Landman Season 2, Episode 1 Review: Sam Elliott Elevates Strong But Safe Series Return

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WARNING: SPOILERS ahead for Landman season 2, episode 1.

Okay, so the second season of Landman kicked off with an amazing episode, “Death and a Sunset!” They introduced some really interesting new faces, like Sam Elliott’s character, T.L., and honestly, Demi Moore as Cami Miller was fantastic – especially knowing she just got an Oscar nomination! What I really love is that the show still feels like Landman – that perfect mix of drama and humor – and it’s all shot with this gorgeous, almost golden, Western vibe that just pulls you in.

With the second season of Landman now underway, it’s clear that Jon Hamm’s character, Monty Miller, is gone. This leaves Cami in charge of her now-huge oil company, M-Tex. She quickly shows a room full of powerful oil executives that she’s a force to be reckoned with, proving she’s no longer the gentle person they once knew.

Honestly, some of the characters on Landman feel like they haven’t grown at all. Tommy Norris, played by Billy Bob Thornton, is still barely holding it together with beer and cigarettes. But his son, Cooper, finally takes a risk and it pays off big time – he finds oil early on and starts his own company, and it’s almost too easy! Ariana’s still right there with him, too.

The latest episode featured plenty of drama, especially from Ali Larter’s character, Angela, who quickly caused another chaotic scene reminiscent of the first season after Tommy criticized her actions. Meanwhile, Ainsley got some good news about college – after a funny back-and-forth, the dean agreed to let her pursue her dreams at TCU. We also learned that Ryder, the popular character from last season, didn’t have the grades to play football at Texas Tech.

Okay, so Landman season two feels pretty familiar – it mostly sticks to what worked in season one, which isn’t a bad thing! But honestly, the real draw this time around is Sam Elliott. His character, T.L., is fantastic – a really thoughtful, strong, and quietly determined guy. He brings a wonderful depth to the show, and I think he’ll be especially welcome now that Jon Hamm isn’t around. He’s a total standout.

Landman’s Season 2 Plays It Safe With A Slow & Steady Premiere

Season 2 of Landman picks up right where season 1 left off, showing what happens after Monty dies and Tommy almost gets killed by the cartel. Luckily, Gallino – Tommy’s supposed business partner and the cartel boss – saves him.

It’s great to see Cooper playing a bigger role with his family from the start of this season, especially since he was often separate from the main story in season one. Hopefully, we’ll continue to see him interact with his family, and it would be interesting to watch his relationship with Ainsley grow as they both mature. Knowing his history, though, it’s unlikely his good luck will last.

While Landman doesn’t quite have a repeat of the issues from season 1, the dinner scene felt very similar to those earlier episodes. It’s bordering on becoming a predictable trope. It might have been more effective to introduce that conflict later in the season, as it felt a bit too familiar for the first episode.

Ainsley caused a stir last season because of her age and revealing outfits, but the new season is giving her character more depth. A recent scene where she visits a college was surprisingly humorous, and actress Michelle Randolph is doing a great job portraying a more developed Ainsley as she begins her college experience.

Demi Moore & Sam Elliott Make Fantastic Season 2 Introductions

Demi Moore’s character, Cami, had a limited role in the first season of Landman, so she makes a strong reintroduction at the start of season two. She quickly proves her power with a compelling speech that silences her critics – a particularly effective moment given Moore’s recent acclaim and near-Oscar win for The Substance.

A highlight of Landman season 2 was definitely getting to know T.L., Sam Elliott’s character and Tommy’s father. Like his son, T.L. is a skilled communicator, especially when he’s explaining things or making a strong point. He shares Tommy’s determination and intelligence, and it will be great to see them interact on screen – possibly as early as the next episode.

The second episode of season two of Landman quickly establishes that the show isn’t planning any major changes in its overall style or feel. While some viewers will appreciate this consistency, others might find the premiere a bit underwhelming and wish for something more exciting. Compared to the show’s very first episode, this season two opener is noticeably more subdued.

The second season of Landman started off somewhat cautiously, with a few strong moments and a generally familiar vibe. However, it’s still a compelling and enjoyable episode, and it begins to explore Tommy’s family history. As the storylines involving oil and the cartel gain momentum, the show promises to ramp up the tension and deliver the kind of gripping drama that fans expect from Taylor Sheridan’s hit series.

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2025-11-17 21:42