Hulu's First Show Was a Western Comedy by a Star Trek Star

The Origins of Ensign Samantha Wildman in Star Trek: Voyager

Ensign Samantha Wildman, portrayed by Nancy Hower, made her debut in the fourth episode of the second season of Star Trek: Voyager, titled "Elogium," which first aired in 1995. As a xenobiology expert, her character was introduced with a unique backstory. She was named after a real-life young girl who had died in a tragic accident and donated life-saving organs to co-writer Jimmy Diggs’ wife. This personal connection added depth to the character’s introduction.

Wildman's storyline took a significant turn when she gave birth to her daughter, Naomi, in the 1996 episode "Deadlock." This development was particularly notable for Voyager as it followed the premise that the U.S.S. Voyager was stranded in space, 70 years away from Earth. Naomi, being half human and half Ktarian, had to be raised in the vastness of space, making her a central figure in the series.

While Naomi played a major role on the show, especially during her early years as portrayed by Scarlett Pomers, Samantha Wildman only appeared in eight episodes. Her character arc focused mainly on balancing her responsibilities as a parent and a Starfleet officer. After the second season, she made appearances once per season through to the sixth season, showing a consistent but limited presence.

Nancy Hower’s Career Beyond Star Trek

Nancy Hower’s career extended far beyond her role in Star Trek: Voyager. She became known for her work in the music industry, serving as the frontwoman and songwriter for the alternative rock bands WENCH and STELLA. Hower even opened for Meat Loaf, showcasing her talent and versatility. Additionally, she played Yitzak in a 2001 production of the rock musical Hedwig and the Angry Inch.

Throughout the early 2000s, Hower contributed to several stage musicals and indie films, including The Wizard of Id, City Limits, and the Enron biopic Memron. She also co-created the sketch comedy series 10 Items or Less, further highlighting her creative range.

Quick Draw: A Comedy Western Series

In 2013, Hower collaborated with actor John Lehr to create Quick Draw, a comedy/Western TV series that incorporated a lot of improvisation. This marked the first original, full-length scripted comedy series distributed by Hulu. The show drew inspiration from 1990s-era Western/comedy shows like Legend, Jack of All Trades, and The Adventures of Brisco Country, Jr.

The main character, Sheriff John Henry Hoyle (played by Lehr), is a recent Harvard graduate who moves to the small town of Great Bend, Kansas, to become the sheriff. Hoyle is a city boy unaccustomed to the wilds of Kansas and introduces the locals to the idea of forensics. However, rather than being an earnest historical investigation show, Quick Draw leaned into broad comedy, with Hoyle portrayed as whiny and silly, and everyone in town disliking him.

The Legacy of Quick Draw

Despite its comedic approach, Quick Draw managed to run for more than one season. At the time, Disney had not yet acquired a majority stake in Hulu, allowing the platform to explore new content. Quick Draw was one of the first original series released by Hulu, alongside The Awesomes. Although it wasn't a massive hit, it was the show that Hulu chose to invest in, resulting in 18 episodes over two seasons.

The series also included additional eight mid-season "webisodes" that were released exclusively online. These episodes featured Lehr and real bartender Lavinia Webb, who taught viewers how to make genuine 19th-century cocktails. While Lehr tried to joke around, Webb remained serious, adding an interesting dynamic to the webisodes.

Quick Draw ended its run in October 2014, becoming an oddity in the Hulu library. Many Hulu shows from the early 2010s are now forgotten, victims of streaming ambitions and low publicity. However, Hower continued to work and build her career, leaving a lasting impact on both television and music.