Lioness Season 2 review: More lamb than lion

As a gamer who’s seen his fair share of action-packed adventures, I can’t help but feel a tinge of disappointment with Lioness Season 2. I’ve been a die-hard Taylor Sheridan fan ever since the days of Yellowstone, and while the man certainly knows how to weave an intricate storyline, this one feels like a missed opportunity.


This fall, we’re all set for an avalanche of fresh Taylor Sheridan productions! However, if we were to make a bet, it seems likely that “Lioness” Season 2 might not garner as much excitement as the others.

frankly, Taylor Sheridan’s work seems to be the center of attention for many viewers right now, with the highly anticipated arrival of Yellowstone Season 5 Part 2 generating much excitement, especially following the high-profile Kevin Costner controversy. However, it’s important to remember that this talented creator has a vast fictional universe at his disposal, and part of that includes Lioness Season 2.

Let’s walk you through the basic mission, should you choose to accept watching it. Zoe Saldaña plays Joe, a CIA officer who’s in charge of the secretive Lioness program. Their task? To eliminate certain targets across the world, which almost always results in some near-death-inducing drama. Oh, and report it all to Nicole Kidman (boss Kaitlyn) if they make it out alive.

The statement appears quite grandiose in writing, but it’s actually quite ordinary. Sheridan seems to have a lot on his mind this year, which might negatively impact Season 2. Instead of creating something more exciting based on a first season that received average feedback, Lioness’ second installment offers more of the familiar. Why don’t we just rewatch Law & Order and move on?

Perfunctory and dutiful, just like its subject

Lioness Season 2 review: More lamb than lion

In a remarkable fashion, Lioness Season 2 manages to consistently provide solid and balanced drama without any extra embellishments, which is truly noteworthy. It seems as though Sheridan is so immersed in his shows that he adopts a fully committed approach when crafting them.

As a fan, I find an unexpected sense of gravity pervading what should ideally be light and amusing scenes. This somber undertone leaves me feeling more like flipping channels than eagerly waiting for the next episode. Remarkably, there’s humor injected where it doesn’t seem intended. For instance, imagine Nicole Kidman in a corporate setting, struggling to grasp global affairs, while Morgan Freeman delivers quick-witted quips in his brief screen time.

To put it simply, Lioness might have been less impactful upon its initial release due to a lack of distinct character or personality. At first glance, there’s little to criticize – the acting is strong, the narratives flow smoothly and are supported by ample depth, and the setting of Joe’s world strikes an appropriate balance between intrigue and inaccessibility.

But while the cogs effectively run the machine, there’s not much room left for a human level of investment (translation: you’re better off revisiting the Duttons if you want meaty relationships as a side dish).

Taylor Sheridan giveth, Taylor Sheridan taketh away

Lioness Season 2 review: More lamb than lion

Beyond Sheridan, there’s a man who rules over his own multiverse, similar to Ryan Murphy but less contentious in nature. This individual evidently enjoys keeping numerous projects in motion simultaneously. In quick succession, Lioness Season 2, Yellowstone Season 5 Part 2, and the new series Landman are all set to premiere, one episode after another. However, the question remains: Why such a flurry of releases?

“It’s plausible to suggest that Paramount is intentionally scheduling Taylor Sheridan’s projects back-to-back, creating an informal ‘Taylor Sheridan season’. However, let’s adopt a more skeptical viewpoint – could they possibly be attempting to overshadow Lioness with all of Sheridan’s other productions?

Yellowstone captivates one’s attention due to the long-awaited anticipation for it to finally shut down, while Landman sparks intrigue as it remains unknown and unseen. The lioness is similar to that final morsel of food you can’t resist, despite already being full. We’re overindulging in Sheridan content, and soon we may reach our breaking point.

Despite the first season being labeled as “predictable,” Season 2 doesn’t seem to offer anything particularly new, and it’s hard to defend against claims that Sheridan supported military propaganda. Now, how do you divert attention from a show that’s not popular? You employ the tactic of distraction.

Lioness Season 2 review score: 3/5

“Lioness Season 2 is quite dependable and doesn’t disappoint, though it may not be a show you’d enthusiastically suggest to others when they ask for TV series recommendations.

As a gamer, I can’t help but wonder why there’s even a second season when it seems unnecessary to have watched the first one to understand what’s going on. If the current state of affairs is any indication, we might not get a third season, so savor Nicole Kidman in her least grating wig while you still can.

Start streaming Season 2 of Lioness from October 27, with new episodes becoming available each week afterward. Also, don’t miss out on exploring the Costner-Sheridan feud, top Yellowstone episodes, the sequence of Yellowstone spinoffs, and other great TV shows that are airing this month.

Read More

2024-10-24 10:18