Taylor Sheridan has solidified his position as a powerful television creator with his latest series, “Landman,” which takes a gritty look into the oil industry of Texas. This new drama centers around Tommy Norris, played by Billy Bob Thornton, who navigates the complexities of the oil business while challenging the romanticized view of ranch life. Norris’s argument that a landowner is merely an oilman using cattle for profit sets the tone for a series that doesn’t shy away from the harsh realities of its setting in the Permian Basin.
In line with Sheridan’s usual approach, he has penned all the scripts for “Landman,” collaborating with Christian Wallace, whose podcast inspired the show. Wallace brings an authentic perspective to the narrative, having firsthand experience in the oil fields, which informs both Norris’s maneuvers and his son Cooper’s (Jacob Lofland) grueling work on drilling rigs after dropping out of college.
The series shines in its portrayal of the oil and gas industry, using Thornton’s strong screen presence to delve into relevant themes, including climate change and the intricacies of oil rights. The gripping opening scene, which features Norris negotiating with a cartel member, humorously parallels the oil trade with the drug trade, engaging the audience in otherwise mundane topics.
While Tommy Norris is a flawed but compelling character—a swaggering, hard-drinking cowboy grappling with his own demons—the same cannot be said for the female characters, who often lack depth and development. The flaws in character portrayal extend to both family dynamics and professional relationships, which detracts from the overall narrative depth. A notable example is Tommy’s ex-wife, Angelica, played by Ali Larter, who despite being portrayed with gusto, doesn’t evolve beyond her initial characterization.
Despite these weaknesses, “Landman” compensates through its vivid sense of place, evoking the atmosphere of Texas that hasn’t been seen on TV since the beloved “Friday Night Lights.” Although some threads in the storyline appear disjointed, the compelling setting can carry the narrative forward, creating hope for a more cohesive experience in the latter half of the season.
As “Landman” continues its release on Paramount+ with new episodes weekly, viewers are encouraged to see how the complex world of the oil industry unfolds, perhaps embracing a nuanced discussion on the fine line between dependency on and the future of fossil fuels.
Overall, “Landman” offers an engaging exploration of contemporary issues, set against the backdrop of Texas’s oil fields, blending drama, humor, and social commentary. As more episodes are released, there remains a tantalizing potential for character development and deeper narrative connections, keeping audiences hopeful for what’s to come.