McNamara stars as Abby Walker in “Walker Independence” the late-1800s-set prequel of the originalJared Padalecki-led CW show.
It’s not the first time McNamara has saddled up to play badass and empowering characters.
We don’t often see women at the forefront of these kinds of stories.
I think it was just that.
That’s something that drew me to this project initially … You see it in the pilot.
There’s a very distinct choice that Abby has to make.
She has a choice.
Katie and I have the best time working together.
We’ve fully become very Lucy and Ethel, both on- and off-screen.
We are so able to bounce ideas off of each other on- and off-screen.
It’s been a really, really wonderful friendship and partnership.
I do not regret it one iota.
Truly, it’s been a lot of fun.
I love a challenge.
Our costume designer, Marian Toy, has such incredible vision.
It astounds me every single time, the things that they come up with.
One of my favorite dresses for the show started as a bolt of fabric.
It’s wearable art at this point.
And truly, as hot and dusty and challenging as it can be, it’s so worth it.
It brings so much to the show and allows you to immerse yourself in the world.
It’s a masterpiece.
How do you think Windy handles the topic and its portrayal of the white doves of the Wild West?
It’s very much in the way that we try and present things in the world today.
Everyone is doing what they can to survive and to make a living and make a life for themselves.
I think we’re getting there slowly but surely.
It’ll be interesting to see how that progresses moving forward.
Abby Walker’s many romantic possibilities
You also have some great moments with Kai and Calian.
Have you seen the cast of our show?
There could potentially be a spark between any of them.
Every character relationship takes on such new, different, and interesting dynamics.
That kind of continues.
As far as Calian goes, working with Justin is an absolute joy.
The fact that they have each other becomes essential to both of their survival.
There [are] so many.
“Deadwood” is always a great reference.
I’ve been trying to watch as many different things as I can from all …
I grew up loving Westerns.
I’m a Kansas City girl myself.
There [are] countless stories out there.
Can you think of any in particular that really touched you?
I’m really excited for folks to get to join us on the trail and to see this journey.
“Walker Independence” airs Thursdays on The CW, with episodes streaming on the site the next day.
This interview has been edited for clarity.
