All Hail the Hard-Hitting Heroines of Special Ops: Lioness!

Review: Special Ops: Lioness

All Hail the Female Marine Who Can Out-Macho Any Man

By , Current Affairs Commentator

In the world of Taylor Sheridan, macho drama reigns supreme. From his hit shows like “Yellowstone” and “Mayor of Kingstown,” Sheridan has now ventured into the realm of female empowerment with his latest creation, Special Ops: Lioness. And just like his male characters, the women in Special Ops: Lioness are tough as nails. In fact, they can out-macho any man.

Redefining Toughness

At the forefront of this gritty military action thriller is Cruz Manuelos, played brilliantly by Laysla de Oliveira. Cruz, despite having the build of a ballerina, is a force to be reckoned with. After enduring an abusive boyfriend, she walks into a United States Marine Corps recruiting office and demands to be treated like one of the men. And boy, does she prove herself.

Showing off her physical prowess, Cruz effortlessly completes 22 pull-ups and 114 push-ups in three minutes – a feat that no woman has accomplished before and most men could only dream of. With each display of strength, she solidifies herself as a true gangster, earning the admiration of her superiors.

A Unique Mission

Cruz’s journey takes an unexpected turn when she is selected by the CIA to work undercover in the Middle East. Under the guidance of Joe, portrayed by Zoe Saldana, Cruz befriends the wealthy daughter of a terrorist in Kuwait City. The show takes inspiration from the Task Force Lioness program, a real initiative that employed female Marines to tackle female insurgents in Iraq and Afghanistan. However, the story in Special Ops: Lioness is purely fictional.

Effective Action Thriller, but with Limitations

Special Ops: Lioness succeeds in delivering what it promises – a gripping military action thriller. The military sequences are meticulously directed, capturing the intensity and danger faced by the characters. The camaraderie within the team is also well portrayed, giving viewers a sense of the bonds forged in the face of adversity.

However, the show falls short in terms of depth and complexity. Unlike the intricate storytelling of “Homeland,” Special Ops: Lioness opts for a more straightforward approach. The dialogue, while entertaining in a Top Gun sort of way, lacks the nuanced quality that elevates a series from good to great.

Suspension of Disbelief

One notable aspect that requires a suspension of disbelief is Cruz’s exceptional abilities. Not only is she the toughest woman in the Navy, but she also speaks four languages fluently enough to operate effectively undercover. While these traits may stretch the realms of possibility, de Oliveira and Saldana deliver strong performances that anchor the show.

One Distraction

Unfortunately, the show falters with the casting of Nicole Kidman as a CIA boss. Kidman’s frozen face proves to be a total distraction, taking away from the otherwise immersive experience of the series. It’s a shame that this misstep detracts from the overall quality of the show.

Editorial: Heroines and Hard-Hitting Entertainment

Special Ops: Lioness raises interesting questions about gender representation in traditionally male-dominated narratives. By portraying women who are just as tough, if not tougher, than their male counterparts, the series challenges preconceived notions of femininity and strength.

This trend of presenting powerful female characters in action-driven stories is not new. We’ve witnessed the rise of heroines like Wonder Woman and Black Widow on the big screen, and now Special Ops: Lioness adds to this growing movement. By showcasing women who are unafraid to embrace their physicality and dominance, the series contributes to a broader cultural shift.

It is worth noting, however, that the portrayal of female empowerment in Special Ops: Lioness is not without its limitations. While it celebrates the strength and capabilities of its female characters, the show also perpetuates certain stereotypes and fails to fully explore the complexities of their experiences.

Advice: A Step in the Right Direction

For those seeking an action-packed military thriller with a strong female lead, Special Ops: Lioness is definitely worth a watch. It delivers on its promise of intense sequences and engaging storytelling, even if it falls short of offering the depth and complexity found in other series.

While we celebrate the inclusion of more powerful female characters in traditionally male-dominated genres, it is crucial to continue pushing for more nuanced narratives and exploration of diverse experiences. Special Ops: Lioness is a step in the right direction, but there is still room for growth and improvement.