of artificial manipulation, as he defends Troi from attack using it as a focus of his honor-bound resistance.
The large cross symbol is prominently displayed by Q in his friar disguise, amplifying the thematic tension of temptation, sacrifice, and moral trial as Q mocks the crew’s earnestness and the sanctity of their struggle.
Location Details
Places and their significance in this event
The Main Bridge of the USS Enterprise serves as the crucible of command and confrontation in this event. It hosts the intense moral and psychological trial where Riker wields godlike powers and the crew confronts the allure and dangers of omnipotence, culminating in Q’s theatrical provocation and eventual expulsion.
Narrative Connections
How this event relates to others in the story
"Picard's declaration ending Q's game leads to Q's frustrated departure and the restoration of normal time and state aboard the Enterprise."
"Picard's declaration ending Q's game leads to Q's frustrated departure and the restoration of normal time and state aboard the Enterprise."
"Picard's declaration ending Q's game leads to Q's frustrated departure and the restoration of normal time and state aboard the Enterprise."
"Picard's declaration ending Q's game leads to Q's frustrated departure and the restoration of normal time and state aboard the Enterprise."
"Picard's declaration ending Q's game leads to Q's frustrated departure and the restoration of normal time and state aboard the Enterprise."
"Riker's assertion of control and Picard's warning about power's corrupting influence form a direct psychological conflict driving Riker's arc in later scenes."
"Riker's assertion of control and Picard's warning about power's corrupting influence form a direct psychological conflict driving Riker's arc in later scenes."
"Riker's assertion of control and Picard's warning about power's corrupting influence form a direct psychological conflict driving Riker's arc in later scenes."
"Riker's assertion of control and Picard's warning about power's corrupting influence form a direct psychological conflict driving Riker's arc in later scenes."
"Riker's assertion of control and Picard's warning about power's corrupting influence form a direct psychological conflict driving Riker's arc in later scenes."
"Riker's refusal to grant instant 'gifts' of perfection to his crew (e.g., Geordi's restored sight) echoes the theme of authenticity versus artificial omnipotent intervention."
"The tragedy of the dead child contrasts with Riker's later refusal to use Q power to reverse death or grant gifts, exploring themes of human limitations and accepting reality."
"The tragedy of the dead child contrasts with Riker's later refusal to use Q power to reverse death or grant gifts, exploring themes of human limitations and accepting reality."
"The tragedy of the dead child contrasts with Riker's later refusal to use Q power to reverse death or grant gifts, exploring themes of human limitations and accepting reality."
"The tragedy of the dead child contrasts with Riker's later refusal to use Q power to reverse death or grant gifts, exploring themes of human limitations and accepting reality."
"Riker's refusal to grant instant 'gifts' of perfection to his crew (e.g., Geordi's restored sight) echoes the theme of authenticity versus artificial omnipotent intervention."
"Riker's refusal to grant instant 'gifts' of perfection to his crew (e.g., Geordi's restored sight) echoes the theme of authenticity versus artificial omnipotent intervention."
"Riker's refusal to grant instant 'gifts' of perfection to his crew (e.g., Geordi's restored sight) echoes the theme of authenticity versus artificial omnipotent intervention."
"Riker's refusal to grant instant 'gifts' of perfection to his crew (e.g., Geordi's restored sight) echoes the theme of authenticity versus artificial omnipotent intervention."
"Picard's declaration ending Q's game leads to Q's frustrated departure and the restoration of normal time and state aboard the Enterprise."
"Picard's declaration ending Q's game leads to Q's frustrated departure and the restoration of normal time and state aboard the Enterprise."
"Picard's declaration ending Q's game leads to Q's frustrated departure and the restoration of normal time and state aboard the Enterprise."
"Picard's declaration ending Q's game leads to Q's frustrated departure and the restoration of normal time and state aboard the Enterprise."
"Picard's declaration ending Q's game leads to Q's frustrated departure and the restoration of normal time and state aboard the Enterprise."
"Riker's assertion of control and Picard's warning about power's corrupting influence form a direct psychological conflict driving Riker's arc in later scenes."
"Riker's assertion of control and Picard's warning about power's corrupting influence form a direct psychological conflict driving Riker's arc in later scenes."
"Riker's assertion of control and Picard's warning about power's corrupting influence form a direct psychological conflict driving Riker's arc in later scenes."
"Riker's assertion of control and Picard's warning about power's corrupting influence form a direct psychological conflict driving Riker's arc in later scenes."
"Riker's assertion of control and Picard's warning about power's corrupting influence form a direct psychological conflict driving Riker's arc in later scenes."
"Picard's reflection on humanity's possession of a soul relates back to his overarching role throughout the episode of championing humanity's nobility against Q's cynicism."
"Riker's refusal to grant instant 'gifts' of perfection to his crew (e.g., Geordi's restored sight) echoes the theme of authenticity versus artificial omnipotent intervention."
"Riker's refusal to grant instant 'gifts' of perfection to his crew (e.g., Geordi's restored sight) echoes the theme of authenticity versus artificial omnipotent intervention."
"Riker's refusal to grant instant 'gifts' of perfection to his crew (e.g., Geordi's restored sight) echoes the theme of authenticity versus artificial omnipotent intervention."
"Riker's refusal to grant instant 'gifts' of perfection to his crew (e.g., Geordi's restored sight) echoes the theme of authenticity versus artificial omnipotent intervention."
"Riker's refusal to grant instant 'gifts' of perfection to his crew (e.g., Geordi's restored sight) echoes the theme of authenticity versus artificial omnipotent intervention."
"Picard's reflection on humanity's possession of a soul relates back to his overarching role throughout the episode of championing humanity's nobility against Q's cynicism."
Part of Larger Arcs
Key Dialogue
"RIKER: "Because I've been given unusual powers, I'm not suddenly a monster. Except for those abilities, and I don't yet know how far they go... I'm the same William T. Riker you've always known.""
"PICARD: "Perhaps we're all remembering the old saying... 'power corrupts...'"
"RIKER: "... and absolute power corrupts absolutely. Do you believe I haven't thought of that, Jean-Luc?""
"Q (BROTHER): "Are these truly your 'friends,' Brother? Let us pray for understanding, for compassion, for...""
"RIKER: "Don't be frightened. There is no way I could harm any one of you. Shall I guess your dreams?""
"DATA: "Yes, sir, that is true. But I never wanted to compound one illusion with another. It might seem real to 'Q' -- even you, sir... but it would not be so to me... Sorry, Commander, I must decline.""
"WORF: "No! She is from a world now alien to me. I have no place in my life for this now!""
"RIKER: "How did you know, sir? I feel like such... such an idiot!""
"PICARD: "Quite right, you should!""
"PICARD: "Extraordinary! 'Q' sought to discover the distinguishing characteristic of humanity and never learned what Coleridge said: 'It must be the possession of a soul within us that makes the difference.'""