Jaw-Dropping Twist: Lioness Season 1 Recap & Shocking Ending Explained

Warning: The following article contains spoilers from Special Ops: Lioness season 1, episode 8.

Summary

In the first season of Special Ops: Lioness, Cruz successfully fulfills her mission by eliminating Aaliyah's father and soon-to-be spouse, skillfully evading capture with assistance from the QRF team. Joe's continuation in the Lioness program remains uncertain, with the possibility of her opting for a desk job not being unexpected.

Killing Aaliyah's father would contradict the objectives of the U.S. government, given his influence in the oil industry. Furthermore, his death could potentially damage relations in the Middle East and hinder the country's fossil fuel strategies. The first season of Special Ops: Lioness concluded with Cruz, on her initial assignment as a Lioness, facing an imperfect outcome. Prior to episode 8, Cruz had succumbed to her emotions for her target, Aaliyah, and confessed her love for her after they were intimate. Undoubtedly, Cruz's personal attachment to the daughter of a dangerous terrorist hindered her judgment in executing the plan to eliminate Asmar Ali Amrohi. However, Joe reassured her that she had to proceed with the mission as they had no alternative.

What Happens To Joe & Her Family After Special Ops: Lioness Season 1's Ending

: The Special Ops: Lioness season 1 finale left us with a major question: would Cruz be able to set aside her emotions for Aaliyah and take down her own father? Throughout the season, Cruz grappled with her moral compass, and her unexpected love for the daughter of a terrorist only added more complexity to her situation as a United States Marine. However, Cruz found herself with no choice when Aaliyah's fiancé, Ehsan, discovered her true identity and foolishly confronted her without any security present. In self-defense, Cruz ended up fatally stabbing Ehsan and Asmar, and narrowly escaped with the assistance of the Lioness's QRF team. Unfortunately, episode 8 has left us with an uncertain future ahead.

While Cruz grappled with her morals and identity as a member of the United States Marine Corps, Joe faced the challenge of being separated from her family while serving in Special Ops: Lioness season 1. Joe and her husband, Neil, had a strained relationship, as evident in the premiere episode. Both of them had demanding careers, with Joe's profession consistently pulling her away from Neil and their two daughters. However, everything took a turn when Kate was involved in a serious car accident. This incident served as a wakeup call for Joe, motivating her to make a greater effort to strengthen her bond with her family. Despite the conclusion of Cruz's mission, this newfound determination remained unchanged.

Before leaving for Mallorca for the wedding, Joe made a promise to Neil that she would transition to a desk job once the mission was successfully concluded. Neil had his doubts about her commitment, but given the events that unfolded while extracting Cruz from the island, the audience was inclined to have faith in Joe. She was utterly defeated, and upon Joe's return home, she couldn't hold back her emotions any longer and broke down in front of her husband. She confided in him, sharing the immense difficulty of her last assignment. Unfortunately, Special Ops: Lioness season 1, episode 8, failed to provide a clear answer about Joe's future prospects. However, it wouldn't come as a surprise if she decided to leave the Lioness program and accept a desk job.

How Cruz Completed Her Mission In Special Ops: Lioness Season 1

In Special Ops: Lioness season 1, episode 8, Aaliyah took the opportunity to sneak into Cruz's room the night before her wedding, hoping to experience one last taste of love. However, Cruz's actions spoke volumes as he made it clear that Aaliyah's perception of herself was misguided. Leaving the room momentarily to grab a glass of water, Cruz unexpectedly encountered Aaliyah's father, Asmar, for the first time. This chance encounter revealed nothing about Asmar's involvement in terrorism. But before any of that truly mattered, Ehsan stormed into the room, aggressively accusing Cruz of being a Marine. In a swift and decisive move, she eliminated both men with ease.

Cruz urgently informed the Lioness QRF team about the need for extraction. Despite being targeted by numerous assailants, she managed to board the boat safely, accompanied by the rest of her squad. However, as soon as Cruz stepped onto the yacht, she immediately confronted Joe. In the wake of such a traumatic experience, it was understandable that Cruz was overwhelmed with intense emotions, especially considering she had just eliminated two individuals who held a close connection to her beloved Aaliyah. Nevertheless, there was no undoing what had occurred, and it was highly likely that Cruz would never lay eyes on Aaliyah again following the conclusion of Special Ops: Lioness season 1.

Is Cruz Done With The Lioness Program?

Cruz's final mission in Special Ops: Lioness might have been killing Asmar. Joining the team had transformed her into someone she despised, and she solely held Joe responsible for it. Once they had distanced themselves from the island, Cruz and Joe confronted each other on the boat deck. Cruz accused Joe of turning her into a monstrous version of herself, while Joe reassured her that she had saved countless lives by eliminating a terrorist. Regardless of the truth, Cruz made it abundantly clear that she was finished with Lioness and done with Joe.

Before departing, Cruz couldn't resist making one final cutting remark. In reference to Asmar and Aaliyah, she conveyed to Joe that while he may be what he claimed, she certainly wasn't. Furthermore, she argued that their mission to eliminate a single terrorist threat had inadvertently spawned numerous others due to the future possibility of Aaliyah having children who would inevitably learn of their grandfather's tragic demise. Hence, even if Paramount+ were to order a second season of Special Ops: Lioness, it is highly improbable for Cruz to be involved considering the fractures she has caused within Lioness.

Why The U.S. Government Didn't Want Aaliyah's Father Dead

As the first season of Special Ops: Lioness reached its climax, the long-awaited moment arrived when Cruz ended Asmar's life. However, towards the conclusion, it became apparent that the United States government did not support this operation. Morgan Freeman brilliantly portrayed Edwin Mullins, the Secretary of State, who expressed dissatisfaction with the mission and urged CIA Deputy Director Byron Westfield to abort it. Nonetheless, extracting Cruz without blowing her cover was impossible, leaving them with no alternative but to proceed with the plan.

After the assassination of Asmar by Cruz, Mullins and his team were filled with anger. Despite Asmar being a known terrorist, his significant influence in the oil industry caused concern. They were afraid that his death would severely setback Middle East relations and hinder the government's efforts to transition the country away from fossil fuels. However, it was important to remember that Asmar was already targeted for elimination on the CIA's kill list. Byron reminded them that if their intention was to capture the terrorist alive, he should never have been included on the list in Special Ops: Lioness season 1.

How Special Ops: Lioness Season 1's Ending Sets Up Season 2

Special Ops: Lioness is awaiting renewal for a second season on Paramount+, but the last episode left the possibility open for more intriguing narratives. Specifically, the concluding episode expanded on unresolved elements that could be addressed in season 2. Joe's final decision about her future with the Lioness program remained uncertain. Cruz's departure from the team left viewers wondering about her post-mission plans. Lastly, Kaitlyn's complex relationship with her husband continues to hold an air of mystery. With the Special Ops: Lioness season 1 finale, season 2 holds great potential.