Landman Season-Premiere Recap: The Sharks Are Circling

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If you read my summaries of the last few seasons of Yellowstone, you know I have complicated feelings about Taylor Sheridan. The show started strong, but it lost its way and became repetitive and self-indulgent. It felt like Sheridan was focusing more on his other projects, like Landman, which premiered around the same time as the disappointing final episodes.

Here I am reviewing another Taylor Sheridan series, but unlike some of his others, this one hasn’t bored me yet. It definitely has flaws, which I’ll discuss, but the setting in the oil industry is compelling and brings a much-needed energy that was lacking in the later seasons of Yellowstone. Billy Bob Thornton is fantastic as Tommy Norris – it’s clear the role was created with him in mind, and he’s captivating to watch, even when his character delivers over-the-top speeches that feel like they were written by Sheridan himself.

The latest episode of “Death and a Sunset” quickly dives into a classic rant. Less than a minute in, Tommy is already passionately explaining how companies like Kellogg’s use advertising to convince people that breakfast is essential. He also gives a busboy $100 to go buy cigarettes – a truly legendary move.

It hasn’t been long since the last season ended. After the death of Tommy’s friend and mentor, Monty Miller, Tommy has unexpectedly become president of M-Tex Oil and is adjusting to the perks, like traveling by private jet between Midland and Fort Worth. However, things are tense at work. Banks are hesitant to invest in the company now that Monty is gone and Cami, his wife, is in charge. While Tommy still handles the day-to-day operations, Cami doesn’t have a strong understanding of the oil business, which worries those who work with M-Tex. To reassure everyone, Cami hosts a luncheon to demonstrate her capabilities and prove she’s a strong leader.

It was confusing why Demi Moore had such a small role in the first season. However, with Monty’s character gone, it looks like she’ll be much more involved, and I’m really looking forward to it. I had hoped the show would develop her character this way, even when she initially seemed like just the supportive wife, offering a loving or sad glance now and then.

The series Landman could really benefit from a well-developed, strong female character, and Cami has the potential to be that character. Her introduction is the most engaging part of the premiere, beginning with a bathroom scene that echoes the style and themes of The Substance, featuring a particularly striking shot of Demi Moore looking vulnerable and insecure. To further emphasize the challenges Cami faces, she’s subjected to a harsh comment from a young woman boasting about her upcoming trip to Tulum with a wealthy older man, who snidely remarks that ‘the divorced doctor convention is one hotel over—it’s a young woman’s game here.’

Cami used the anger she felt as motivation and delivered a fantastic speech. She boldly described herself as a shrewd businesswoman, explaining how she plans to profit from the upcoming energy boom, and even asserted she’s more ruthless than Monty, cautioning anyone against underestimating her. The audience loved it, and Tommy surprisingly complimented her, saying Monty would have been impressed. It was a rare moment of genuine respect from Tommy towards a woman on the show, and it was a welcome sight.

I was hoping to see some improvement with the characters of Angela and Ainsley, who felt poorly developed even back in the first season. Sadly, they still seem that way. For example, Angela immediately started praising gray sweatpants – and pointing out a rather unfortunate pattern on them – to her teenage daughter. They’re visiting Texas Christian University, and it’s pretty clear Ainsley will get in because she’s already been promised a spot on the cheerleading squad as a walk-on.

The admissions counselor was understandably upset after their meeting, which went terribly. Ainsley came across as unbelievably clueless. While I enjoy a comedic ‘bimbo’ character when it’s well-written, Ainsley’s portrayal feels inconsistent. She’s academically successful – a good ACT score and in the top 10% of her class – but then makes shockingly naive statements, like not knowing a common word, claiming to be studying abroad in a local city, and believing cheerleaders are unfairly treated at college. It wasn’t even amusing to watch her struggle.

Ainsley’s dramatic moment at the premiere is matched by Angela’s over-the-top dinner – a fancy cacio e pepe with truffle. Angela is already intensely focused on her daughter’s future and wants to buy a house near TCU in Fort Worth. While financially feasible for the family, Tommy sees it as Angela being impulsive and overly emotional, blaming it on her period. It’s unpleasant, and Angela fuels his reaction with a dramatic outburst, throwing dishes, but quickly calms down when Tommy compliments her. Tommy realizes he shouldn’t constantly bring up Angela’s cycle, though it’s doubtful he’ll remember that for long. Ultimately, it’s frustrating that the show seems to justify Tommy’s behavior by confirming Angela was, in fact, experiencing hormonal changes and PMS.

And Cooper? Things are really looking up for him. His oil well is now producing a lot of oil, which means he and Ariana are about to become very wealthy. However, Ariana doesn’t seem all that excited, and I’m not sure what to make of her calm reaction. If I were in his shoes and about to earn $10 million a year, I’d be ecstatic!

The episode “Death and a Sunset” ends with Tommy learning his mother has passed away. While we don’t know much about his parents yet, the episode introduces his father, Thomas (also known as T.L.), who receives the news while watching the sunset at his assisted living facility. It’s a powerful scene, made even stronger by surprisingly good writing – T.L.’s angry reaction to potentially missing the sunset feels realistic – and a captivating performance by Sam Elliott. He’s a major reason to believe the second season of Landman could be an improvement over the first.

Boomtown

Besides the reasons already mentioned, Andy Garcia’s return is also generating excitement. He appeared as the cartel boss Gallino in last season’s finale and is expected to be back this year, though he hasn’t been seen yet.

When Tommy suggests Cami let him take the lead, it doesn’t come across as him trying to control things or take credit. He simply understands Cami is a target, and he’s trying to shield both her and the company from potential harm.

Okay, so Rebecca Falcone – you might remember her as the lawyer Tommy tried to explain wind turbines to – she’s not back this week either. Apparently, M-Tex still has her on the payroll, which is… interesting.

I was relieved when the admissions counselor addressed Ainsley’s inappropriate and snobbish comments. Her focus on matching attractiveness in cheerleaders and football players was dangerously close to promoting harmful ideas about genetics and superiority.

I’m really hoping this season finally explains what’s going on between Cooper and Ainsley. It would be great to see Ainsley’s character develop in the process, too.

Nate criticizing Angela for using the term “senorita” feels manufactured, like a way for the show’s creator, Sheridan, to create drama by having characters act in a way designed to offend certain groups.

I suspect Dorothy was ill for a while because T.L. heard about it from the Memory Care facility in Amarillo.

• “I recommend you find a way to die quick. This dying a little bit every day is…”

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2025-11-17 00:55