Unveiling Naomi Wildman: The Youngest Hero in Star Trek: Voyager
Discover how Naomi Wildman carries on the legacy of a Star Trek tradition in her courageous journey.
Naomi Wildman, portrayed by Scarlett Pomers, is the youngest hero of Star Trek: Voyager. She follows a tradition of including children on Star Trek series, starting with Ensign Wesley Crusher on The Next Generation and followed by Jake Sisko on Deep Space Nine, and Nog, the son of Rom. Despite Voyager not being designed for families, Naomi Wildman was introduced to appeal to younger viewers as a relatable character.
Ensign Samantha Wildman, a xenobiologist on the USS Voyager, learns she is pregnant in Season 2, Episode 4, "Elogium". Her husband, Greskrendtregk, is Ktarian, resulting in the baby having an 18-month gestation period. This poses challenges for Samantha's pregnancy, leading to Naomi Wildman's premature death in Season 2, Episode 21, "Deadlock". In a unique twist, two versions of Voyager exist in the episode, allowing the infant Naomi Wildman and Ensign Harry Kim to replace their counterparts from the alternate Voyager.
Naomi Wildman In Star Trek: Voyager Explained
Naomi Wildman is everyone's favorite half-Ktarian.
Nancy Hower as Samantha Wildman with baby Naomi Wildman in Voyager Deadlock - Naomi Wildman is everyone's favorite half-Ktarian. - Naomi Wildman In Star Trek: Voyager Explained
Naomi Wildman, the daughter of Ensign Samantha Wildman, is a unique half-Ktarian individual. Her Ktarian heritage is evident in the vertical ridges on her forehead and her rapid growth during childhood. Despite having the developmental age of a six-year-old human at just 2 years old, Naomi starts to grow at a normal pace as she gets older. In the early episodes of Star Trek: Voyager, Naomi is portrayed by three different child actors: Emily Leibovitch as an infant, Brooke Stephens as a young child, and Scarlett Pomers as she grows older.
Actress | Age of Naomi Wildman | Star Trek: Voyager Appearances |
|---|---|---|
Emily Leibovitch | Infant | Voyager season 2, episode 21, "Deadlock" |
Brooke Stephens | Young Child | Voyager season 4, episode 12, "Mortal Coil" |
Scarlett Pomers | Child | All other appearances in 16 Voyager episodes |
Vanessa Branch | Adult (Alternate future) | Voyager season 7, episode 11, "Shattered" |
Since the USS Voyager wasn't designed for long missions and lacks dedicated facilities for children like Naomi Wildman, the crew comes together to provide her with an education. Instead of a traditional classroom, Captain Janeway takes a hands-on approach by appointing Naomi as her Captain's Assistant. Ensign Wildman, Naomi's mother, entrusts Neelix to be Naomi's godfather while she continues her duties. Neelix takes care of Naomi by reading bedtime stories and playing with her on the holodeck.
Why Naomi Wildman Is So Popular In Star Trek: Voyager
Naomi Wildman takes after Voyager's breakout star, Seven of Nine.
seven of nine and naomi wildman play kadis-kot voyager infinite regress - Naomi Wildman takes after Voyager's breakout star, Seven of Nine. - Why Naomi Wildman Is So Popular In Star Trek: Voyager
Naomi Wildman is well-liked in Star Trek: Voyager for her ability to easily make friends with everyone, regardless of who they are. One of the reasons she stands out is her special friendship with Seven of Nine (Jeri Ryan). At first, Seven feels intimidated by Naomi, but Naomi doesn't give up. Eventually, they become close friends, enjoying meals together and playing kadis-kot. Through her friendship with Naomi, Seven gets to experience a childhood she never had, as Naomi is around the same age Seven was when she was assimilated by the Borg. Naomi sees Seven as part of her family, which also includes the former Borg children in Voyager season 6.
Naomi Wildman, like Seven of Nine, may be featured in Star Trek: Prodigy. She, unlike the rest of Voyager's crew, is not eager to return to Earth because the USS Voyager is the only home she has ever known. It is uncertain what her fate is after Voyager's return to the Alpha Quadrant, but a future version of Naomi Wildman, played by Vanessa Branch, is in Starfleet. She is fulfilling her dream of following in the footsteps of her heroes, Seven of Nine and Captain Janeway. If this is the case, Naomi could be one of the Voyager characters in Star Trek: Prodigy who could inspire the newest young characters with how Admiral Janeway helped her become Star Trek: Voyager's youngest hero.
Star Trek: Voyager is streaming on Paramount+.
Editor's P/S:
Naomi Wildman, the endearing half-Ktarian child from Star Trek: Voyager, embodies the enduring legacy of young characters in the franchise. Her inclusion as a relatable figure for younger viewers underscores the universal appeal of Star Trek. Despite the challenges posed by her unique physiology and Voyager's limited facilities, Naomi's resilience and unwavering spirit resonate with audiences. Her ability to forge meaningful connections, especially with Seven of Nine, highlights the transformative power of friendship and the importance of fostering a sense of belonging for all.
The article effectively captures the essence of Naomi Wildman's character, exploring her significance within the Star Trek universe and her enduring popularity. It provides a comprehensive overview of her journey, from her premature birth to her potential future in Star Trek: Prodigy. By highlighting her unique traits and relationships, the article reminds us of the enduring impact Naomi Wildman has on the hearts of Star Trek fans.
