Jonathan Frakes Movies
Handsome, dark-haired, blue-eyed actor/director Jonathan Frakes is best known among Star Trek lovers for playing Commander William Riker in Star Trek: The Next Generation (1987-1994) and in the Star Trek feature films. Before joining the other legends of Gene Roddenberry's operatic future world, Frakes had worked on television and was a regular in two sudsy, short-lived series, Bare Essence (1983) and Paper Dolls (1984). The Pennsylvania native made his television debut in the 1979 movie Beach Patrol. Frakes has also appeared in numerous miniseries including Beulah Land (1980) and both installments of North and South (1985 and 1986). Frakes cut his directorial teeth with episodes of Star Trek the Next Generation and went on to helm other episodes in the Star Trek franchise, including Star Trek: Deep Space Nine and Star Trek: Voyager. He has also directed episodes of Diagnosis Murder and University Hospital, as well as the CD-ROM Star Trek-Klingon (1996). Frakes made his feature-film debut as an actor in Star Trek: Generations (1994). He made his big-screen directorial bow in Star Trek: First Contact (1996). His fame from Star Trek has led Frakes to host various sci-fi/paranormal-oriented documentaries including the UPN network's series Paranormal Borderline and the Fox network's popular special Alien Autopsy: Fact or Fiction. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide- 1994
Jonathan Frakes recreates his Next Generation role as Commander William Riker...or does he? Paying a visit to DS9, Riker is greeted by Kira, who gives him a guided tour of the Defiant. Suddenly, Riker reveals himself to be his renegade duplicate Thomas Riker, whereupon he steals the Defiant on behalf of the Maquis, an act which threatens to start another war between the Federation and the Cardassians. Originally telecast November 26, 1994, "Defiant" was written by Ronald D. Moore. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1994
Brett Cullen guest stars as Deral, a resident of the newly discovered dimension-shifting planet Meridian. While trying to stabilize Meridian's path through space -- and, hopefully to save it from ultimately "shifting" out of existence -- Dax falls in love with Deral. Alas, he is predestined to return to his planet, whereupon he will vanish into another dimension for 60 years. Scripted by Hilary Bader and Evan Carlos Somers from a story by Mark Gehred-O'Connell, "Meridian" was directed by former Next Generation regular Jonathan Frakes and first aired November 19, 1994. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1994
In part one of this episode, Sisko and his officers had once more fallen into the hands of the Jem'hadar, soldiers of the Dominion, while Odo had left his comrades high and dry to embark upon a mysterious mission to the Omarion Nebula. In part two, Odo arrives on his home planet, which is now completely populated by shapeshifters like himself. Meanwhile, the Founders, leaders of the Dominion, offer to draw up a peace treaty with the Federation, but Sisko has ample reason to oppose this action. Scripted by Ira Steven Behr from a story by Behr and Robert Hewitt Wolfe, part two of "The Search" originally aired October 8, 1994. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
The seventh Star Trek feature passed the torch to a new crew. Decades after the original "Trek," the skipper of the fourth USS Enterprise is Jean-Luc Picard (Patrick Stewart), who investigates a massacre at a science outpost. The only survivor is Dr. Soran (Malcolm McDowall), who perpetrated the event to cover up his invention: a bomb he launches into a nearby sun, exploding it. As Soran escapes with Klingon cronies, Picard learns that Soran's plan is to summon a heavenly energy ribbon called the Nexus. Those who enter it live forever with every wish fulfilled. Attempting to stop Soran, Picard ends up inside the Nexus, where he discovers former captain James T. Kirk (William Shatner), believed to have been killed in an accident 78 years earlier. ~ Karl Williams, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Patrick Stewart, William Shatner, (more)
- 1994
There's probably never been a television series that has won so loyal a cult following as the original Star Trek, and in 1987, Star Trek: The Next Generation had the unenviable prospect of trying to follow in that show's footsteps. But Star Trek: The Next Generation rose to the occasion, not only pleasing most Trek fans but developing a loyal audience among contemporary sci-fi enthusiasts as well. Journey's End: The Saga of Star Trek: The Next Generation is a documentary which offers a behind-the-scenes look at the creation and production of this landmark in science fiction television, featuring a look at how the show's make up and visual effects were created, interviews with the cast, thoughts from notable guest stars, and the production of the show's final episode. Jonathan Frakes narrates. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
- 1994
First telecast February 5, 1994, this episode is an emotional showcase for Dr. Beverly Crusher. Not long after attending the funeral of her grandmother Felisa Howard, Dr. Crusher begins to experience curious and bizarre happenings. All evidence indicates that she has fallen under the spell of Ronin (Duncan Regehr), the Howard family's resident ghost. "Sub Rosa" was scripted by Brannon Braga, from a story by Jeri Taylor. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1993
- Add Star Trek: The Next Generation - Season 07 to QueueAdd Star Trek: The Next Generation - Season 07 to top of Queue
Set in the 24th century and decades after the adventures of the original crew of the starship Enterprise, this new series is the long-awaited successor to the original "Star Trek" (1966). Under the command of Captain Jean-Luc Picard, the all new Enterprise NCC 1701-D travels out to distant planets to seek out new life and to boldly go where no one has gone before.
- Starring:
- Patrick Stewart, Jonathan Frakes, (more)
- 1993
LeVar Burton doubled as co-star and director of this episode, which originally aired on May 29, 1993. Returning to the site of a transport accident which occured eight years earlier, Riker comes face to face with an exact double of himself. Living alone for those many years, the "early" Riker still harbors a love for Deanna Troi. As Geordi tries to solve the mystery of the twin Rikers, the "later" Riker tries to reconcile his present feelings for Troi with the ardor expressed by his alter ego. "Second Chances" was written by Rene A. Echavarria, from a story by Michael A. Medlock. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1993
After a two-week rerun cycle, Next Generation's sixth season resumed on May 1, 1993 with this first-run episode. The title refers to a competition involving the Enterprise, the Cardassians, the Klingons, and the Romulans. All four combatants race to solve a genetic puzzle that has remained inscrutable for four billion years. Alas, the solution of the puzzle may unleash a secret that will mean the end of the Galaxy. Veteran actors Norman Lloyd and Salome Jens guest star as, respectively, Picard's former archeology professor Galen and an enigmatic Humanoid; additionally, former Avengers regular Linda Thorson is seen as Gul Ocett. Directed by Jonathan Frakes, "The Chase" was written by Joe Menosky and Ronald D. Moore. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1993
Next Generation regular Jonathan Frakes once again warmed the director's chair for this episode, which originally aired on November 13, 1993. Imprisoned together on the planet Kesprytt Three, Picard and Dr. Crusher are telepathically joined by their captors. As they plan their escape, the "attached" prisoners are forced to reveal their true feelings about one another, and those feelings may well result in romance. "Attached" was written by Nicholas Sagan. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1992
- Add Star Trek: The Next Generation - Season 06 to QueueAdd Star Trek: The Next Generation - Season 06 to top of Queue
Set in the 24th century and decades after the adventures of the original crew of the starship Enterprise, this new series is the long-awaited successor to the original "Star Trek" (1966). Under the command of Captain Jean-Luc Picard, the all new Enterprise NCC 1701-D travels out to distant planets to seek out new life and to boldly go where no one has gone before.
- Starring:
- Patrick Stewart, Jonathan Frakes, (more)
- 1992
This episode literally begins with a bang, as the Enterprise explodes with all hands on board. A few minutes into the episode, we see that the starship and its personnel are still safe, but not for long. Passing through a time warp in the unexplored Typhon expanse, the crew is doomed to repeatedly experience the series of events leading up to their fiery doom. Will they be able to break chain of cause and effect in time to save themselves? The answers were first provided when "Cause and Effect," written by Brannon Braga, made its American TV debut on March 28, 1992. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1992
On the planet of Tyra 7A, scientist Dr. Farallon (Ellen Bry) has created a race of robots known as exocomps. The visiting Enterprise crew members, like Farallon herself, regard these robots as nothing more than standard mechanical devices. But Data thinks differently, regarding the exocomps as living beings, and he's willing to place Picard and Geordi's lives in danger to protect the machines from harm. First offered to local stations on November 21, 1992, "The Quality of Life" was written by Naren Shankar and directed by series regular Jonathan Frakes. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1991
- Add Star Trek: The Next Generation - Season 05 to QueueAdd Star Trek: The Next Generation - Season 05 to top of Queue
Set in the 24th century and decades after the adventures of the original crew of the starship Enterprise, this new series is the long-awaited successor to the original "Star Trek" (1966). Under the command of Captain Jean-Luc Picard, the all new Enterprise NCC 1701-D travels out to distant planets to seek out new life and to boldly go where no one has gone before.
- Starring:
- Patrick Stewart, Jonathan Frakes, (more)
- 1991
The McCarthy era lives again when a Klingon spy is discovered on board the Enterprise. Suspecting that a sinister conspiracy is afoot, visiting Federation Admiral Norah Satie (Jean Simmons) embarks upon a witch hunt, turning everyone against each other. Things reach the hysteria stage when Satie accuses Captain Picard of being a traitor. First telecast May 4, 1991, The Drumhead was directed by Next Generation co-star Jonathan Frakes and written by Jeri Taylor. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1990
- Add Star Trek: The Next Generation - Season 04 to QueueAdd Star Trek: The Next Generation - Season 04 to top of Queue
Set in the 24th century and decades after the adventures of the original crew of the starship Enterprise, this new series is the long-awaited successor to the original "Star Trek" (1966). Under the command of Captain Jean-Luc Picard, the all new Enterprise NCC 1701-D travels out to distant planets to seek out new life and to boldly go where no one has gone before.
- Starring:
- Patrick Stewart, Jonathan Frakes, (more)
- 1990
This program, narrated by Jonathan Frakes, is part one of a two-part series that takes the viewer on a journey through time as recounted in the stories of the Bible. This episode puts its focus on the Old Testament and some of the characters whose lives are recounted there. In the centuries before the coming of Jesus Christ, some heroes emerged who exemplified the moral code of the Judaic tradition. Their lives served as harbingers for the traits which would become embodied by the Christ, such as selflessness, wisdom, and faith. Their presence accounts for such Bible heroes as Esther and Moses. The program then considers the lives of two important figures in the life of Christ: John the Baptist and King Herod. Art, reenactments, and commentary from theologians and scholars are used to tell the story. ~ Rose of Sharon Winter, All Movie Guide
- 1990
Jonathan Frakes, Next Generation's Cmdr. Riker, made his series directorial debut with this March 17, 1990 episode. Yearning for the joys of parenthood, Data builds an android "child," which assumes human form as a girl named Lal (Hallie Todd). This unauthorized experiment takes a poignant turn when the Federation insists that it must take charge of Lal so that she will receive a "proper" childhood. While Data argues his case to Captain Picard, an unforseen tragedy occurs. "Offspring" was written by Rene Echevarria. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1990
This program, narrated by Jonathan Frakes, is part one of a two-part series that takes the viewer on a journey through time as recounted in the stories of the Bible. This episode turns to the stories of the New Testament, in which the prophecies of the Old Testament come to pass. A great one, in the form of John the Baptist, does indeed begin his labors to presage the coming of Jesus Christ. And then the Word of God is made flesh in the incarnation of Jesus in a human body. The program follows His trials and triumphs with depictions in art, reenactments, and scholarly commentary. The Dead Sea Scrolls are examined for their role in confirming the Biblical tales of Jesus Christ. ~ Rose of Sharon Winter, All Movie Guide
- 1990
Having previously met the brother he never knew he had in the second-season episode "Sins of the Father," Lt. Worf is further astonished to discover that he has a son named Alexander (Jon Steuer). This is brought to his attention by the boy's mother K'Ehleyr (Suzie Plakson), who Worf feels has betrayed him, thus he refuses to even see her. Worf's hostile attitude endangers Picard's diplomatic mission with the leader of the Klingon Empire (Charles Cooper), who in turn is being slowly poisoned by a mysterious assailant. Directed by Jonathan Frakes and written by Thomas Perry, Jo Perry, Ronald D. Moore, and Brannon Braga, "Reunion" was originally telecast November 10, 1990. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1989
- Add Star Trek: The Next Generation - Season 03 to QueueAdd Star Trek: The Next Generation - Season 03 to top of Queue
Set in the 24th century and decades after the adventures of the original crew of the starship Enterprise, this new series is the long-awaited successor to the original "Star Trek" (1966). Under the command of Captain Jean-Luc Picard, the all new Enterprise NCC 1701-D travels out to distant planets to seek out new life and to boldly go where no one has gone before.
- Starring:
- Patrick Stewart, Jonathan Frakes, (more)
- 1989
Julia Duffy is the cover girl and Dinah Manoff the cop in this made-for-TV contrivance. When dim-witted model Duffy witnesses a murder, short-fused officer Manhoff is assigned to protect her. Would you be shocked if we informed you that the ladies drive each other crazy? But never fear: they forget their differences long enough to jointly nab the killer at the end. Filmed on location in Washington DC, Cover Girl and the Cop trounced in the ratings by the vastly superior The Ryan White Story when it first aired on January 16, 1989. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1988
- Add Star Trek: The Next Generation - Season 02 to QueueAdd Star Trek: The Next Generation - Season 02 to top of Queue
Set in the 24th century and decades after the adventures of the original crew of the starship Enterprise, this new series is the long-awaited successor to the original "Star Trek" (1966). Under the command of Captain Jean-Luc Picard, the all new Enterprise NCC 1701-D travels out to distant planets to seek out new life and to boldly go where no one has gone before.
- Starring:
- Patrick Stewart, Jonathan Frakes, (more)
- 1987
- Add Star Trek: The Next Generation - Season 01 to QueueAdd Star Trek: The Next Generation - Season 01 to top of Queue
Set in the 24th century and decades after the adventures of the original crew of the starship Enterprise, this new series is the long-awaited successor to the original "Star Trek" (1966). Under the command of Captain Jean-Luc Picard, the all new Enterprise NCC 1701-D travels out to distant planets to seek out new life and to boldly go where no one has gone before.
- Starring:
- Patrick Stewart, Jonathan Frakes, (more)
