Summary
Captain Shaw's alternate death scene in Picard season 3 offers a glimpse of what might have been and showcases his great character development.
If Star Trek: Legacy is approved, there is a possibility that Captain Liam Shaw will make a comeback, allowing for more in-depth exploration of his character and other storylines introduced in Picard season 3. The strong demand for the spin-off and the support from individuals involved in the Star Trek franchise suggest that it is still a potential project, although official announcements may be delayed due to ongoing industry strikes.
Star Trek: Picard season 3 showrunner Terry Matalas recently revealed an alternative version of the heartrending death scene of Captain Liam Shaw. Shaw, portrayed by Todd Stashwick, became immensely popular among fans during the acclaimed third season of Picard, primarily due to the reprisal of several original Star Trek: The Next Generation cast members. In season 3, Admiral Jean-Luc Picard (played by Patrick Stewart) took on a mission to assist his long-time acquaintance Dr. Beverly Crusher (Gates McFadden) and his previously unknown son, Jack Crusher (Ed Speleers). Although much of the excitement for Picard's final season was because of the return of beloved TNG characters, Captain Shaw, brilliantly portrayed by Stashwick, emerged as one of the show's most captivating figures.
Regrettably, Captain Shaw heroically sacrificed his life in the second-to-last episode of Picard season 3, allowing his comrades to escape unharmed. During his final moments, he finally addressed his First Officer, Seven of Nine (Jeri Ryan), by her preferred name and handed over command to her. Terry Matalas recently posted a brief video clip on Twitter, showcasing Captain Shaw's poignant farewell, including an additional line of dialogue. See Matalas' tweet below:
The inclusion of the "But don't touch my stuff" line adds a touch of humor to an otherwise heartbreaking scene, embodying the essence of Shaw's character. However, its presence slightly detracts from the significance of Shaw finally addressing Seven by her preferred name, potentially explaining its removal. Nevertheless, the shared clip offers a delightful glimpse into the alternate possibilities and further exemplifies Liam Shaw's remarkable portrayal.
Captain Shaw Will Return If Star Trek: Legacy Happens
Terry Matalas and actor Todd Stashwick have confirmed that Captain Liam Shaw will make a comeback in Star Trek: Legacy if the show gets the green light. Star Trek: Legacy, a potential spin-off of Star Trek: Picard, is expected to delve deeper into the storylines introduced in Picard season 3. In the finale of Picard, Seven of Nine took on the role of Captain of the newly renamed USS Enterprise-G, while Jack Crusher, the son of Jean-Luc Picard and Beverly Crusher, had an encounter with the notorious Q (John de Lancie). These narratives, alongside others, have the potential to be further explored in Star Trek: Legacy.
There is a high demand among fans for Star Trek: Legacy, and many individuals involved in the broader Star Trek franchise are supportive of the show's concept. Despite the ongoing SAG-AFTRA and WGA strikes, it is likely that official news regarding the spin-off will be delayed. However, it appears that the spin-off is still being considered. Although it is uncertain how Liam Shaw would return after his supposed death, those working behind the scenes assure that they have a promising plan for his character. Todd Stashwick's portrayal of Captain Shaw was a fantastic addition to the Star Trek family, and it would be unfortunate if viewers only saw him in Star Trek: Picard season 3.