This article contains spoilers for the premiere episode of Special Ops: Lioness available on Paramount+

The first episode of “Special Ops: Lioness,” a CIA thriller from “Yellowstone” co-creator Taylor Sheridan, aired Sunday. You have to see it to believe that television can be this great.

After the series’ heart-wrenching opening scene, the first thought that comes to mind is, “No wonder Taylor Sheridan spends so much money on his creative endeavors.” The first few minutes introduce the horrors of the CIA’s Lioness program. The program is aimed primarily at men and integrates American servicemen into the lives of women in the Middle East.

First, the show’s lead, Zoe Saldana, plays the character of Joe, who is forced to blow up one of the teams in order to protect her mission. From here, she drags America along to explain the situation to the higher ups. It stars the ever-iconic Nicole Kidman (as Kaitlyn Mead) and Michael Kelly, a golden boy who literally has never played a bad role.

But a new class divide prompted Saldana and her colleagues to recruit new women into the program. This is where Cruz Manuelos, played by Laisla de Oliveira, comes into play.

The ex-stripper turned burger joint ends up at the Marine Recruitment Office after a series of terrifying altercations with her obnoxious boyfriend. Once in her service, her skill set far surpassed that of most male recruits, making her the perfect fit for the program.

Feeling a little insane, Manuelos is enlisted in the Lioness program, flown to the Middle East, and introduced to CIA and military personnel played by 1883 and Yellowstone stars James Jordan and Lamonica Garrett. Both actors are utterly unrecognizable from their former cowboy characters and a far cry from the poetic brutality of the Old West.

In less than a day, Manuelos has her imprint embedded, and when the credits roll, we are all left in a state of utter confusion, terror, and adrenaline. (Related: ‘Special Ops: Lioness’ Could Already Have Season 2, Possible Franchise With Paramount+)

Thanks to Sheridan’s impeccable talent, it’s nearly impossible to guess where the story of Special Ops: Lioness is headed. Either way, I’ll be sure to check back each week to see what happens next.

check out the trailer here Watch the full episode on Paramount+ now: