Why did Shaw die in Picard?

[BridgeConsoleMasher]

As in, what was his movie karma? Was it for deadnaming Seven?

[CmdrKing]

I would suggest it’s the strange compromise between the two mostly-opposed themes of the season. See, Picard season 3 wants to be both

1) a story about the older generation imparting their last lessons to the younger and letting them step up to the spotlight as they take their final bows
2) a top to bottom nostalgia fest for TNG

So in the former, having one of the older generation die during the last battle while giving them their blessing to step up is a very classic, normal part of that story. Bonus points if overcoming their own prejudices or stubbornness is involved.

But given the second theme, nobody was willing to have Riker or La Forge or Picard himself die like that. So they created a new character whose backstory places him as part of the old guard, and tried to give him that same weight.

[BridgeConsoleMasher]

2) a top to bottom nostalgia fest for TNG

given the second theme, nobody was willing to have Riker or La Forge or Picard himself die like that. So they created a new character whose backstory places him as part of the old guard, and tried to give him that same weight.

It's an interesting point. I just saw him as a new character more than an old guard, though he definitely is talking about Wolf 359, so he's practically Sisko in a narrative sense.

It probably would have been better writing if he was a notable fleet captain or something. Riker would probably have a harder time strongarming him in that sense, but it's not like he would HAVE to be a commodore, just a more distinguished captain.

My idea of movie/character karma is a little more plot balanced, though everything goes into context.

[hammerofglass]

According to the actor they're planning to bring him back if Legacy ever happens.

[Nobody700]

No one ever dies, they just wait for a new show to have them in here.

[BridgeConsoleMasher]

According to the actor they're planning to bring him back if Legacy ever happens.

I really dug the writing for him. He was very textured, and I really felt for him by the time he gave up command of his ship, not even having the strength to take up any subsequent roles on the bridge or elsewhere.

[BridgeConsoleMasher]

No one ever dies, they just wait for a new show to have them in here.

Huh? Data sure, but that is probably the least stretch in sci fi you could come up with.

[CharlesPhipps]

As in, what was his movie karma? Was it for deadnaming Seven?

Because they couldn't kill Data again.

[Madner Kami]

As in, what was his movie karma? Was it for deadnaming Seven?

Because they couldn't kill Data again.

Or Picard. Besides that, an old character dying to pass the torch is a tired trope. It wasn't good when Kirk died already.

[BridgeConsoleMasher]

As in, what was his movie karma? Was it for deadnaming Seven?

Because they couldn't kill Data again.

Yeah again, I'm not really sure that's what character karma is.