Landman season one literally started with a bang, introducing us to the world of the oil industry in Texas. Inspired by the podcast Boomtown, and created by Taylor Sheridan, we were introduced to Tommy Norris (Billy Bob Thornton) and his family. The first season played out like the television series Dallas; there were deaths from accidents, murders, and good ‘ol family drama from a great cast, rounded out by Ali Larter, Michelle Randolph, and Jacob Lofland.
Season two took a bit of a shift and grounded itself. The momentum initially seemed to start strong, with Cami Miller (Demi Moore) being right at the center. She’s taken over the business left by her late husband, Monty (Jon Hamm), which left Tommy as President, only to discover that the company was very much in debt. Cami didn’t want to lose the company, so she struck a deal with Gallino (Andy Garcia), who, on the outside, looks like a scrupulous businessman, but, as Tommy knows firsthand, is dangerous and has ties to the cartel. It seemed that sparks would fly; instead, they never fully ignited for his character… yet.
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Feisty wife Angela Norris (Ali Larter) and her daughter and BFF, Ainsley Norris (Michelle Randolph), are preparing her for college, which creates empty-nest issues for Angela. Cooper Norris (Jacob Lofland) has hit it lucky on a few oil wells that he has scouted and is learning to navigate his relationship with widowed Ariana (Paulina Chávez). There is also an introduction to T.L. (Sam Elliott) as Tommy’s father, to provide some insight into how Tommy is and further his character growth, not just as a father and husband, but also as a son.
As the second season unfolded, the stories centered on characters and their relationships, and even Rebecca Falcone (Kayla Wallace) was given a love interest to soften her hard-hitting lawyer character. A lot of this slowed down the momentum and storytelling of season one, and for a while, it seemed to circle T.L. being depressed at his wife’s death and how Tommy was trying to process all of it. I really thought that was going to lead to the death of T.L. from either old age or a broken heart. I was also a bit bored with the Cooper/Ariana storyline, which I’ve never really cared for, even in season one. I think Taylor Sheridan must feel that his character would be too dull without her, even though his casting is spot on.
The season eventually turned around and felt like a big roller coaster dip-and-thrill ride. A murder did in fact happen, which involved Cooper and Ariana, but more as an accidental or justified death. Tommy was fired by Cami, which inspired him go out on his own, but also leaves the question of where Cami’s character might go for season three. Sam Elliott did not die; he snapped out of his depression, and now I look forward to seeing what they do with his character in season three. The Ainsley storyline will play out just as nicely as she will be in college, and we got a taste of it as she had to deal with a very politically correct roommate. This leaves Angela needing something new to do now that her partner in crime will be attending classes and cheerleading.
I’ve watched every Taylor Sheridan universe show, and the man does not disappoint. If there’s one thing that I do know, even if there are seasons that seem slow or take a downturn, he always knows how to turn it up and leave you satisfied. If I thought most of the season ran at a 5, the finale hit a level 10 and definitely left me wanting more. The man knows his audience and how to write for them.
All episodes of Landman season two are now streaming on Paramount+.
