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 2
LIONESSSeason 1
The Beating
The setup
Before Cruz can be trusted inside Aaliyah’s world, Joe needs to know how she reacts under capture and torture. Cruz faces an extreme resistance test while Joe’s strained family life continues at home.
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.
NM
Neal McNamara
Joe’s husband, a paediatric cancer surgeon carrying most of the responsibility at home.
KM
Kate McNamara
Joe and Neal’s teenage daughter, angry about how often her mother is absent.
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 2.
Content note: Gun violence, military combat, strong language, threat and distress, torture, trauma and racism.
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.