Episode 8 of Lioness Season 2 kicks off with intense action at the Turkey-Iraq-Iran border, where Cody is positioned in full camouflage, tracking a helicopter. It's a great return to the tension-filled world we’ve come to expect from Taylor Sheridan. Jo, Bobby, Josephina, and Cruz follow in tanks, with Joe pushing herself to the limit physically as the mission begins. They head back to the U.S. base, which brings us back to the moment from Episode 2 where Joe and Josephina first met.
The team gears up for the mission, but Joe, despite being told in Episode 7 that her role is strictly to observe and advise, insists on taking a weapon. I can’t help but feel her defiance is both a sign of her resolve and a foreshadowing of the stakes she’s willing to face. Meanwhile, Josephina’s old commander criticizes her plan to fly a helicopter she’s unfamiliar with, and only one door gunner is available. Cruz joins her, and their agreement to “talk” if they make it through feels like the calm before a storm.
The team is briefed that they have only two hours to reach an outpost to intercept enemy forces. There’s little support, with much of it damaged in Afghanistan, and the enemy is well-prepared, almost mirroring the strength of the Lioness team. The operation, dubbed Sky Hawk, is about more than just the mission—it’s about sending a message, with damage intended in Iran. As the story weaves through multiple threads, Kaitlyn and Bryon arrive at Kyle’s location, where they attempt to secure Pablo’s trust to eliminate a threat to U.S. national security: his brother. It’s a compelling subplot, as they dangle the promise of protection in exchange for Pablo’s cooperation. The weight of these decisions adds depth to the story, showing how personal interests and national security often collide.
While Pablo contacts Alvaro and agrees to meet, the mission takes a dark turn when Edwin briefs the Chief of Staff about two Chinese nuclear scientists heading to Isfahan Nuclear Base—an urgent threat that the president is unaware of. This moment highlights how intertwined the personal and global stakes have become, as both sides work to protect their interests.
The tension builds when four enemy vehicles leave the outpost, setting off a chain of events. Sheridan’s character driving an army dune buggy is a great callback to the high-stakes action that defines Lioness. Josephina and Cruz attack from the air, but their helicopter is hit and crashes. It’s a heartbreaking moment when they’re stranded, and the team’s desperate fight to reach them is a powerful display of loyalty and bravery. There’s a palpable sense of danger, and it’s clear that every decision—every move—could make the difference between life and death.
As Bobby and the team on the ground rush in, Cody takes up his position at a sniper base, trying to pick off any survivors from the convoy. The stakes feel even higher now that they’re so isolated, outnumbered, and running out of options. Meanwhile, Kaitlyn and the team meet Alvaro in a tense confrontation that leads to Pablo taking matters into his own hands. His sudden, ruthless move when he shoots Alvaro in the face feels like a turning point for his character—a reminder that loyalty and survival are often far more important than any alliances.
Back in Iran, Cruz and Josephina fight to stay alive, but Josephina is unable to walk, and they’re left exposed to enemy fire. Joe’s decision to ignore orders and press forward shows the kind of leader she is—someone who won’t leave her team behind, no matter the cost. The emotional toll of the mission is clear, with personal relationships and survival weighing heavily on each character. It’s hard not to admire Joe’s resolve, even as she faces seemingly insurmountable odds.
As the battle rages on, Cody advises the team to fall back, but a new tank arrives, putting them at further risk. It’s intense watching them strategize on the fly, especially as they’re now out of immediate options. They’re forced to move on foot, which only increases the danger they face. As Cody and Joe try to regroup, the enemy closes in on their position, and backup is still five minutes away. The sense of impending doom is almost overwhelming.
The moment when presidential backup finally arrives is nothing short of a relief. The attack on the enemy forces is swift and effective, showing the power of having the U.S. government behind them. Still, the emotional and physical toll on the team is undeniable. Watching the Lionesses fight through this makes you feel the weight of the sacrifices they’ve made.
By the episode’s close, Joe is left emotionally shattered, and her breakdown is a raw, human moment that contrasts with the hard-hitting action. As she returns home, Neal is waiting at the doorstep, and their heartfelt reconciliation after their earlier argument feels like a necessary step in Joe’s healing process.
This episode, with its intricate balance of action, strategy, and character development, continues to prove why
Lioness remains one of the most gripping shows on TV. The personal stakes are as high as the national ones, and the relationships between the characters add so much depth to the plot. The Lionesses are not just soldiers—they’re people with emotions, conflicts, and the weight of their decisions hanging over them. Season 2 continues to impress, and I can’t wait to see what happens next.
Lioness Season 2 is available on Paramount Plus.
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