Taylor Sheridan’s ‘The Madison’ Repeats a Controversial ‘Landman’ Storyline

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Taylor Sheridan is releasing new shows so rapidly that it’s hard for viewers to keep track, and like any production line, his projects are starting to feel a bit repetitive. His newest show, The Madison, initially planned as a continuation of Yellowstone but later developed on its own, also centers around family dynamics. Notably, it revisits and expands upon a storyline that proved controversial in his show Landman. We’ll discuss that storyline shortly.

Like many shows from Taylor Sheridan, The Madison hasn’t been a hit with critics. It currently has a 59% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, indicating it has quite a few problems. However, audiences seem to enjoy it, with a 75% score on the Popcornmeter and an 8/10 rating on IMDb. Despite the positive fan response, the show isn’t always easy to watch, as it deals with difficult themes of grief and requires some emotional stamina. One particular character’s storyline also adds to the challenge.

What’s ‘Landman’s Most Controversial Storyline?

While the show Landman is full of dramatic events, the most talked-about storyline unfolded in the second-to-last and final episodes of Season 2. It centers on Ainsley, the teenage daughter of the Norris family, who attends a cheerleading camp at TCU. There, she meets Paigyn, a non-binary roommate who embodies many of the values that conservative media outlets oppose.

Paigyn quickly tells Ainsley they’re non-binary and vegan. They also share some unique preferences: they prefer meditation to music, and they’re passionate about both mental health and animal rights. One thing that’s important to them is that people spell their name correctly – it’s “Pagan,” like the old religion, not “Pay-gin.”

It’s fine to highlight one of these characteristics, but showcasing all of them feels intentionally provocative towards conservatives. Ainsley is upset, questioning the use of “they/them” pronouns and immediately making fun of Paigyn’s identity. She even calls her mother, asking to be taken away from the situation. Predictably, her mother arrives and also mocks Paigyn before leaving with her daughter.

Some viewers strongly disliked the storyline, feeling it was used to express controversial political views and portray liberals negatively. However, the finale offers a resolution, bringing the characters to a point of understanding. This approach of finding common ground is something Taylor Sheridan also explores in his other work, The Madison.

Paige From ‘The Madison’ Is an Amalgam of Ainsley and Paigyn

The story of The Madison centers around the Clyburns, a family from New York City who relocate to the Madison River valley in southwest Montana to heal after the loss of their father. Similar to another family in the story, the Clyburns have a daughter who is spoiled and focused on herself. But where Ainsley leans towards conservative beliefs, Paige is more aligned with liberal viewpoints.

The first episode begins with Paige being robbed on a busy street in New York City. Soon after, she encounters police officers who ask her to describe the robber, including his race, but she objects, believing it’s prejudiced to do so. The episode then highlights some inconsistencies: while people express concerns about New York’s safety, Paige still feels unhappy and longs for her previous life even after her family moves to Montana.

Similar to the portrayal in Landman, this plot suggests that liberals create problems to be upset about, rather than having genuine reasons to feel angry. The Clyburn family’s dislike of Paige implies her beliefs aren’t well-founded. Interestingly, Taylor Sheridan seems to use similar names for his liberal characters – Paige and Paigyn – across his shows.

I have to admit, the character of Paige in this ranching show is… frustrating, by design, I think. Like a couple of the others, she comes across as really privileged, and the show definitely seems to be using her to represent some bigger problems with American society. Honestly, it’s a bold move by the creator, Taylor Sheridan – he’s clearly more interested in taking risks and making people think than just playing it safe. And it’s worked for him so far, which makes me curious to see where he takes things. Right now, though, The Madison really needs some work. I’m hoping Season 2 will address a lot of these issues and really deliver on the potential.

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2026-03-25 19:20