The series centers on Joe McNamara, portrayed by Zoe SaldaΓ±a, a seasoned CIA officer leading the Lioness Program. This covert operation enlists female operatives to infiltrate and dismantle terrorist organizations from within. Joe’s role involves training and managing these undercover agents, ensuring their integration into the lives of targets’ associates.
Cruz Manuelos, played by Laysla De Oliveira, is a passionate young Marine with a troubled past. Recognizing her potential, the CIA recruits her into the Lioness Program. Cruz’s mission is to befriend Aaliyah Amrohi, the daughter of a high-value terrorist target, to gather intelligence and aid in the organization’s takedown.
As Cruz delves deeper into her undercover role, she faces challenges that test her loyalty and ethics. Simultaneously, Joe struggles to balance her demanding career with her personal life, including her marriage to Neal McNamara, a pediatric surgeon, and their teenage daughter, Kate. The series highlights the sacrifices and moral dilemmas inherent in espionage work.
“Special Ops: Lioness” delves into themes of trust, betrayal, and the blurred lines between duty and personal morals. The narrative showcases the complexities faced by female operatives in high-stakes environments, emphasizing the emotional and psychological toll of undercover operations.