Unforeseen Connection: Cruz's Surprising Encounter with Aaliyah Unveiled - Special Ops: Lioness Director Dives Deep into Episode 6

Warning: SPOILERS for episodes 5 & 6 of Special Ops: Lioness.

Summary

In Season 1, Episode 6 of Special Ops: Lioness, Cruz encounters unforeseen emotional obstacles during her mission.

Taking charge of episodes 5 and 6, director Paul Cameron sheds light on the shooting spots and the shift from being a cinematographer to a director.

In Season 1, Episode 6 of the Zoe Saldana-led series, Special Ops: Lioness, the relationship between Cruz and Aaliyah takes an unexpected turn, endangering their undercover operation. Released on August 20th on Paramount+, this episode presents a major challenge for Cruz. Despite Joe's efforts to prepare her mentally and physically, Cruz is caught off guard by the emotional hurdles. When Aaliyah receives news about her wedding location, the excitement leads to a passionate kiss between the two women. However, Cruz pulls away in confusion, unsure of how to interpret the situation. The episode ends before we can see the consequences of this moment, but it is clear that developing feelings for the target will undoubtedly complicate the undercover mission.

Special Ops: Lioness is created by Taylor Sheridan, who has several upcoming projects in the works. However, the crucial episode, along with its predecessor, was helmed by director Paul Cameron. Cameron also served as the cinematographer for the show's first two installments, and he is renowned for his work on Westworld, 21 Bridges, and Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales. In addition to Saldana, the series features a talented cast including Laysla De Oliveira, Dave Annable, Jill Wagner, LaMonica Garrett, James Jordan, Austin Hébert, Jonah Wharton, Nicole Kidman, Stephanie Nur, and Hannah Love Lanier.

In an exclusive interview with Screen Rant, Paul Cameron discusses his experience directing episodes 5 and 6 of Special Ops: Lioness and delves into Cruz's unexpected emotions towards Aaliyah. Please note that this article was written during the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes, and it acknowledges the invaluable contributions of the writers and actors belonging to both unions, without whom this show would not exist.

Paul Cameron Talks Special Ops: Lioness Episodes 5 & 6

Screen Rant: Where were episodes 5 and 6 filmed?

Paul Cameron: Most of episodes 5 and 6 were filmed in Baltimore. However, the White House Cabinet scene in episode 6 was filmed on a set in Mallorca, Spain. Since we had Morgan Freeman for a few days, we reconstructed the set there. Interestingly, while I was also directing and shooting scenes for John Hillcoat on episode 1, I managed to finish directing certain sequences from episode 5 in Morocco.

"Being the cinematographer for episodes 1 and 2 and then transitioning to directing for episodes 5 and 6 was a unique experience. Working on a show of this caliber with talented actors like John Hillcoat and Nicole Kidman was truly amazing. After completing my cinematography work, I had to quickly adjust to directing the next day alongside Nicole and Zoe. Despite the sudden switch, the transition was seamless."

As an experienced cinematographer, camera placement, blocking, and considering the editorial aspects of filmmaking come naturally to me. It's relatively easy to handle on that level, but it can be a bit more challenging when I have to be fully prepared for when Nicole Kidman steps onto the set. However, she is an absolute pleasure to work with. She is highly professional and always ready to go. She immediately delves into the important questions and is ready to start shooting immediately, just like Zoe. Working with both of them is a joy.

Now that we're in the second half of the season, did you have any conversations with Taylor Sheridan about the key aspects to focus on in these episodes before you began shooting?

Content revised: The show faced challenges regarding its nature as the showrunner and director were replaced before John and I joined. John took on the role of director for the first two episodes, and we prepared the available script to the best of our abilities. Shortly after, we received the second script with Taylor. In the initial stages, there were several discussions with John and Taylor regarding the overall storyline of the show.

Although we had a general idea of the show's direction and the characters' arcs, I received one of my scripts only a week before starting pre-production, and it underwent significant changes by the time I began. However, Taylor was always accessible, and we had fruitful discussions about the season's stories and character arcs. Despite working remotely, it turned out to be a successful collaboration.

The season has seen significant tension build up between Joe and her daughter. Therefore, the moment they shared in the hospital was pivotal in determining the course of their relationship. What were your expectations from the actors during this particular scene?

This scene holds immense significance for both characters. The child narrowly avoids death in a car accident, her friends do not survive the crash, and she is also pregnant. It is an incredibly challenging situation for a mother to be in. For Zoe's character, this is a moment where the essence of motherhood is condensed into seven minutes. The scene carries a great deal of weight and uncertainty, as we do not know if Joe will return. She finds herself in a precarious position in the Middle East, making her vulnerable.

I believe this is a moment where Joe wrestles with both the desire to return and the need to move forward. What does the future hold for her as a mother? We explore this further when Joe gets into the car with Kaitlyn outside the hospital. Kaitlyn asks if Joe would prefer a desk job in London, but she declines. It becomes clear that Joe has chosen to continue her role as a soldier. She has just shared the most significant part of her story with her daughter and intends to carry on serving the United States.

Did you collaborate with the special ops advisors during the scene where the characters infiltrate the terrorist safe house?

Paul Cameron: Absolutely. We had the privilege of working with three highly skilled special ops advisors. Their expertise was invaluable in ensuring the authenticity of the action. While actors can be trained and some possess a natural aptitude for mimicking special ops techniques, it's impossible to fully replicate the skills of these professional athletes. They seamlessly transition from one mission to another, like interchangeable players in the elite league of special ops.

Having great advisors is incredibly beneficial when asking a lot from actors. Jared Shaw, the main advisor, provides complete focus on every detail of the sequences, actions, and interpersonal dynamics in special ops situations. Working closely with Jared Shaw and Brandon Muirbrook, the main advisors, was invaluable to the actors. I hold a tremendous amount of respect for these individuals.

Episode 6 was particularly significant for Cruz and Aaliyah. While Cruz is well-prepared for the physical demands of the job, there is also an emotional aspect that proves challenging. Did she underestimate this aspect?

Paul Cameron believes that the biggest challenge for the character is to show vulnerability. Despite her success in overcoming a life of crime and joining the Marines, she still has weaknesses. In earlier episodes, Joe attempts to exploit these weaknesses. It is unexpected for the character to break down emotionally and develop feelings for Aaliyah. This development is hinted at in episodes 3 and 4, but it becomes more apparent in episode 6. The scene in the hamam, where they have a conversation after the mud bath, is where they truly open up to each other and share their deepest truths. This intimate moment forms a genuine connection between them. While the physical aspect of their relationship comes later, this scene holds a special power as it allows them to reveal themselves and be heard.

As mentioned, Cruz's background is not ideal, lacking any familial support or genuine concern from others. Could it be that she is beginning to perceive Aaliyah as the first person who truly does care about her?

Paul Cameron: That's the setup. I won't spoil the ending, but it's perhaps one of the first moments in Cruz's life where she truly feels heard and understood, and it's a wonderful feeling. When discussing the character with Laysla, this idea of experiencing something positive on any level is where the series and the character truly blossom. She has always kept herself closed off, but as these emotions and intimacy develop, seeing Laysla and Stephanie bring it to life was truly magical.

Additionally, there's the relationship between Joe and Neal, which, in my opinion, serves as a stabilizing force amidst the chaos of their jobs. Was it intentional for them to provide this unwavering presence in each other's lives?

Paul Cameron: In their relationship, both partners lead selfless lives dedicated to improving the world. Her job requires her to embark on secret missions at a moment's notice, leaving her husband behind with their children. Despite this separation, their home serves as a safe haven and the foundation of their love. However, the fractured reality of their situation is evident through Kate's strained relationship with her mother. When Joe returns home, they question each other about possible infidelities, hinting at an open relationship. After reassuring each other, they make love before being called away again. This is their world, defined by the necessary precautions they take for safety. But when Kate has an accident and becomes pregnant, their fractured reality becomes even more apparent. Joe struggles to fulfill her roles as a mother, wife, and lover, but in truth, she doesn't even know what it means to be present. Having spent most of their marriage away, both Joe and her husband long for a more connected reality, but they can only navigate the fractured one they know.

When they are together, we choose to place these scenes by the pool as it serves as their sanctuary where they engage in conversations. It allows them to be themselves in the relationship, and witnessing this is truly enchanting for me. Towards the end of episode 5, as Joe departs and Neal watches news coverage of the San Antonio blast, where the al-Qaeda safe house was destroyed, the audience sees Neal's realization that Joe may be involved. He later confronts her and asks if he is married to a hitman who carries out operations in the backyard. It's quite remarkable. One of my favorite moments occurs when Dave's character converses with Nicole in the hospital.

Nicole understands how deeply he loves her and how significant their relationship is. She acknowledges her role in the challenges they face in maintaining it. There's this poignant moment where, on one hand, Nicole tells Joe to return in two hours to address the world's problems, but then she opens up to David's character. I adore the moment when he confesses to Nicole that her entrance through the door still takes his breath away. He has no intention of letting that go. Ultimately, it is their genuine love that keeps them united, as the rest of their world is fractured.

About Special Ops: Lioness

Based on a real-life US Military initiative, "Lioness" delves into the story of Joe (Saldana) as she strives to find harmony between her personal and professional life as a crucial component of the CIA's counterterrorism operation. The Lioness Program, overseen by Kaitlyn Meade (Kidman), assigns a determined Marine Raider to work covertly alongside Joe in the midst of influential terrorists, as part of the CIA's mission to prevent another 9/11 attack.

Also, don't miss our exclusive interview with Paul Cameron on our previous segment, "Special Ops: Lioness."

New episodes of Special Ops: Lioness are available to stream Sundays on Paramount+.