By admin We’re going to be hit with an avalanche of new Taylor Sheridan content this fall – but if we had to put money on it, season two of Lionesses will be a show that won’t get any hype.
Honestly, it’s Taylor Sheridan’s world and we just live in it. Most of us are preoccupied with the imminent (and long-awaited) return of Yellowstone Season 5 Part 2, especially after Kevin Costner’s very public fallout. But this man has a universe of fiction at his fingertips… and Lioness Season 2 is part of it.
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If you agree to watch it, we will walk you through the basic mission. Zoe Saldaña plays Joe, the CIA officer in charge of the secret Lioness program. Their task? Eliminating specific targets around the world, which almost always ends in near-death drama. Oh, and report it all to Nicole Kidman (Kaitlyn’s boss) if they survive.
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It sounds quite bombastic on paper, but the reality is much more mundane. Sheridan’s attention is scattered this year, which will likely work against Season 2. Instead of building something more dynamic from the first season, which received middling reviews, Lioness’ second outing delivers more of the same. Why don’t we just get drunk again and be done with it?
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Perfunctory and dutiful, just like its hero
The most important
The fact that the second season of Lionesses faithfully fulfills its goal of delivering stable and well-rounded drama, without any frills, is almost something to be admired. It’s almost as if Sheridan enjoys being on his shows So so much so that when creating them he is guided entirely by method.
Even where there should be lighthearted relief, there is an air of seriousness – resulting in an overarching line that is not Exactly fodder for you to tune in again next week. Strangely enough, there is comedy where there shouldn’t be any. Imagine a baffled Nicole Kidman in a board meeting, trying to keep up with international developments while Morgan Freeman hurls blatant insults in the space of 0.5 seconds on screen.
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Related:
Let’s be honest, Yellowstone has never been better than it was in this episode
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In fact, the reason why Lioness probably didn’t make much of an impression the first time around is because she seems to have no personality. Contrary to appearances, there is nothing to complain about too much. The acting is solid, the plot works and is packed with enough substance to keep you satisfied, and Joe’s world is just the right level of untouchable.
But while the cogs effectively drive the machine, there isn’t much room left for investment on a human level (translation: you’d be better off revisiting the Duttons if you want meaty compounds as an appetizer).
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Taylor Sheridan gives, Taylor Sheridan takes away
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Then there’s Sheridan himself. The master of his own multiverse (like Ryan Murphy, only much less controversial), he is clearly a guy who always wants to keep a lot of plates spinning. Lioness season 2, Yellowstone season 5, part 2 and the new show Landman debut weeks apart, one episode each. But why?
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You could argue that this is coincidental timing on behalf of Paramount, which has conveniently put together an unofficial “Taylor Sheridan season” to keep fans happy. But let’s take a cynical approach, because it’s awfully fun to be a hater – what if they’re actually trying to bury Lioness under the weight of Sheridan’s other works?
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Yellowstone catches the eye because people have been waiting for it to close for years, while Landman is curious that it has never been seen before. Lioness is a bit like eating the last bit of food you know you shouldn’t because you’re already too full. We rely on Sheridan’s content and something has to give.
Considering how little has changed since the first season, which was described as “pattern,” season 2 doesn’t have much to show for it – and it certainly doesn’t top allegations that Sheridan condones military propaganda. So what do you do with a show you don’t want to watch? Use the art of distraction.
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Lioness season two rating: 3/5
The only way you can describe the second season of Lioness is “solid.” You won’t hate watching it or feel cheated by your TV time, but it’s unlikely you’ll recommend it when your mom inevitably asks for new recommendations.
It’s really hard to understand why a second season was even renewed, especially since viewers don’t actually need to have seen the first season for anything to make sense. It’s unlikely we’ll see a third installment, so enjoy Nicole Kidman in her least offensive wig while you can.
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The second season of Lioness will premiere on October 27, with episodes released weekly. You can also check out all about the Costner-Sheridan feud, the best Yellowstone episodes of all time, the Yellowstone spin-off schedule, and more TV shows streaming this month.