Summary
To enhance the ambiance and foster a sense of camaraderie among the crew, the USS Enterprise-G would greatly benefit from the addition of a dedicated bar or lounge area. Drawing inspiration from the esteemed Enterprise-D and Captain Pike's Enterprise in Strange New Worlds, this inviting space would serve as a haven for crew members to unwind, socialize, and seek guidance from a wise and experienced bartender.
The Enterprise-G could enhance its crew's interactions by introducing holographic Liam Shaw as the ship's bartender, infusing fresh and distinctive character dynamics. With his sarcastic wit and abrasive personality, Shaw would add a delightful and endearing touch to the ship. Reviving Shaw in holographic form would provide a logical means of "resurrecting" him, following his unfortunate demise in Picard season .
Working as a bartender, he would engage with each crew member, helping them navigate their issues and adding complexity to his own personal journey of reconciling with Captain Seven.
A potential upgrade for the USS Enterprise-G has the opportunity to reintroduce a beloved character from Star Trek: Picard in an exciting manner. Following the reunion of the Star Trek: The Next Generation crew in Picard season 3, the USS Titan-A was renamed Enterprise as a tribute to Admiral Jean-Luc Picard (Patrick Stewart). Should the proposed spin-off, Star Trek: Legacy, receive approval, it is likely to follow Captain Seven of Nine (Jeri Ryan) and her crew on the USS Enterprise-G, which includes Ensign Jack Crusher (Ed Speleers), Picard's son. Despite the extensive technological advancements of the Enterprise-G, there is one notable element it should adopt from the Enterprise-D.
When the Titan found itself on the brink of danger amidst the treacherous Ryton Nebula in episode 4 of Star Trek: Picard season 3 titled "No Win Scenario," the crew faced a seemingly unsolvable predicament. Resigned to their uncertain fate, a group of the Titan's officers convened in the holodeck, transformed into a faithful replica of Guinan's (Whoopi Goldberg) Ten Forward bar in Los Angeles. It is within this remarkable setting that one of the most captivating scenes of Picard season 3 unfolds, as Captain Liam Shaw (Todd Stashwick) recounts his terrifying survival during the Battle of Wolf 359. Surprisingly, this portrayal unveils the absence of a bar of its own onboard the Enterprise-G, which had recently undergone a refurbishment following its transformation from the Titan-A.
Enterprise-G Needs Its Own Bar Like TNG’s Enterprise-D & Strange New Worlds
The USS Enterprise-G could really benefit from an upgrade that includes a fully-equipped bar or lounge area. And to make the experience even more extraordinary, why not have a holographic bartender named Liam Shaw? In the hit TV series, Star Trek: The Next Generation, the crew members of the Enterprise-D would often gather at Ten Forward, a bustling bar overseen by the charismatic Guinan. This space provided the perfect setting for crew members to unwind, enjoy a refreshing drink, engage in social activities like dating, and connect with their fellow crewmates. Guinan, being an El-Aurian with a wealth of wisdom from her long-lived experience, served not only as a bartender but also as a confidant, offering valuable advice. Similarly, the Enterprise of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds boasts a splendid recreational bar called the Port Galley. Here, Captain Christopher Pike (played by Anson Mount) occasionally hosts dinner gatherings for his crew, fostering a sense of camaraderie and providing a welcoming environment for relaxation and socializing.
The Port Galley bar on Captain Pike's Enterprise is prominently featured in the fantastic musical episode of Strange New Worlds, where Nurse Christine Chapel's (Jess Bush) showstopping musical number takes place. In order to provide the crew of the new Enterprise-G with a similar space to relax during their downtime, it is important to have a designated lounge area. Unlike a holodeck lounge, which is not ideal due to its history of dangerous malfunctions, a dedicated lounge would offer the Enterprise-G crew a safe and comfortable environment to unwind and seek advice from a wise bartender.
Shaw Should Come Back As Enterprise-G’s Bartender
The USS Enterprise-G may introduce an innovative bartender on board, featuring a holographic version of Liam Shaw. Liam Shaw, who gained a devoted following in season 3 of Star Trek: Picard, tragically met his demise in the second to last episode of the season. Despite this setback, both Terry Matalas, the showrunner for season 3, and Todd Stashwick, the actor who portrayed Shaw, have confirmed their plans for Shaw to make a comeback in Star Trek: Legacy, if the series comes to fruition. While no specific details have been disclosed regarding how this revival would occur, utilizing a hologram seems like a logical method to "resurrect" Shaw. Additionally, the idea of Liam transitioning into a bartender who comically persuades customers to avoid consuming Château Picard wine holds tremendous comedic potential.
While Shaw has the potential to serve as an Emergency Engineering Hologram, assigning him to this role would be redundant and limit his scope to just engineering tasks. On the other hand, if Liam were appointed as a bartender, he would have the opportunity to interact with all members of the crew and provide them with assistance in resolving their issues. Unlike Guinan, Shaw lacks patience, and as a result, his approach to giving advice would be quite distinct. With his holographic form, Shaw would bring his trademark sarcastic humor and somewhat abrasive personality, making him an amusing yet endearing bartender. In addition, this role would allow him to continue his personal journey from Star Trek: Picard, as he confronts his own traumatic past and seeks reconciliation with Captain Seven.