Lioness Recap: From Special Op to Black Op

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As a retired CIA operative with over three decades of experience in the field, I must say that this week’s episode of “Lioness” had me hooked from start to finish. The tension between the characters, the intricate web of deceit and loyalty, and the constant threat of danger felt eerily familiar.

Joe and Bobby are contemplating whether the girl they were trying to rescue would still be alive if they hadn’t intervened, amidst the chaos left in the wake of their failed mission. They’ve quickly concocted a cover story, but there’s no time to dwell on it now. The harsh reality of their line of work has once again been brutally underscored, and they must move on. Essentially, all that remains for Joe and his team is to push forward, keep going, and acknowledge the grim nature of their profession. This is the life for those ensnared in the complex web of covert operations, secret service, and maintaining global political balance.

In Dallas, I find myself standing before the grand Carrillo mansion, where a group of individuals, unknowingly, are immersed in a delicate operation that’s still precariously teetering on the edge. It seems that Pablo Carrillo is about to discover some unexpected challenges ahead.

In simpler terms, “Cruz explains to Josie about a psychology lesson on shaping perceptions. It goes, ‘The person your father was in your most cherished memory of him is who he’ll remain, and you’ll stay the age you were when that memory was created.’ Essentially, Cruz means, ‘You need to remember you aren’t a child anymore. And if he’s only as good as you remember, then he’s average at best.'” This strategy is effective because of the time pressure. Pablo Carrillo isn’t the perfect hero from Josie’s nostalgic recollections nor a sinister villain that Cruz could easily portray him to be. Instead, he’s an ordinary man, just like any other. Josie, as a mature adult, holds significant power, and she should use it promptly.

As Cruz had predicted, my suspicions were reaching a fever pitch when Josie disturbed my morning cigar ritual to disclose an intriguing proposition: the CIA was seeking my assistance in executing an operation against Los Tigres. Just as expected, I played the part of the 90% rational individual and the remaining 10% maniacal antagonist, meticulously scrutinizing the CIA’s role in fueling global drug markets and the violent militias they claimed to quell. After delivering a stern critique of their questionable tactics, I reacted angrily, slapping Josie and promptly triggering an intervention from Cruz and his team, who were quick to respond on location.

Cruz makes this statement after knocking Pablo down and pointing a gun at his head: “This information should help clear up any doubts you might have about my daughter’s character.” I find it entertaining when she’s given such a tough-talking line reminiscent of Shane Black’s style. In the ensuing altercation and securing of the location, Two Cups discovers that the maid is an informant for Gutierrez, suggesting that our DEA contact could be a possible mole.

Joe stays alert during a crucial call from Two Cups on an unsecured line, manages to say goodbye to Neal emotionally and instruct the co-pilot on how to stabilize herself before she loses consciousness. At the same time, the complicated situation of this special operation is handed over to Byron and Kaitlyn, who storm into the briefing room in Washington, ready to reprimand their superiors. (By the way, what’s going on with Byron’s daughters insisting on real milk from a cow? Is that some new Gen-Z trend I’m not aware of?) The TV news reporter is sharing both the false narrative and the seriousness of the incident at the border: the FBI, DOJ, and DEA are keeping the nature of the operation secret to protect undercover agents in the field, while the operation itself has resulted in the largest loss of life for a federal agency since the Branch Davidian raid. Wow, they referred to Waco, which is quite serious. This is heavy.

As a movie buff, I’d rephrase it like this:

Completing this task discreetly will be challenging given that they’ve apprehended a DEA agent and a significant member of a cartel family. The only solution now is to transport Pablo Carrillo back to Mexico and pray that the MSS agent they need is hidden within Los Tigre’s leadership. As for the two high-profile individuals in custody, Byron guarantees the Lioness team won’t allow either to escape after the operation concludes. This makes it a black op, so Mullins exits the room to let Mason and Hollar issue an unofficial but essentially approved command.

Amidst Joe’s uncertain recovery at Keesler Air Force Base, the situation with Gutierrez escalates as Kaitlyn travels to Bliss to witness Kyle and his team subjecting him to a harsh interrogation reminiscent of Guantanamo Bay. Kyle has utilized his NSA connections to scrutinize Gutierrez’s background, finding no ongoing investigation related to Carrillo and no evidence of the undercover informant placed in the Carillo household.

Gutierrez gives an explanation for his actions that appears plausible yet oddly timed. It’s not hard to see why it might raise suspicions given the ongoing fear of cartel agents infiltrating U.S. territory. According to Gutierrez, the only way he could effectively probe Carrillo was by working covertly. He claims that he didn’t document any evidence of his investigation, including an informant he had at Pablo’s residence, to prevent information from reaching Los Tigres at some point. Despite their reservations, the group seems willing to believe Gutierrez’s story. However, Kaitlyn decides to administer a 30-milligram methylphenidate injection and conduct a polygraph test as a precautionary measure.

As a movie enthusiast, I found myself in an uncomfortable predicament alongside the Carillo duo, trapped within four walls, reliving our former selves and grappling with the divergent paths the world has forced upon us. The fate of Joe remains uncertain, leaving me on edge. Kudos to Sheridan for crafting a scene that left me emotional, questioning if Joe was pushing his luck by handing over the Lioness mantle to Cruz. If there’s one lesson these special ops have instilled in us, it’s that death rarely adheres to rhythm, logic, or fairness – bound by chaos like the rest of us.

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2024-11-24 18:56