Landman Recap: The Rules of the Game

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I might need to rethink my scoring for this season of Landman – I’m really liking it! While the show doesn’t always move at the perfect speed, it’s hitting a good rhythm by balancing interesting character development with the increasing drama at M-Tex. Honestly, I’m finding it much more engaging and emotionally gripping than the final seasons of Yellowstone were.

As we reach the midpoint of the season, M-Tex is facing several serious problems. This includes the aftermath of the incident with the driver in the truck from the beginning of the last episode, who tragically took his own life before the M-Tex vehicle made contact – a situation that could still lead to legal action. Additionally, the company is still dealing with the consequences of a deadly hydrogen sulfide leak at an old, unused pump jack that resulted in multiple fatalities among hunters.

The biggest issue right now is the fallout from Monty’s actions. The $400 million that’s gone missing remains a serious problem. Despite Rebecca’s confident statements a few weeks ago, the insurance company suing M-Tex isn’t backing down. They want the new drilling rig operational within 45 days and will demand weekly updates to verify M-Tex is complying. If M-Tex fails to meet this deadline, a grand jury will decide the company’s fate, and someone will likely face legal consequences – possibly including charges of embezzlement, insurance fraud, and wire fraud, leading to significant financial losses.

Getting the money back is critical, but there’s no easy fix. In a complicated conversation, Tommy, Cami, Nate, and Alan reveal that the funds were moved to an insurance company – and Monty took out maximum coverage on their house and planes – to avoid paying taxes. Now, the money is tied up in private equity investments, and withdrawing it early would result in significant losses. Essentially, Cami controls the money, but she can’t actually use it right now.

Alan advised Cami to declare bankruptcy. While this would mean losing her company, certain leases, and income from her mineral rights, it would also eliminate her debt. She could then potentially start a new career in insurance and repurchase her planes. However, remembering her husband’s dedication and her own ambitions, Cami is strongly opposed to giving up everything he built – and her chance to succeed as a businesswoman. She’s determined to secure funding from Danny Morrell to keep her company, M-Tex, operating.

Tommy isn’t happy about this news. He already delivered bad news to Danny earlier – M-Tex now owns Cooper’s leases and will handle any debts – which didn’t go over well. However, the show smartly avoids making Danny’s reaction overly explosive, even though he does shout about being the answer to M-Tex’s problems. It’s more a plea for acceptance than a threat. He simply wants to work together! Tommy, consider the potential for a great friendship here.

The most compelling part of this conflict is the escalating tension between Tommy and Cami. Even after Tommy reveals the full story of M-Tex’s connection to the cartel and Danny’s past, Cami refuses to back down. She’s determined to protect the company and her husband’s reputation, even if it means being exposed as the cartel’s chief money launderer. Their friendship is a standout element of the show, making their fight particularly impactful, especially when Cami asserts her authority with, “From now on, meetings come to me.” Demi Moore continues to deliver a fantastic performance and is easily the best actor this season.

The main plot of the season is really starting to develop, but like most shows by Taylor Sheridan, Landman also focuses on personal relationships, and that’s been working well so far. While Cooper and Ariana haven’t always been the most exciting characters, it feels natural that they’re now discussing marriage, even though it’s happening quickly. Ariana wants Cooper to be a traditional gentleman and properly ask for her hand, after getting her father’s blessing. However, even in the world of the show, her father’s approval isn’t actually required – it was a way to test Cooper. He simply asks that Cooper stay safe. Ariana has already faced a lot of hardship, and her mother is battling cancer, so she really needs some stability.

Things are quickly falling apart for Cooper’s ambitious money-making scheme. He used the M-Tex name to get drilling crews working, which has resulted in $44 million in invoices being sent to M-Tex. Sonrisa’s loan won’t cover these bills, and while Cooper hoped to pay them off with oil profits, it’s more likely Sonrisa will take over his leases and sell them, leaving Cooper with nothing. Ultimately, Tommy will purchase the leases, pay the outstanding costs, and re-hire Cooper to work as a crew member, giving him a chance to learn the business side of things. It’s a major shift in plans for Cooper, who initially expected to become wealthy quickly, but surprisingly, he doesn’t seem too bothered by it, as his marriage to Ariana appears to be his top priority.

What really stands out in “The Pirate Dinner” is how it makes Angela and Ainsley somewhat likable. Angela throws a welcome dinner for T.L. and decides to recreate his last meal: a seafood boil. This immediately brings pirates to mind, which is a theme that keeps Tommy baffled throughout the episode.

It’s still not entirely clear what role T.L. will play in the larger story, but giving him some downtime to settle in with the Norris family – Dale, Nate, and everyone else – makes sense. He even starts to connect with Ainsley’s friend and neighbor, Shelby (played by Audrey McGraw, Tim McGraw and Faith Hill’s daughter). While the purpose of that scene – and why he later mentions Shelby to Ainsley – isn’t obvious, it’s a pleasant moment for now.

For me, the most powerful moment of the episode was definitely T.L.’s reaction while Angela and Ainsley were playfully arguing about Nate. It just hit me how much he cherishes even the smallest parts of everyday life – seeing people genuinely happy together. That feeling stuck with me right through to the end, when Tommy finally made it home after what had clearly been a truly awful day. It was a really sweet and touching moment.

I almost wished we’d seen more of the pirate-themed dinner party, but it’s possible the event itself isn’t the point. What seems to matter more is that it’s a comforting place for Tommy to go when he’s struggling – and T.L. is starting to realize that, too. Tommy jokes about it being a difficult experience, but he’s clearly happy that Angela (and even Rebecca!) are fully embracing the fun. The final scene shows him surrounded by his loved ones, and he looks genuinely joyful.

Boomtown

Before the pirate-themed dinner, there’s a deliberately fake “birthday party” for Angela at the nursing home – she’s in on the surprise. The scene mostly focuses on predictable jokes about the residents’ sex lives, like Angela receiving sex toys and discovering her friends have been watching adult channels. Honestly, I think the story would have been better if it had focused more on the dinner itself.

• Tommy visits Jerrell in the hospital, but this time we don’t even see it on screen.

• “You look just like her.” “Like who?” Come on, Ainsley, who do you think?

The show didn’t directly address Rebecca’s brief encounter with Charlie, so it’s unclear what role he’ll play in the future.

Tommy claims he broke his nose while working on a derrick at age 30, and now can’t smell or taste anything. But that doesn’t quite fit with what we know, since he frequently mentions enjoying the taste of beer.

This week, we’re seeing less of the usual Michelob Ultra ads and more mentions of EIGHT, a beer created by Troy Aikman.

• Tommy leaves Ariana a huge tip, so that’s nice.

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2025-12-14 17:55