Special Ops: Lioness (Recap) | Along Came a Spider (S2 E3)

by Josh Rosenberg for Esquire

We’re only three episodes into Lioness season 2, and we’ve seen a ton of surprises. In the two-episode premiere, creator Taylor Sheridan not only appeared for a cameo (twice!), but he also crafted an incredibly complex mission involving Mexican cartels, black-market oil exports, and China’s current standing with NATO. Believe it or not, the Yellowstone creator figured out a way to weave all three plots together.

Episode 2 also introduced viewers to the season’s new agent, Josephina Carrillo (Genesis Rodriguez). Last season’s Lioness, Cruz Manuelos (Laysla De Oliveira), made the only smart decision I’ve seen on this series and left this crazy program behind. But Joe (Zoe Saldaña) and Kaitlyn (Nicole Kidman) remain dedicated to the cause—no matter how bird-brained or nihilistic they find the task at hand.

The current mission is certainly a doozy. Here’s what we’ve worked out so far: The U.S. plans to use helicopter pilot Josephina Carrillo as a Trojan horse. She’s the niece of a Mexican cartel leader who is allegedly hiding a Chinese spy within their midst. Allegedly is the key word here. Lioness season 2 has yet to provide any proof that China is behind the premiere’s kidnapping of a Texas congresswoman (who is safe now, by the way). But if Josephina can place the Lioness team safely inside her uncle’s compound, Joe believes that they can eliminate the Chinese agent from within.

So, what does Secretary of State Morgan Freeman think will happen if the mission fails? World War III, of course! They could simply abandon the mission and spend Christmas with their families, but no one discussed that option. According to the U.S. government, the show must go on.

The Lioness team begins the episode by bugging up the Castillo’s mansion in Texas. Joe expresses her concerns in trusting Josephina to essentially betray her own family, but Kaitlyn reminds her that she “can’t trust any of them.” Joe is scared—and a visit with her family at home doesn’t quell her fears. Last episode, she returned home and thought her daughter was kidnapped. In episode 3, the house is empty. So, she starts scrambling. Maybe they’re just out seeing a movie, Joe! They can have fun, unlike you. She finds her husband (Dave Annabele) in the bath wearing headphones. Then, her daughter walks in on them having sex. Awkward!

Read the rest of the recap, HERE.