JM
Joe McNamara
The CIA officer running the Lioness programme. She directs the undercover operative and the armed support team.
ClearStory · PARAMOUNT+ · SEASON 1 · EPISODE 1
LIONESSSeason 1
Sacrificial Soldiers
The setup
Joe runs a CIA programme that sends female operatives into targets’ inner circles. Marine Cruz Manuelos is looking for a different life.
OPTIONAL REFERENCECharacters, places and useful termsContains story details. Open after watching.
QUICK REMINDER
6 peopleThe only names you need
CM
Cruz Manuelos
A highly capable Force Recon Marine recruited as the new Lioness undercover operative.
AA
Aaliyah Amrohi
The warm but closely guarded daughter of suspected terrorist financier Asmar Ali Amrohi—and Cruz’s route to him.
B
Bobby
Leader of the Lioness quick reaction force, responsible for protecting and extracting Cruz.
KM
Kaitlyn Meade
Joe’s senior CIA supervisor. She balances operational goals against political consequences.
QRF
The QRF team
Bobby, Tucker, Two Cups, Randy and Tex—the armed team watching over Cruz from a distance.
WHILE WATCHING
Recap as you go
Open a recap only after the whole named scene has finished. If unsure, wait until the episode ends.
AFTER WATCHING
Key story points
Hidden because this section reveals what happens in Season 1, Episode 1.
Content note: Gun violence, military combat, strong language, threat and distress, domestic abuse and death.
An unofficial, independently written viewing companion for Lioness. Not affiliated with or endorsed by Paramount+, MTV Entertainment Studios, 101 Studios or the programme’s creators. No official images, logos or programme artwork are used.