Nearly four decades after Star Trek: The Next Generation first captivated audiences, Jonathan Frakes has once again made Star Trek history—this time through an exciting collaboration with LEGO. Celebrated during Star Trek Day in September, LEGO unveiled its inaugural Star Trek set: the iconic USS Enterprise-D complete with nine mini-figures modeled after the legendary cast of the beloved series.
Jonathan Frakes Brings Star Trek’s Classic Speech to LEGO
For fans of Star Trek: The Next Generation (TNG), the opening words of Captain Jean-Luc Picard—”Space, the final frontier… These are the voyages of the Starship Enterprise…”—are iconic and deeply ingrained in television history. This signature mission statement modernized the original Star Trek phrase, changing the inclusive “where no man has gone before” to “where no one has gone before.” However, until now, Commander William T. Riker, portrayed by Jonathan Frakes, had never delivered this classic speech in either the TV series or its subsequent films.
Thanks to LEGO’s USS Enterprise-D announcement video, Frakes finally recites the famed “Space, the final frontier…” speech, marking a historic moment for both the actor and fans alike. Traditionally, this speech has been the exclusive privilege of the starship’s captains, which explains why in the TNG series it was only spoken by Patrick Stewart’s Captain Picard.
The Significance of Riker’s Moment with LEGO
As the First Officer aboard the USS Enterprise-D and occasionally taking command in the series, Commander Riker was always the steadfast second-in-command, supporting Captain Picard’s leadership. Despite his critical role, Riker never spoke the opening lines, a tradition maintained for captains alone. But this LEGO moment has now given Riker his just recognition, proclaiming the legendary phrase alongside captains in the Star Trek universe. It’s a well-deserved honor, especially as Jonathan Frakes’ character has since been elevated to Captain in the more recent Star Trek: Picard series.
Which Star Trek Captains Have Delivered the Iconic Speech?
The opening lines of Star Trek truly belong to the captains who lead their starships through the vast unknown. The tradition has been carried consistently by William Shatner’s Captain James T. Kirk, Patrick Stewart’s Captain Picard, and Anson Mount’s Captain Christopher Pike in Star Trek: Strange New Worlds. Each series prominently features this mission statement at the beginning of every episode.
Interestingly, Scott Bakula’s Captain Jonathan Archer from Star Trek: Enterprise never spoke the full phrase during the show’s run, only delivering the iconic “To boldly go where no one has gone before” at the series finale. Similarly, Chris Pine’s portrayal of Captain Kirk in the J.J. Abrams reboot movies features the speech only partially.
In the film franchise, the phrase is even rarer; Leonard Nimoy’s Spock notably delivers the mission statement posthumously at the end of Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan and the 2009 reboot film. The entire cast recites it at the end of Star Trek Beyond. This underlines how special it is that Jonathan Frakes’ Commander Riker has now joined this select group through LEGO’s unique format.
LEGO’s $400 USS Enterprise-D Set: A Collector’s Dream
The LEGO USS Enterprise-D set, priced at $400, is more than just a toy—it’s a tribute to a defining era of Star Trek, allowing fans to relive the grandeur of the starship and its crew. Featuring nine mini-figures that capture key characters from Star Trek: The Next Generation, the set promises a deeply immersive experience for both avid collectors and new fans. It’s a remarkable celebration of the series’ rich legacy, beautifully designed to evoke nostalgia and excitement simultaneously.
The Enduring Legacy of Star Trek: The Next Generation
Since its debut in 1987, Star Trek: The Next Generation has established itself as a cornerstone of sci-fi television, blending drama, mystery, action, and futuristic storytelling. Led by showrunner Gene Roddenberry’s visionary creation, and supported by a versatile creative team, TNG’s influence continues to resonate with audiences worldwide.
Under the leadership of iconic actors like Patrick Stewart (Jean-Luc Picard) and Jonathan Frakes (William T. Riker), the series redefined the Star Trek universe, pushing forward values of exploration, inclusivity, and scientific curiosity. It became a cultural phenomenon with a remarkable run until 1994 and spawned several successful feature films.
Conclusion
Jonathan Frakes’ historic moment reciting Star Trek’s legendary “Space, the final frontier…” speech, thanks to LEGO’s USS Enterprise-D set, represents a meaningful milestone for fans and the franchise. This collaboration not only celebrates the legacy of The Next Generation but also honors the beloved character of William T. Riker by giving him the spotlight traditionally reserved for captains. The meticulous design and nostalgia captured in LEGO’s set make it a must-have for collectors and Star Trek enthusiasts alike.
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