Star Trek Confirms Captain Shaw's Story Isn't Over

Summary Captain Shaw is a standout character in Star Trek lore, with a compelling backstory and no-nonsense attitude.

Fans initially disliked Shaw but grew to appreciate his complexity and genuine care for his crew.

IDW's Star Trek #20 continues Shaw's development and makes a case for bringing him back, showcasing his unique perspective.

Warning: contains spoilers for Star Trek #20!

Captain Liam Shaw is one of the best additions to Star Trek lore in recent years, and the comics are making a strong case for bringing him back to the franchise. In Star Trek #20, Ben Sisko and the Theseus’ crew return home for some heavy-duty refits. Helping oversee these efforts is a younger Shaw. The issue sheds even more light on Shaw, and reinforces why he needs to return.

Star Trek #20 is written by Jackson Lanzing and Collin Kelly and drawn by Megan Levens. The Theseus needs some major upgrades to pierce the Galactic Barrier, and they have traveled to the Utopia Planitia Yards in orbit of Mars. Shaw, here at the rank of Lieutenant Commander, is working with the crew on the refits.

Throughout the issue, Shaw continues his “no-BS” policy with Sisko and his crew. Shaw makes an oblique reference to “being in recovery,” but never explains.

Finally, he makes a pointed reference to 2001: A Space Odyssey.

Captain Shaw Was One of the "Realest" Star Trek Characters

Although Fans Hated Shaw at First, They Grew to Love Him

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Played by Todd Stashwick, Liam Shaw was introduced in season three of Star Trek: Picard as the skipper of the USS Titan. Picard and Riker go to Shaw, asking to use the Titan for a mission. Shaw, point-blank, told them “no.” As a result, he came across as abrasive and uncaring. Yet as the season progressed, Shaw’s layers were peeled back, revealing a history of PTSD as well as a man who genuinely cared about people and those under his command. Fan opinion of Shaw softened up as the season continued.

Unfortunately, Captain Shaw was killed mid-way through the season, and Seven of Nine became captain of the Titan, which was later rechristened as the Enterprise NCC-1701-G. The glimpses fans were given into Shaw’s background and psyche painted him as one of the most compelling characters in the Star Trek franchise. After these revelations about Shaw’s character and backstory, fans grew to love him, and some even started petitions to bring him back. Shaw was real, unlike many Starfleet officers. Shaw says in this issue he does not believe in hero worship, and his actions in this issue prove that.

Captain Shaw's Death Was a Huge Loss

IDW is Making a Case to Bring Captain Shaw Back

While the odds of Captain Shaw actually returning are slim, Star Trek #20 continues his amazing character development and makes a case for continuing his story. Shaw’s lack of hero worship extends to Benjamin Sisko, but Shaw still respects him. Shaw makes good points about the Theseus’ mission throughout the issue. At one point, he compares their actions to “the monkeys building the Monolith.” This reference to 2001 shows Shaw to also be a man of culture. The Star Trek unvierse suffered a great loss when Captain Shaw died, and the comics are showing just how great a loss it was.

Star Trek #20 is on sale now from IDW Publishing!