Star Trek

WTF is everybody dissing on Riker? He was a great character. I cannot imagine his not being in ST:TNG. Whayare you all pissed about it  20 years afer the fact?

I don't think I would love TNG as much as I do without Riker. Not necessarily Riker himself, though he is a strong individual, but the position he filled which allowed a much more realistic insight. Every leader needs a right hand man, in both history and fiction. There needs to be someone close to the captain who can relay the information and duties that the captain himself doesn't have the time to do. Two heads are better than one. There is enough going on during a crisis situation that any single person would need help with. As for skills, Will Riker is a highly regarded tactitian which required him to have much training and dedication. He is able to think quickly in moments in need of immediate action. Picard must focus on diplomacy and the sole mission of the Enterprise (exploration), while Will is there to further ensure stability in emergencies. 

Agreed. Personally, he's my favorite TNG character after Data and Picard.

Riker is more dangerous than standing armies.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f7FDEvXVBfk

Certainly Riker was needed. If Picard was disabled or killed, Riker was on point immediately. Beside Riker flowed in the glow of Starfleet's finest `Ship of the line` which is the futuristic "TOP GUN" of the day.

You didn't know that Riker's main duty was guest and personnel "relations"?

A first officer is necessary to assume command in an emergency and ensure smooth day-to-day operation of the ship.

I didn't personally care for the Riker character but the position was necessary.

According to the TNG series bible (at least season 1's version), The dynamics of the relationship between Picard & Riker was considered/intended to be treated as a single character: Teacher/student; Father/son; Mentor/Mentee; Diplomat/soldier, etc...

Re-watching the series with that concept in mind, it difinitely puts a different spin on things, and certainly makes Riker much more of a necessary character.

Hmm, it seems like they may have transferred aspects of that relationship to Data later on.