Special Ops: Lioness (2023- ) is an American action thriller streaming on Paramount+, created by Taylor Sheridan and Thomas Brady.
The series delves into the complexities of counterterrorism through the story of an elite team. Amid dangerous missions, two bi characters become entangled in a plot full of intrigue and romance, demonstrating that diversity is a significant advantage in any team.
Cruz Manuelos (Laysla de Oliveira) is an undercover agent who infiltrates a Muslim community, where her façade as a strong, independent woman begins to crack upon meeting Aaliyah Amrohi (Stephanie Nur). Cruz, committed to her mission, must grapple with the intense feelings she develops for the young Muslim woman, torn between duty and her heart.
On the other hand, Aaliyah is a Muslim woman about to marry, who, after meeting Cruz, begins to feel a strong attraction toward her, despite it going against her faith.
This connection puts them at a crossroads, where loyalty to their duties clashes with their mutual attraction. The tension between the two women intensifies, sparking a passionate conflict that tests not only their loyalties but also their very identities.
While Paramount Mexico has conducted interviews with the protagonists highlighting their personalities, there is a lack of in-depth analysis of bi representation in the series. Despite explicit scenes of attraction and desire between Cruz and Aaliyah, the series does not delve into the complexity of its characters’ bisexuality, limiting itself to a superficial and somewhat stereotypical portrayal. The absence of an open, nuanced discourse on bisexuality significantly hinders the show’s potential to become a benchmark for representation.
Especially in the context of a military woman and a Muslim woman, this is a missed opportunity to explore deeper themes such as identity, sexuality, and bi relationships within diverse cultural contexts.