Zoe Saldaña, the acclaimed actress known for her roles in multiple blockbuster franchises, recently shared her thoughts on the emotional trials faced by her character, Joe McNamara, in the hit series *Lioness*. The show’s third season concluded with a heart-wrenching finale that left viewers shocked, highlighting the toll that Joe’s dangerous profession has taken on her personal life and relationships.
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In a discussion with PEOPLE, Saldaña reflects on the painful climax of the series, where Joe returns home to an unsettling sight—a “For Sale” sign outside her house, alongside a note from her husband, Neal McNamara, played by Dave Annable. The actress described this moment as “heartbreaking”, noting how Joe, who has always been the linchpin for those around her, is visibly unraveling beneath the surface.
Saldaña articulated that Joe has long been the embodiment of strength, maintaining her composure for the sake of others while grappling with her emotional struggles. “She’s not superhuman,” she observes, acknowledging that the relentless pressures of her job mean there are consequences for her family. “She couldn’t continue to live this way without it affecting her loved ones,” she states, stressing the deep psychological impact of her experiences.
The narrative arc of Season 3 saw Joe kidnapped and tortured, thus bringing the dangers of her work home with devastating consequences. Saldaña expressed empathy for Neal’s decision to take their children and leave, reasoning that it was a necessary move in light of the imminent threat. “I appreciate the fact that Taylor [Sheridan, the show’s creator] really gave Neal this strength to do it,” she said. From her perspective, Neal represents many partners who are caught in similar situations, torn between love and the harsh reality of their choices.
Despite the tumultuous finale, Saldaña remains hopeful for a potential fourth season, believing that the romance between Joe and Neal is far from over. “Do I believe that if we’re able to come back for a season 4 this is the end for Neal and Joe? I hope not,” she said. Saldaña feels that the fundamental connection between the two characters remains intact, asserting that their relationship embodies a true love story where both are equals.
The finale not only redefined Joe’s personal life but also introduced significant plot twists. One of the most shocking revelations was the return of Aaliyah Amrohi, played by Stephanie Nur, who was intricately linked to Joe’s kidnapping. Saldaña noted that this plot twist took even the creators by surprise, revealing that it was not initially planned. “I don’t even think Taylor knew it was a possibility,” she remarked, acknowledging the show’s capability to evolve with new characters each season.
However, the psychological baggage Joe carries extends beyond the immediate threats she encounters. Saldaña elaborated on how Joe’s trauma runs deep, dating back to a significant loss during her service as an undercover operative in Syria. “She never forgave herself. She can’t ever forget that,” she explained, indicating that Joe’s journey has been laden with emotional scars from her past.
The toll of portraying such a complex character has also impacted Saldaña as an actress. She described how Season 3 pushed her to confront emotions and narratives she had not previously explored. “This one in particular, there’s a lot of respect that I draw from physically and psychologically,” she said, acknowledging the deep connection she has developed with the character.
As for what lies ahead for Joe, Saldaña revealed that the future remains uncertain. She has no definitive insight into the direction of the story should *Lioness* continue. Nevertheless, she equated Joe’s role in Season 3 to that of a lioness—both the target and the fierce warrior navigating through the dangers surrounding her.
With *Lioness* now available for streaming on Paramount+, fans eagerly await the possibility of further explorations of Joe’s character and her intricate relationships in what has become a compelling narrative about resilience, trauma, and love amidst chaos.