NewsT. Rick JonesJonathan Frakes

Jonathan Frakes explains his odd chair-sitting and more in a Star Trek: First Contact live commentary

NewsT. Rick JonesJonathan Frakes
Jonathan Frakes explains his odd chair-sitting and more in a Star Trek: First Contact live commentary
Jonathan Frakes as Commander Riker in Star Trek: The Next Generation, boldly sitting

Jonathan Frakes as Commander Riker in Star Trek: The Next Generation, boldly sitting

Jonathan Frakes is well known in Trek circles for his deep knowledge of Star Trek culture, his sense of humor, and his really great skills as a director. So it was a real treat yesterday, when he appeared as a guest on IGN’s Watch From Home Theater, to provide live commentary on Star Trek: First Contact.

As I mentioned yesterday, First Contact was Frakes’s feature film directorial debut, although he had previously directed several television episodes of Star Trek. Fans of the film will know it as one of the best the franchise has to offer, with a balanced mix of drama, social commentary, and, of course, that Frakes humor.

During the livestream, IGN kept a Twitter thread going of some of the memorable moments. There were some touching moments, some insightful moments, and...some revealing moments.

IGN addressed a more obscure rumor about First Contact, and asked Frakes whether the character of Zefram Cochrane was based on Gene Roddenberry. He replied, “I’ve never heard that connection made, but it makes sense, knowing both men.”

On Riker’s famous habit of sitting in chairs by swinging his leg over the back, he said, “I step over chairs like Riker if the chair back is below the danger zone. That started in 10 Forward because the chairs are so low. It was such a cocky, cowboy move. And no one stopped me.”

Well, that answers that.

For more highlights from the livestream, follow @IGN on Twitter. And you can replay the full commentary on IGN’s YouTube channel.