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Zoe Saldaña Pushed For Devastating 'Lioness' Finale Twist
13 Oct
Summary
- Joe McNamara returned home to find her family gone.
- Her husband left due to the dangers of her work.
- Saldaña advocated for this drastic storyline change.

The "Lioness" Season 3 finale delivered a shocking blow to Joe McNamara, portrayed by Zoe Saldaña, with a storyline twist that the star actively influenced. Upon returning home after a traumatic kidnapping and rescue, Joe found her family absent.
Her husband, Neal, along with their children, had departed, leaving a "For Sale" sign as testament to their exit. This decision stemmed from the inherent dangers and threats associated with Joe's covert operations, a reality Neal felt necessitated prioritizing their children's safety by leaving.
Saldaña shared that she urged showrunner Taylor Sheridan to include this narrative arc, arguing that a partner would realistically leave if their family's safety was compromised by their profession. While Sheridan initially favored their relationship's resilience, Saldaña is grateful he ultimately empowered Neal to make a decisive stand.