Taylor Sheridan’s ‘Special Ops: Lioness’ Season 2: Action-Packed but Lacking Depth

Taylor Sheridan‘s military drama, ‘Special Ops: Lioness,’ has returned to Paramount+ with the release of its second season. The series, known for its intense action sequences and rapid-paced dialogue, continues to deliver on its promise of high-octane thrills but faces criticism for lacking narrative depth.

The first two episodes of Season 2, titled ‘Beware the Old Soldier’ and ‘I Love My Country,’ are written and directed by Sheridan himself. These episodes are characterized by their non-stop action, with the first episode being essentially one long action sequence. However, the overall plot of the season is not fully fleshed out until the second episode, leaving some viewers feeling that the series is more about sound and fury than substance.

One of the standout aspects of the series is the performance of Zoe Saldaña, who plays the lead character Joe. Her emotional and fierce portrayal is credited with giving the show some much-needed depth, especially in moments where the script falls short. Despite her strong performance, the show still struggles with clichés common in the spy and military genres, such as bureaucratic rivalries and predictable plot twists.

Sheridan’s approach to storytelling, which involves minimal exposition and a direct dive into action, is consistent with his other works like ‘Yellowstone‘ and ‘Mayor of Kingstown.’ However, this approach seems less effective in ‘Lioness,’ where the action, although well-filmed, feels somewhat empty and lacking in emotional resonance. The series also incorporates a subplot involving Joe’s family life, but this element is executed more effectively in Sheridan’s other shows.

Fans of the series have noted that the dialogue can be challenging to follow, especially during intense scenes, due to its rapid pace and coded language. This style, while adding to the show’s authenticity and excitement, requires viewers to pay close attention and sometimes rewind scenes to fully understand the conversations.