It’s Almost A Complete Mission Failure In The ‘Lioness’ Season 2 Finale

At one point in the Lioness Season 2 finale, the American military broke down Iran’s military capabilities for at least five minutes to the QRF team as part of the plan to take out two Chinese nuclear scientists heading to Iran’s Isfahan Nuclear facility, and I was pretty irritated at the level of detail. However, this was intentional. Episode 8 decides to prepare the audience for that nail-biting final act, where the lives of several characters are on the line.

Operation Sky Blue on Turkey – Iraq – Iran Border Convergence Is Greenlit (Kind Of)

“The Compass Points Home” starts quickly. The QRF team is assembled at the base in Iraq, and Joe is reminded that she has to “advise and observe,” as Byron told her in Episode 7. She’s only allowed to get physically involved if the mission gets desperate.

Meanwhile, back in Washington, the White House staff were astonished that Edwin Mullins knew of this mission and did not inform the President, but he thought he did not need to (and had the authority). He tells his colleagues that there are two Chinese nuclear scientists en route from an Iranian Outpost in Iraq heading to the Isfahan Nuclear facility in Iran to enrich and activate Iran’s Nuclear capabilities. He insists intervention is necessary.

But he cares about showing the world (well, mainly Iran and China) that America is not the only country with borders. He cares more about the message than the scientists.

It’s no surprise that Edwin Mullins is taking high-risk measures. In Episode 7, he made it clear that America does not have leaders making bold decisions and referenced the reaction to 9/11 as an example. He’s become a far more intriguing character in Season 2, which is truly appreciated.

Kaitlyn and Byron Make a Deal With The Cartel

Strangely, the Lioness mission was scrapped in Season 2 after we learned that the DEA had compromised it in Episode 6. Considering the show’s concept, this is a cool and welcome twist.

But that does not mean Pablo Carrillo was useless. Kyle and Byron meet Pablo in the QRF safe house in San Jose, Costa Rico. They immediately inform him that all his bank accounts and financial assets have been frozen. Pablo believes that what they are doing is illegal and they do not have indictments or warrants. However, Kaitlyn and Byron tell him that they have placed his organization under the terrorism watch list due to the relationships his brother has fostered, so they have every right to do what they are doing.

Then the offer comes in: Kaitlyn and Byron ask for Pablo’s trust, which includes refraining from working with their enemies and providing intel while eliminating their influence. In return, they offer Pablo and his family the security and freedom of the United States. Pablo agrees with the arrangement and gets in touch with his brother. He raises how he and his brother’s organization will expect a lot of money from the deal.

However, Kaitlyn and Byron get more than they bargained for when they reach Alvaro Carrillo’s estate. It’s already tense, with security placed all around the house. But when they head inside, Pablo tells his brother, Alvaro, that the USA offers freedom and security for their trust.

Alvaro is pleased with this arrangement, knowing the money will be made: freedom is also a big sell in his predicament. However, in a shocking moment, Pablo shoots his brother in the head in cold blood and announces to Alvaro’s men that he is the new boss. This is likely a better scenario for the American government, but it’s a horrifying experience for Kaitlyn and Byron.

When they get back to the private jet, Byron throws up. It’s been a while since he has been part of anything like that.

This shocking twist was projected from Episode 5 when Joe and Cruz sensed that Pablo likes being rich to survive. Pablo was offered a lot of money to form a trustworthy partnership with the American government. He wants the money to survive for himself and his family.

The QRF team endure a dangerous mission while Edwin Mullins watches afar in ‘Lioness’ Season 2, Episode 8 (Paramount)

The Mission Is Almost A Complete Failure

The Lioness Season 2 finale does not disappoint its audience with an action-packed and emotional conclusion.

The QRF team is in the air and on the ground, tracking down the Iranian convoy holding the assets (the Chinese scientists). While Josie is piloting the helicopter, Cruz uses the weapons to attack the moving convoy.

The helicopter is then hit, and Josie and Cruz have to brace for impact. Joe feels she has no choice but to head out with another team to support them as CAS (Close Air Support) is still far away. Cruz helps Josie leave the helicopter, but she’s badly hurt – her leg is wounded.

But this is when it starts to get ugly. With Iran alert to an attack on their military convoy, more convoys arrive with multiple enemies. The American military backup for the QRF team is not closed. Guiterrez and Cody are sniping from a distance, but it is not enough. Even Joe’s arrival does not make a difference, as they are dangerously surrounded with no clear evacuation in sight.

The entire Iranian outpost gathers on them, and the following scenes are worthy of a finale. Back in the US, Edwin is asked to call the President as the mission looks to fail. Joe finds Josie amongst the chaos, asks if she has her pistol on her, and then mutters to the sky, “I love you.”

This moment by Joe is vital—it shows that her humanness is returning. She fears dying for her family, and she knows this could be the end.

Injuries start to mount for the QRF team. It’s a nightmare. But finally, when it looked like Joe and all her team were about to be killed, the Close Air Support arrived, wiping out the rest of the Iranian convoys. Joe seems relieved, and back in the US, Edwin looks smug despite calls from Ambassador Feng and the Islamic envoy in Pakistan, who want to raise their concerns. He tells his aid to let them stew.

Mission failure ends up as mission success. The assets are killed, and America has sent a message to China, Iran, and the world that they have the power to cause chaos on the borders, too.

Joe’s Humanity Returns At The End Of Lioness Season 2

When Joe returns to the Iraq base after nearly dying on the battlefield, she’s in absolute shock. She looks around her team, seeing the injuries and despair on her squad. She appears human again. Even Cruz has a small moment with her. The realization dawns on her that she nearly lost her life for her country, along with people she cares about, and she would have left her family behind.

Her humanness returns as she heads outside and sobs.

This is the Joe we needed. She was almost becoming the show’s villain. I was relieved, as the viewer, to see her soften and become herself again.

Lioness Season 2, Episode 8 ends with Joe returning home to see Neal sitting on the house porch. He tells her he was unsure she was coming home and reassures her she’ll always have her home and family. This reassurance was sweet, especially after they traded harsh words with each other in the last.

It shows that sometimes, regretful words can be said in relationships in the heat of the moment. Joe is back home again with her daughters. Whether she takes a less dangerous role in Season 3 remains to be seen.

Read More: The Best and Most Talked-About Moments from ‘Lioness’ Season 2 (Ranked)