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Cruz Manuelos
A highly capable Force Recon Marine recruited as the new Lioness undercover operative.
ClearStory · PARAMOUNT+ · SEASON 1 · EPISODE 4
LIONESSSeason 1
The Choice of Failure
The setup
Cruz has been invited onto Aaliyah’s private jet. Kyle’s unauthorised Texas operation has left the CIA exposed.
OPTIONAL REFERENCECharacters, places and useful termsContains story details. Open after watching.
QUICK REMINDER
6 peopleThe only names you need
AA
Aaliyah Amrohi
The warm but closely guarded daughter of suspected terrorist financier Asmar Ali Amrohi—and Cruz’s route to him.
JM
Joe McNamara
The CIA officer running the Lioness programme. She directs the undercover operative and the armed support team.
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Kate McNamara
Joe and Neal’s teenage daughter, angry about how often her mother is absent.
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Neal McNamara
Joe’s husband, a paediatric cancer surgeon carrying most of the responsibility at home.
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Ehsan Al Rashdi
Aaliyah’s intended husband, from a powerful Saudi family. He is wary of Cruz’s closeness to her.
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 4.
Content note: Gun violence, military combat, strong language, threat and distress, attempted sexual assault, drugging, pregnancy loss and a serious crash.
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.