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Naya Vasquez is not just some supporting cast member in Netflix’s Untamed, but one of the most compelling and emotionally resonant parts of the story. Naya’s journey—brought to life by Lily Santiago—is thrown into the wild and dangerous Yosemite world with courage, fear, heartbreak, and love. She is a forest ranger and a fighter, a mother, and someone trying to fit the world’s broken pieces into her own life. Most importantly, she feels so real and relatable.
Lily Santiago is a force, bringing credibility and emotional intensity to every scene, leaving viewers with a deep connection to Naya.
Here are the 9 most memorable scenes from the series that show why she became a fan favorite. Lily Santiago will forever deserve all the love she is getting for bringing Naya to life. These moments will take you right back to the emotional core of Untamed.
Disclaimer: This article reflects the writer’s personal opinion. Reader discretion is advised.
These 9 Naya Vasquez moments from Untamed will make you fall in love with Lily Santiago
1. Naya’s first day at Yosemite
Naya’s inauspicious first day at Yosemite. She has been trained as a cop, but the wilderness and small-town vibe just do not suit her. Nevertheless, she does not hesitate to lend her assistance. Lily Santiago introduces a woman who may be tough but is quietly taking everything in around her. Naya’s gaze upon the forest, the people, and her surroundings tells us that there are deep thoughts going on within her.
It is a subtle yet powerful entrance, establishing an immediate connection with the audience. Viewers loved that she didn’t play the typical “new cop” role—she listened more than she spoke.
2. Identifying the Jane Doe in the woods
Naya wanted to correctly identify the body of a woman found in the forest. This was not just another routine case for her—there was a personal element in the way she handled it. Lily Santiago portrays the scene with great care, with Naya turning over every stone and refusing to let any detail go unnoticed.
Naya’s insistent investigation led to a big break others had missed. This is when viewers started to see her as something more than a cop—an investigator who could connect dots through her keen instinct and empathy. This was a truly defining moment early on.
3. Facing danger during the Drug Lab Raid
One of the most high-octane action sequences sees Naya leading an assault on a hidden drug lab. What set her apart was not merely courage but the composure and control she maintained as bullets flew around her. Lily Santiago lends a very grounded strength to the part here. After the raid, Naya is emotional—but not broken.
The vulnerability she showed was for the people she was trying to protect. Viewers called this moment gripping yet human. It wasn’t just about action—it was about the emotional toll of doing the right thing in the face of danger.
4. Confronting Shane and making the ultimate choice
When Naya finds out that Shane, a person she had trusted, is up to no good, she’s devastated. But she doesn’t let emotions get the best of her. Firing him hurts, but she chooses justice over personal allegiance. This is a test of Naya’s character. Lily Santiago portrays all these emotions on her face—shock, disillusionment, but also inner strength.
This isn’t about toughness. It’s about making the hardest decision when it counts. The situation even sparked public debate over whether she should have given Shane a chance. But Naya shows us that doing the right thing isn’t always easy—and that’s what makes her a hero.
5. Revealing her past with an abusive ex
Naya’s history is one she tries to keep hidden, but when her abusive ex returns, everything surfaces. Instead of hiding it, she opens up to Turner. It’s a quiet but intensely powerful moment. Lily Santiago plays it without big tears—just raw truth. Naya’s courage here isn’t about physically fighting someone, but about reclaiming her story and refusing to let it define her.
The episode gives this moment breathing room. It explains why she works so hard for victims. It’s a standout scene that left fans deeply connected to Naya on a personal level.
6. Defending her son from a real threat
When Naya’s ex invades her house and threatens her son Gael, she responds with raw, primal courage. She and Turner fight back together, but it’s Naya’s motherly intuition that takes charge. The scene isn’t just a simple fight—it’s a testament to how Naya’s strength comes from love.
Lily Santiago conveys the desperation and determination of a mother defending her child. The silence that follows—Naya cradling Gael—is even more heartbreaking. Fans loved this scene for its realism and emotional honesty.
7. Her tense conversation with Lucy before the end
In one of the final episodes, Naya has a brief but poignant conversation with Lucy. There’s tension, fear, and a sense that something will go terribly wrong. Naya doesn’t push Lucy too hard but quietly observes everything. When Lucy dies, this scene resonates differently. Lily Santiago conveys the remorse without words—just a distant look and subdued anguish.
Audience members later said they wished Naya had listened more to her instincts. But that’s what made the moment feel so real. Sometimes, it’s the smallest moments that weigh the most in hindsight.
8. Trusting Kyle Turner when it mattered most
When others begin to doubt Kyle Turner, Naya doesn’t leave him. She’s seen his flaws but knows he’s not as bad as others think. Instead of distancing herself, she stands by him and helps uncover the truth. Lily Santiago and Eric Bana’s rapport shines—what binds them is trust, not romance.
This scene reminded fans why Naya is so special—thoughtful, brave, and loyal when it counts most. Their partnership, grounded in mutual respect, added emotional depth to the series.
9. Naya’s quiet goodbye in the final episode
Naya Vasquez’s goodbye in the finale of Untamed is subtle but deeply moving. As Kyle Turner leaves Yosemite, he gives her the horse he taught her to ride and a box of Caleb’s toy cars for her son. The moment is sparse in dialogue but full of meaning. Naya remains silent, standing as he departs—her expression capturing all they’ve endured.
Lily Santiago’s performance here is tender and powerful. It’s not a grand farewell but one filled with grace and quiet healing—making it her most touching moment.
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Naya Vasquez’s journey in Untamed embodied the emotional strength and realism of the show. Every moment revealed a part of her—whether brave, broken, loving, or resilient. Lily Santiago delivered such a raw and powerful portrayal that it’s impossible not to feel for the character.
From her very first day in Yosemite to her final choice, Naya proved unforgettable. These 9 moments remind us why she shone—and why her story will stay with fans long after the series ends.
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