IR TV Review: SPECIAL OPS - LIONESS - EPISODE 3 (“Bruise Like A Fist”) [Paramount+]
The essence of a soft cover wrapped in a deep cover operation is an interesting perspective to narrative. With a show like "Special Ops: Lioness", the placement of a hardened yet slightly broken marine in the form of Cruz (Laysla De Oliveira) into a wolf's den within the confines of the United States is a distinctly diametric approach. The first episode was misleading almost in the fact of how it establishes something before resetting. Cruz is recruited and trained to meet her mark but the 2nd episode was more about being more severe in her training to see if she will break. Zoe Saldana (in many ways like the final instance of Gamora) takes a less likable role and it is also an interesting throwback to "Columbiana" but with experience and disconnection. The show examines both the home lives and the small line between darkness, immunity and black ops.
Episode 3: "Bruise Like A Fist" places Cruz back in the lion's den parading as a vacation in the Chesapeake Bay. And while there is definitely subliminal rage going on, there is also an interesting notion of perspective and msidirection in certain way. All operatives and supervisors make mistakes though they try to keep them to a minimum. What is interesting in this placement is the context of collateral damage. That point from the 2nd episode forces Cruz to think on her feet which will become her saving grace. De Oliveira told this reviewer a couple weeks ago that despite the tough exterior Cruz "is so soft inside". As the episode ends, just out of the view of the people around her, you can see the uncomfortability of this woman as a girl. It is subtle and wonderfully captured but one wonders how the character can survive. She can physically deal with it but the emotional front can quiver...and that can get her killed. She is a fascinating character but one where the evolution of her character but also her unit must inevitably change as the mission changes. B
By Tim Wassberg
