Taylor Sheridan has been a name to reckon with in the entertainment industry for years now, and his success keeps growing. Known for his deep storytelling, he gained major recognition with his show Yellowstone in 2018. Sheridan expanded his interests even further in 2023, creating the military drama series Lioness.
With its intense plot, rich characters, and high stakes, it brought new life to the genre of military and spy thrillers. Lioness immediately became a success, and fans eagerly awaited its second season.
The series boasts a powerful cast, including Zoe Saldaña and Nicole Kidman, both of whom serve as executive producers as well as lead actresses.
After watching the first four episodes of Season 2, it is clear that Sheridan and his team have successfully continued the story in a way that feels natural and attractive. This season promises an exciting journey, leaving viewers hopeful for the show’s future.
Lioness Season 2 Shines Through Family and Duty
Last year, I had my doubts about Lioness needing a second season. I even wrote about it, expressing concerns that the first season had wrapped things up in a meaningful way. Now, here I am, writing a review for Season 2, admitting that the show has proved me wrong.
Season 1 ended with a powerful, emotional scene where Joe (Zoe Saldaña) is seen in her husband Neal’s (Dave Annable) arms, completely broken. The season had brought Joe’s personal struggles and family conflicts to the surface, and while there were some loose threads, the main story felt complete.
However, Lioness Season 2 has returned, and it comes with more depth, broader themes, and a higher level of emotional complexity. It’s clear from the start that the second season is not just about picking up where things left off, but about digging deeper into the lives of the characters.
Season 2 takes Lioness to new heights by focusing on the tension between Joe’s responsibilities as a military officer and her role as a wife and mother. Joe is the heart and soul of the Lioness program. Without her, the program might not even exist.
She has proven herself time and time again by surviving dangerous missions and coming out on top. As one of the new characters remarks in the Season 2 premiere, “Beware the old soldier, he’s old for a reason.” While Joe may not be an old soldier, she has endured enough battles to be considered well-worn and hardened by her experiences.
Her family remains her anchor, though, and she fights not just for her country but for them. Every mission, however, comes with the risk that her husband Neal could become a widower, and their children could lose their mother. This struggle between duty and family creates a powerful contrast, one that feels very real to many military families.
This conflict between personal and professional life is what makes Lioness such a compelling show. Yes, the action scenes are thrilling, and the camaraderie among Joe’s quick reaction force (QRF) team is fun to watch, but the real drama comes from understanding why Joe continues to put herself in danger.
As viewers, we root for her but also wish she would stop putting her life on the line. The first season focused heavily on Joe’s internal battles, but Season 2 widens the scope.
Still from Lioness (Credit: Paramount+)
This time around, the theme of balancing family and duty is shown through more than just Joe’s character. Newcomer Genesis Rodriguez plays a key role, and her take on this theme is even more intense and deadly than Joe’s.
Strong Parallels Between Lioness Season 2 and Taylor Sheridan’s Sicario
Once again, Zoe Saldaña is the shining star of Lioness in Season 2. Her ability to switch between being a fierce soldier and a loving wife and mother is remarkable. As one identity bleeds into the other, we see Joe struggling to reintegrate into normal life after completing dangerous missions.
This duality is where Saldaña truly excels, showing that she is the perfect choice for this role. One scene in the first episode highlights this perfectly. After finishing a mission, Joe calls her family. While they are enjoying a peaceful breakfast at home, Joe is out in the desert, fighting back tears as she listens to their voices.
She yearns to hold her loved ones, but her duty keeps her far away. Scenes like this give Lioness its emotional depth, with Sheridan providing the actors with rich material to work with. Saldaña’s performance is so powerful that many believe she deserves an Emmy.
The central plot of Season 2 deals with Mexican criminal organizations, much like Sicario, and features a tense border crossing scene that may feel familiar to fans of the film. The stakes are higher this season, and the danger feels much more real and personal compared to the foreign terrorist plot of the first season.
Joe’s relationship with her CIA colleague Kyle (Thad Luckinbill) brings an interesting dynamic to the show. Kyle, who was a producer on Sicario, adds a new layer to the story. Until now, Joe has only dealt with superiors and subordinates, but Season 2 forces her into an uneasy partnership with Kyle.
This new relationship complicates an already delicate situation, making the narrative even more compelling. It feels similar to the dynamic between Emily Blunt’s character and Josh Brolin’s in Sicario, adding tension to Joe’s already chaotic life.
Lioness Season 2 Faces Challenges in Pacing and Character Development
While Lioness Season 2 excels in many areas, it is not without flaws. The pacing, for one, is a bit uneven. As a military thriller, the show sometimes moves slower than expected. Comparing Lioness to another popular show, The Terminal List, it becomes clear that Lioness does not have the same consistent intensity.
Having seen the first half of the season, it feels like the story is only now beginning to pick up pace after the premiere. For viewers watching on a weekly basis, this slow build-up may feel like it drags on too long.
This slower pace may be intentional, possibly reflecting the slow-moving nature of government bureaucracy and military operations. If that’s the case, the additional government meetings and interactions between characters like Michael Kelly, Morgan Freeman, and Martin Donovan do make sense.
However, there’s also a strong possibility that the slower pace is due to Sheridan’s tendency to stretch out his storylines. If that’s the case, we can only hope the second half of the season brings everything together more smoothly. Some might wonder if Lioness Season 2 would have worked better as a movie or a shorter miniseries, allowing the story to be more concise.
Character development also feels a bit inconsistent in Season 2. Neal (Dave Annable) is a great character when he’s interacting with Joe or spending time with their daughters, but his professional life as a surgeon dealing with children with cancer seems like an unnecessary detail. We are left wondering why the show chooses to focus on this aspect of Neal’s life, especially when it doesn’t seem to add much to the full story.
Is it meant to remind us what Neal does for a living, or will this detail play a more significant role later in the season? It feels like an attempt to give Annable more screen time without fully integrating his storyline into the main plot.
Similarly, some of the supporting cast members, like Jill Wagner’s Bobby, receive a bit more attention this season, but others, like LaMonica Garrett’s Tucker and James Jordan’s Two Cups, remain somewhat underdeveloped. It’s a bit disappointing, especially after Season 1 spent so much time showing Joe and Cruz’s characters.
With new characters being introduced this season, it’s becoming harder to keep track of all of them. Perhaps we don’t need to know too much about every character, but a bit more background on the Lioness QRF team members would add more depth to the show.
Nicole Kidman is another highlight of Lioness Season 2, delivering a stellar performance as always. Her character, Kaitlyn, acts as a mentor to Joe without ever diminishing her authority, and their interactions are some of the best moments in the series. However, Kaitlyn’s role in Joe’s mission remains somewhat unclear.
The show tells us that she’s more involved in the operation this time around, but we don’t see much of her in the first four episodes. When Joe asks if Kaitlyn will oversee her “on the ground,” she gets a cryptic response about everyone watching this mission closely.
Still, most of Kaitlyn’s scenes take place in closed-door meetings or restaurants in Washington, D.C. Given Kidman’s role as an executive producer, it’s surprising that she isn’t given more interesting material to work with.
Lioness Season 2 Tackles Real-World Issues With Emotional Weight
Lioness isn’t an easy show to watch. Its portrayal of real-world violence, dark geopolitical themes, and mature content can be overwhelming for some viewers.
Still from Lioness (Credit: Paramount+)
Yet these elements are essential in driving home the show’s central themes: the conflict between personal and professional life, the sacrifices made for one’s country, and the psychological toll of keeping the American public safe.
The show is based on a real-life military program, and while it diverges from the true story, its commitment to showing the emotional and psychological effects of military operations is commendable.
As civilians, it can be hard to understand the challenges faced by members of the U.S. Armed Forces. Lioness attempts to bridge that gap by showing the reality of these missions and the toll they take on those who carry them out.
Season 2 does a particularly good job of highlighting the personal struggles of the characters, making it clear that the cost of serving one’s country goes beyond physical danger. It’s a story about identity, duty, and the lengths people will go to protect what they love.
Lioness Season 2: A Promising Future for the Series
At its core, Lioness Season 2 is a story about balance. It balances action with emotion, duty with family, and individual characters with larger political themes. While it isn’t perfect, the show continues to evolve and find its footing.
Taylor Sheridan has once again proven his ability to create compelling stories that resonate with audiences, and Lioness is no exception. The second season is a step in the right direction for the series, and it leaves viewers excited to see where Sheridan takes the story next.
With its talented cast, emotional depth, and high-stakes drama, Lioness Season 2 has solidified its place as a must-watch show. Whether you’re a fan of military thrillers, character-driven dramas, or simply great storytelling, Lioness offers something for everyone.
As the season continues, we can only hope that it lives up to the potential seen in the first four episodes. With Sheridan at the helm, the future looks bright for Lioness.
Lioness Season 2 continues to build on the strengths of its predecessor while diving deeper into the personal and emotional conflicts faced by its characters. Taylor Sheridan skillfully balances high-stakes action with the human cost of military service, making the series more than just a typical military thriller.
Zoe Saldaña shines as Joe, portraying the complexities of a woman torn between duty to her country and her family. The introduction of new characters and storylines, along with the show’s expansion into geopolitical themes, adds depth to the narrative. However, pacing issues and underdeveloped subplots prevent the season from being flawless.
Still from Lioness (Credit: Paramount+)
Despite its imperfections, Lioness remains a powerful, thought-provoking series that resonates with viewers by showing the sacrifices made by military personnel and the psychological toll of their missions. Season 2 successfully raises the stakes and promises more intrigue, drama, and action.
As the series progresses, fans are left eager to see how Joe’s journey unfolds and how Sheridan will continue to develop the show’s intense emotional and political themes. With its combination of strong performances and attractive storytelling, Lioness Season 2 firmly establishes itself as a must-watch for fans of both action and drama.
The Masked Singer, a show known for its outrageous costumes and thrilling musical performances, decided to pay tribute to one of the most iconic figures in pop culture—Barbie.
The special Barbie-themed episode featured four remaining celebrities from Group B, all of whom sang songs connected to Barbie, bringing a unique twist to the competition. The night was all about celebrating Barbie’s legacy, as the beloved toy is now 65 years old, and what better way to honor her than through music?
Although the night was filled with pink, retro outfits, and nods to the world of Barbie, Ken Jeong, one of the show’s panelists, stood out. He didn’t dress up in theme like everyone else.
Why, you ask? The show had an answer for that. Ken Jeong, known for his quirky humor and energetic personality, ended up singing “I’m Just Ken,” a song from the recent Barbie film that received an Oscar nomination.
His unexpected performance added a fun and spontaneous moment to the night. But enough about Ken—let’s talk about the four masked singers who took the stage and how they brought the Barbie magic to life.
The performances of the night were full of surprises and charm. The competition is getting tougher, and as the show progresses, it becomes more challenging to eliminate contestants.
As Barbie herself celebrated her 65th anniversary, the masked singers stepped into the spotlight, creating a night full of nostalgia, glitter, and vibrant energy. Let’s see how each contestant performed, what clues they shared, and who eventually left the stage.
Bluebell Steals the Show with Fun Clues and a Sparkling Performance
The first performer of the night was Bluebell, a masked singer whose clue package left the audience intrigued. She started by talking about her early career, describing herself as a young and hopeful talent. Bluebell said that when she was just a “seedling,” she dreamed of becoming a star.
She believed in herself and even wrote a list of goals that she wanted to achieve. Right next to her list, the audience spotted a blue dragon, a subtle clue about her identity.
However, Bluebell’s journey wasn’t all sunshine and success. She shared that after her initial breakthrough, things took a turn for the worse. Her career faced serious setbacks, her money ran out, and she struggled to make ends meet. Despite these challenges, Bluebell never lost faith in herself.
She started honing a new talent, which eventually allowed her career to blossom once again. Her story resonated with many viewers, as it’s a tale of resilience and perseverance.
When Bluebell finally took the stage, she performed “Dance the Night Away” by Dua Lipa. The upbeat song was perfect for the night’s Barbie theme. Bluebell’s voice stood out, even though she didn’t include much choreography in her performance.
Her singing had a playful and poppy vibe, keeping the audience engaged throughout. As part of the Barbie-themed episode, each singer also presented a toy that represented them. Bluebell brought out an astronaut figure, saying that she’s always ready to take things “out of this world.”
Still from The Masked Singer (Credit: Fox)
Despite the voice modulator being in use, fans could easily detect Bluebell’s accent. Many speculated that she might be Australian singer Natalie Imbruglia. The panel, however, went in completely different directions with their guesses.
They mentioned names like Amy Adams, Anne Hathaway, and Lindsay Lohan. Regardless of whether they were right or wrong, Bluebell’s performance left a strong impression, and her clues kept everyone guessing.
Goo’s Heartfelt Performance Makes Him a Fan Favorite
Next up was Goo, a contestant whose story about love added an emotional touch to the evening. In his clue package, Goo revealed that he was recently engaged to the love of his life, whom he called the “future Mrs. Goo.” He shared a touching story about how they met at a theme park.
His fiancée had extended her hand to him and asked him to dance, and in that moment, Goo knew that she was the one. Her kindness and confidence melted his heart, and they have been inseparable ever since. The clue package also showed an image of a church robe and a golden ticket, hinting at other aspects of his life.
For his performance, Goo chose Ne-Yo’s “Miss Independent,” a song that highlighted his soulful voice and smooth delivery. He dedicated the song to his fiancée, and his emotional connection to the lyrics was evident throughout the performance. The panel couldn’t help but notice Goo’s talent and presence, marking him as a potential frontrunner in the competition.
When it came time to reveal his toy, Goo presented a Malibu Barbie Dream House. He mentioned that it was a fitting choice since Robin Thicke, one of the panelists, is a fan of Malibu. This little detail piqued Robin’s interest, prompting him to guess that Goo might be one of his neighbors. While Robin humorously threw out names like Robert Downey Jr. and Gerard Butler, he quickly admitted that those guesses didn’t quite fit the voice.
Other panelists had their own theories, guessing that Goo might be famous singers like Al Green, CeeLo Green, Johnny Gill, or Kirk Franklin. Whoever Goo may be, one thing is for sure—his performances have earned him a lot of fans, and he’s definitely a contestant to watch out for as the season continues.
Wasp Shares a Moving Family Story and Delivers a Powerful Song
Wasp’s performance was one of the most emotional moments of the night. In his clue package, Wasp talked about his childhood and growing up in a house filled with family members—about a dozen of them.
There was so much love in the house, but something important was missing: his father. Wasp shared how his dad wasn’t around during his early years, and he often felt lost without his father’s guidance.
As he grew older and found success, Wasp made it a point to reconnect with his father. One day, when he returned home after making it big, he finally had a heart-to-heart conversation with his dad.
His father told him that he was proud of everything Wasp had accomplished. That moment changed Wasp’s life, and it gave him a renewed sense of purpose. The clue package also included images of a crab and a ladder, which were probably symbolic of Wasp’s journey to success.
Wasp then took the stage and performed “Skyscraper” by Demi Lovato. His rendition was heartfelt and emotional, touching everyone in the audience. His smooth vocals and ability to connect with the song made his performance a standout of the night. The panel was visibly moved, with some of them even brought to tears.
Still from The Masked Singer (Credit: Fox)
For his toy, Wasp presented two Barbies on a stage, explaining that he enjoys taking his live performances to new heights. The panel’s guesses for Wasp’s identity included Miguel, Frank Ocean, and Daveed Diggs. While none of these guesses were confirmed, it was clear that Wasp had touched the hearts of many, and his performance was one of the most memorable of the night.
Chess Piece Unmasks and Reveals a Surprising Barbie Connection
The final contestant of the night was Chess Piece, who shared a fascinating story about her connection to Barbie. In her clue package, Chess Piece revealed that she grew up feeling like an easy target for others to tease.
As she held up an image of herself on a playground, she explained how she loved Barbie as a child but wasn’t allowed to play with the dolls. This teasing, combined with criticism she faced as she grew older, made her question many things about herself.
However, Chess Piece eventually found her confidence again, and in a triumphant moment, she bought Barbie dolls for herself, proving that it’s never too late to reclaim the joy of childhood.
She also dropped a major hint by revealing that there was even a Barbie modeled after her. This revelation made it clear that Chess Piece had a significant cultural impact, and the panelists were eager to find out who she really was.
For her performance, Chess Piece chose “I’m Every Woman” by Chaka Khan. She sang in a higher register, showcasing a distinct and powerful vocal tone.
The panel immediately recognized her voice, but they were still unsure of her identity. When the Men-in-Pink brought out her toy, it was a Barbie vanity, complete with the actual Barbie that had been modeled after her.
At this point, anyone who followed Chess Piece’s career knew exactly who she was—Laverne Cox. The Barbie modeled after her had been released as part of a special tribute to Laverne, and it was one of the biggest clues of the night. Despite this, the panel’s final guesses included names like Tyra Banks, Misty Copeland, and Issa Rae.
In the end, Chess Piece was the singer with the least votes, meaning she had to unmask. When she finally removed her mask, the panel was shocked to see that they had been wrong all along—Chess Piece was indeed the talented and inspiring Laverne Cox. Her presence on the show was a celebration of her achievements, and although she didn’t win the competition, her unmasking was a highlight of the night.
The Barbie Magic Ends with a Heartfelt Goodbye
As Barbie Night came to a close, it was clear that the evening had been one of celebration, nostalgia, and incredible talent. The performances were a reminder of how much joy and inspiration Barbie has brought to people over the last 65 years.
From Bluebell’s playful pop performance to Goo’s soulful serenade and Wasp’s emotional tribute to his family, the night had a little something for everyone.
Even though Chess Piece was eliminated, the remaining three masked singers still have a lot to prove as they head into the next round. The upcoming 60s-themed night promises to bring even more excitement and surprises, with plenty of soul and spirit from the remaining contestants.
The Masked Singer continues to be a show that blends entertainment, mystery, and heartfelt stories, and the Barbie episode was no exception. With each performance, the masked singers revealed a little more about themselves, while keeping the audience and panel guessing. As the competition moves forward, fans will be eagerly watching to see who will take home the top prize.
Conclusion
In a special Barbie-themed episode of The Masked Singer, the remaining four contestants from Group B performed songs honoring Barbie, who is celebrating her 65th anniversary.
Ken Jeong, one of the panelists, humorously missed the dress code and instead performed “I’m Just Ken,” an Oscar-nominated song from the Barbie film, setting a lively tone for the night.
The first performer, Bluebell, shared her journey from being a hopeful young star to facing career setbacks. Despite challenges, she believed in herself and performed “Dance the Night Away” by Dua Lipa, attractive the audience.
Still from The Masked Singer (Credit: Fox)
Her toy representation was an astronaut, hinting at her out-of-this-world aspirations. Many guessed her identity might be Australian singer Natalie Imbruglia, but the panel suggested other names.
Next was Goo, who dedicated his performance of “Miss Independent” by Ne-Yo to his fiancée. His heartfelt story about their love story and engagement resonated with viewers, making him a fan favorite. His toy was a Malibu Barbie Dream House, prompting the panel to guess various well-known singers.
Wasp shared an emotional story about his childhood and family, culminating in a powerful rendition of “Skyscraper” by Demi Lovato. His heartfelt performance deeply moved the panel and audience. He presented two Barbies on a stage, indicating his passion for performance.
Lastly, Chess Piece revealed her connection to Barbie through a touching story about her childhood. She sang “I’m Every Woman” by Chaka Khan, unveiling that she is Laverne Cox when she unmasked, surprising the panel.
Despite her elimination, the night was a celebration of Barbie and showcased the talents of all contestants. The episode promised more excitement with the upcoming 60s-themed night.
