Cruz Manuelos (played by Laysla De Oliveira), one of the main characters in Special Ops: Lioness (2023-) on Paramount+, is a highly skilled agent in an elite special operations team.
She brings a broad range of abilities that make her an invaluable asset to the group, tasked with executing covert missions. Her expertise in hand-to-hand combat, firearms, explosives, and espionage establishes her as a formidable presence on the battlefield. Additionally, her sharp intelligence and analytical skills make her essential in planning and executing operations within Muslim communities.
However, Cruz’s character stands out not only for her physical and mental prowess but also for her emotional depth. She is a complex, multifaceted woman with a deep sense of empathy. While she is tough and direct in her work, Cruz also possesses a strong capacity for compassion, which strengthens her bond with her teammates and fuels her fight for justice.
Before joining the Lioness team, Cruz lived with a man who subjected her to physical abuse — a difficult experience that shaped her into the strong, independent woman she is today.
While on a mission with the Lioness team, Cruz develops a deep romantic connection during an undercover operation in a Muslim community. She meets Aaliyah Amrohi, a Muslim woman, and their relationship challenges Cruz’s beliefs, forcing her to confront her desires and fight for her happiness.
Throughout the series, Cruz’s unshakable loyalty to her teammates and her country is tested. She faces a profound internal conflict between her duty and her personal life, particularly regarding her bisexuality. Though the show does not explicitly label her as bisexual, Cruz’s attraction to both men and women is clearly portrayed. This reality forces her to navigate difficult moral dilemmas and emotional crossroads, balancing love and duty during high-stakes missions.