Summary
- Guinan's speech to Captain Riker during Star Trek: The Next Generation's "The Best of Both Worlds" was incredibly impactful.
- Riker showcased his abilities as a Captain during the episode, but missed out on a permanent command opportunity due to Picard's rescue from the Borg.
- Guinan's speech was meant to hedge the series bets on a potential shift for Riker to Captain if Patrick Stewart didn't renew his contract.
Despite being wasted, Guinan's (Whoopi Goldberg) speech to Captain Riker (Jonathan Frakes) in Star Trek: The Next Generation's "The Best of Both Worlds, Part II" was an incredible moment. "The Best of Both Worlds" is often considered to be the best two-part episode of TNG and one of the best Star Trek episodes in TV history. Thanks to moments like the Battle of Wolf 359 and Captain Picard's (Patrick Stewart) capture by the Borg, its storyline has had major implications for the whole franchise, from Star Trek: Deep Space Nine to Star Trek: Picard.
"The Best of Both Worlds" featured one of the most major appearances of the Borg in Star Trek and Starfleet's first big battle with them. The episode was also a huge turning point for the character of Picard, whose transformation into Locutus irrevocably changed his life. It also featured some major shifts for Picard's First Officer, Will Riker, especially after Picard was taken and Riker assumed command of the USS Enterprise-D. Riker's struggle to lead while grappling with Picard's loss led to some of the episodes' most poignant moments, including an intense encounter with Guinan after Picard's initial capture.
Why Guinan’s Speech To Captain Riker In Star Trek: TNG’s Borg 2-Parter Is Incredible
Guinan delivers one of the most moving speeches of the episode
Guinan's speech to Captain Riker during "The Best of Both Worlds, Part II" is arguably one of her most impactful scenes in the entire show. After appearing during a moment where Riker seemed uncertain, Guinan wasted no time in telling the newly minted Captain exactly where he stood and what to do. Not only did Guinan deliver a bleak outlook on the crew, telling Riker, "They expect to be dead in the next day or so," but her powerful statement about letting Picard go to save everyone hit harder than possibly any other line in the episode.
Guinan: Did he ever tell you why we're so close?
Riker: No.
Guinan: Well, then let me just say that our relationship is beyond friendship, beyond family. And I will let him go. And you must do the same. There can only be one Captain.
Riker: It's not that simple. This was his crew. He wrote the book on this ship.
Guinan: If the Borg know everything he knows, it's time to throw that book away. You must let him go, Riker. It's the only way to beat him. The only way to save him. And that is now your chair. Captain.
Guinan was ultimately proven correct by the rest of the episode, but these words coming from her had even more of an impact than they would from someone else, given her history with the Borg in general and Captain Picard in particular. Riker's resistance to letting Picard go was understandable, but Guinan's statements galvanized him and served as the justification for his actions during the rest of the episode. Barring Counselor Troi (Marina Siritis), Guinan was the best character to give Riker this speech, and Star Trek: TNG used her character to great advantage in the episode.
Why It’s Too Bad For Captain Riker That Picard Was Rescued
Riker could have been Captain of the Enterprise-D
Given how incredible Guinan's speech was, it's almost too bad that the crew ended up rescuing Picard after all. Of course, it's a good thing that Picard returned, considering what a popular character he was. However, Riker demonstrated his abilities as Captain perfectly in "The Best of Both Worlds, Part II," proving that he could have easily continued in the role if Picard had been lost to the Borg. Picard resuming command ultimately cost Riker a more distinguished career, even if he was happy to have his Captain back and was consistently turned down other command promotions on TNG.
Riker later went on to become Captain of the USS Titan, and portions of his command were shown in Star Trek: Lower Decks and Star Trek: Picard .
Interestingly, Guinan's speech was likely a result of Star Trek: The Next Generation hedging its bets over whether Patrick Stewart's contract would be renewed as series lead. "The Best of Both Worlds" was a season finale/season opener combo, and TNG's early seasons were marked with uncertainty about contracts and renewals. If Stewart hadn't returned, Guinan's speech would have served as the ultimate mission statement and catalyst for Captain Riker if he had stepped into the position permanently. As it is, the scene is still an underrated part of a great episode that deserves more appreciation.
