Taylor Sheridan's New Paramount+ Drama, Special Ops: Lioness, Receives Premier Grade

Paramount+ premieres espionage drama "Special Ops: Lioness" starring Zoe Saldaña.

In a surprising departure from the Yellowstone universe, Taylor Sheridan introduces viewers to the thrilling world of Special Ops: Lioness, an espionage drama now streaming on Paramount+. The double-episode premiere, written by Sheridan himself, immerses us in the high-stakes adventures of Joe, played by Zoe Saldaña, the CIA station chief of the elite special ops team. Inspired by a real-life U.S. Military program, this team specializes in deploying female undercover agents into the lives of high-value targets' wives, girlfriends, and female family members.

The premiere kicks off with Joe and her team on a covert mission near a compound in Syria. However, their plans are disrupted when Joe receives a distress call from her current asset, whose cover has been compromised due to a tattoo oversight. As Joe listens helplessly, her asset is captured, prompting her to make a daring decision to order a drone strike. This not only aims to rescue her asset but also eliminate Taliban threats in the process.

Following this intense sequence, Joe finds herself debriefed by two superiors, portrayed by Michael Kelly and Nicole Kidman. Meanwhile, she returns home unannounced to her husband and two children, highlighting the challenges faced by a frequently absent parent and partner.

In a seemingly separate storyline, we are introduced to Cruz Manuelos, a former stripper now working in fast food. Cruz endures an abusive relationship, but she refuses to be a victim. After a particularly brutal beating, she escapes her abuser and seeks refuge in a Marine recruitment center. Realizing that her abuser is relentless, Cruz spends a night at a women's shelter before enlisting in the Marines. Her exceptional tenacity and physical strength quickly make her stand out as an elite recruit.

Cruz's path crosses with Joe's when she catches the attention of the Lioness team as a potential asset. However, their initial encounter is tense, as Joe must request a demeaning strip search to uncover any identifying tattoos. Despite this rocky start, Cruz is selected to join the team, and they set off for Kuwait City. There, Cruz seamlessly infiltrates the life of an HVT's wife while she is out shopping, earning the team's approval with her remarkable skills. Joe confirms their success by reporting, "We're in."

As the premiere episode of Special Ops: Lioness concludes, viewers are left eagerly anticipating the further adventures of Joe and Cruz. Will they successfully navigate the dangerous world of espionage and accomplish their mission? Only time will tell, but the stage is set for an exhilarating and action-packed series.

In conclusion, Taylor Sheridan's Special Ops: Lioness delivers a captivating premiere that introduces us to a world of espionage, strong female characters, and high-stakes missions. With stellar performances from Zoe Saldaña and an engaging script penned by Sheridan himself, this Paramount+ drama promises to keep viewers on the edge of their seats. Stay tuned for more thrilling episodes as Joe and Cruz navigate the complexities of their dangerous profession.

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