Did Jonathan Frakes actually direct some of the best episodes of Star Trek, or is that just a fan myth?

Jonathan Frakes genuinely did direct some of the most acclaimed episodes in Star Trek history, and this is not merely fan mythology. His directorial work is well-documented and critically recognized both within the franchise and in broader television circles. Frakes began directing during The Next Generation's run, starting with the season three episode The Offspring in 1990, which many consider one of the finest episodes of that entire series. The story dealt with Data creating an android child, and Frakes handled the emotional weight of the material with considerable sensitivity, earning praise from cast, crew, and viewers alike. His most celebrated directorial achievement is probably the film First Contact from 1996, which is widely regarded as the best of the Next Generation films and frequently appears on lists of the greatest Star Trek movies overall. First Contact balanced action, horror elements drawn from the Borg, and genuine character development for Picard and the crew. Frakes demonstrated a strong visual sense and an ability to manage large-scale production values while keeping the human drama at the center. The film was both a commercial and critical success, which is relatively rare for Star Trek movies, and it cemented his reputation as a filmmaker rather than just an actor trying his hand at directing. Beyond those highlights, Frakes directed numerous other episodes across Deep Space Nine, Voyager, and later Discovery and Picard. His episode Cause and Effect from TNG season five, which he did not direct but appeared in prominently, is sometimes confused with his directorial work, but his actual directing credits across the franchise are substantial. He directed the Voyager episode Projections and contributed to Deep Space Nine as well. His work on the newer shows like Discovery and Strange New Worlds has continued to earn positive responses, suggesting his skills have grown and adapted rather than representing a one-time fluke during the TNG era. What makes Frakes's directorial success particularly credible is the testimony of people who worked with him. Patrick Stewart, Gates McFadden, and other cast members have spoken positively about his approach on set, noting that his background as an actor gives him an unusual ability to communicate with performers and draw out nuanced work. Producers like Rick Berman trusted him with important projects repeatedly, which would not have happened if his results were merely adequate. In television, directors who consistently deliver on time, on budget, and with strong performances get hired again, and Frakes kept getting hired across multiple decades and multiple series. The fan enthusiasm around Frakes as a director is therefore grounded in real achievement rather than being a case of affection for a beloved character coloring people's judgment. Riker is certainly a popular character and Frakes is a genuinely likable public figure who engages warmly with the fan community, which may amplify the appreciation somewhat. But the underlying body of work holds up to scrutiny. First Contact alone would be enough to establish his credentials, and the consistency of his contributions across thirty-plus years of the franchise makes the case even stronger. He represents one of the more successful transitions from actor to director in genre television history.