A scaryStar Trek: The Next Generationepisode featuring Commander William Riker (Jonathan Frakes) proves thatStar Trekcould benefit from more horror or thriller narratives. Since the 1960s,Star Trekhas been a staple in sci-fi and is often even credited as pioneering many popular tropes of the genre. WhileStar Trek’s science has matured and modernized over the decades, the core concept of its sci-fi roots has stayed fairly unchanged. However,oneStar Trek: The Next Generationepisode pushed the boundaries of the genreand incorporated horror and psychological thriller aspects into its chilling narrative.
Star Trek: The Next Generationoften dedicated entire episodes to a single character’s development, and one such instance for First Officer Commander Will Riker was inTNGseason 6, episode 21, “Frame of Mind,” which features aspects of the horror and thriller genres. Often considered one ofStar Trek: The Next Generation’s best episodes,“Frame of Mind” is one of the franchise’s darkest stories. With themes like kidnapping, psychological abuse, physical torture, and emotional manipulation, Commander Riker encounters some ofStar Trek’s worst – and best – horror aspects that should make a return to the franchise.
Star Trek Should Follow This TNG Riker Episode’s Horror Example
Commander Riker’s chilling experience in “Frame of Mind” was an exciting change for Star Trek
Star Trek: The Next Generation’s “Frame of Mind” is widely held as one ofCommander Will Riker’s best episodes, and it’s obvious why. Jonathan Frakes is at his very best, showcasing his impressive and diverse acting ability by portraying Riker as not only unsure of his sanity, but also as questioning his surroundings at all times. Through the physical and emotional trials the episode puts him through, Commander Riker’s mental stability is tested. Although it isn’tStar Trek’s only horror-themed episode,“Frame of Mind” taps into a less direct form of thriller that suits the franchise.
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Star Trek’s darkest episodesusually feature narratives responding to real-life struggles, like the consequences of inequality and the real cost of war. What “Frame of Mind” does is highlight howStar Trekcan incorporate darker themes and even corporeal horror into a sci-fi settingwithout losing the suspension of belief. Commander Riker not only suffers mental injuries, but he’s also physically tortured by the inhabitants of Tilonus IV. His well-being is a major cause of concern throughout the episode, adding to a sense of edge-of-the-seat suspense that makes the episode even more appealing.
Why Star Trek Needs More Horror
Sci-fi and horror could go hand-in-hand to bring a thrilling new aspect to Star Trek
In recent years,Star Trekadded a few more horror-like narratives to its growing list of episodes. The resurgence of the Gorn inStar Trek: Strange New Worldshas provided somefull-on horrorStar Trekepisodes. However,the Gorn lack a nuanced approach to horror– they’re monsters, but they don’t provide much psychological thrill. This thriller aspect is what could giveStar Treka real edge in the increasingly competitive streaming market. Mixing sci-fi and horror could also modernize many ofStar Trek’s more dated stories to hook younger fans, just like the Gorn inStar Trek: Strange New Worlds.
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Star Trek: The Next Generation’s foray into horror provided a sneak peek into scary elements that would appear in futureStar Trekprojects, but the franchise hasn’t included real, unhampered horror. While the occasional thrill and jump scare aren’t entirely uncommon in modernStar Trek, the aspect of real mental, and even body, horror has yet to be explored. The underlying vein of suspense, the psychological torture, and the well-written plot twists at every turn make the episode “Frame of Mind” a perfect example of howStar Trekcan – and should – include horror to invite a younger audienceto the franchise.
