“Special Ops: Lioness” aka “Lioness”: Season 1(2023); created by Taylor Sheridan; starring Zoe Saldaña, Laysla De Oliveira, Michael Kelly with Morgan Freeman and Nicole Kidman / Z-View

Special Ops: Lioness aka Lioness: Season 1 (2023)

Created by: Taylor Sheridan

Director: John Hillcoat (Eps. 1-2; 7-8); Anthony Byrne (Eps. 3-4); Paul Cameron  (Eps. 5-6)

Teleplay: Taylor Sheridan (Eps. 1-2; 4-8); Taylor Sheridan; story by Taylor Sheridan and Thomas Brady (Ep. 3);

Stars: Zoe Saldaña, Laysla De Oliveira, Dave Annable, Jill Wagner, LaMonica Garrett, James Jordan, Austin Hébert, Jonah Wharton, Hannah Love Lanier, Nicole Kidman, Michael Kelly, Thad Luckinbill, Celestina Harris, Stephanie Nur, Martin Donovan, Max Martini and Morgan Freeman.

Tagline: None.

The Plot…

Joe McNamara (Saldaña) is a CIA squad leader in charge of the Lioness program.  Their mission is to take out Asmar Ali Amrohi.  Amrohi finances terrorism throughout the world.  The plan is to give Sergeant First Class Cruz Manuelos (De Oliveira) a false identity and get her close to Amrohi’s daughter, Aaliyah (Nur).  Then given the opportunity, Cruz will kill Amrohi or call in an air strike to take out everyone in Amrohi’s vicinity.

Problems arise when Cruz begins to feel a true friendship for Aaliyah.  Meanwhile Joe deals issues at home and the Senate Oversite Committee.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

One of my favorite parts of the show are the characters that make up the Lioness squad.  The show features a great mix of side missions, Joe’s home problems as well as dealings with politicians.

Taylor Sheridan has another winner.

Special Ops: Lioness aka Lioness: Season 1 rates 4 of 5 stars.