Taylor Sheridan's "Yellowstone" universe has grown over time. Landman is among those projects, exploring oil industry life and conflicts that come with the high stakes nature of that field. The show features dramatic storytelling and complicated characters who are battling each other and their personal inner demons.
Series Overview: Landman on Paramount+
“Landman” is a drama series which revolves around the world of West Texas oil with a focus on the characters and issues that go along with this type of work. It draws on conflict between family, work, and new personal threats.
Inspired by Boomtown Podcast
The show is based on the “Boomtown” podcast from Texas monthly, giving a closer look into the dynamic between billionaires and blue collar workers in the field and the affect the booming industry had on people's everyday lives.
Character Studies
Tommy Norris: The Central Figure
Billy Bob Thronton who stars as Tommy Norris is a core element of the show. Tommy is shown as an oil and gas operator which deals with personal and professional life complexities, new partnerships, betrayals, and conflicts that require tough decision making. The show reveals his internal struggles when his personal beliefs come head to head with a rapidly evolving professional position.
Monty Miller's Downfall
Jon Hamm is shown as Monty Miller an oil tycoon who ends up falling gravely ill. Monty's character influences many main plot points which involve the passing over his empire onto those around him.
Demi Moore's Role as Cami
Demi Moore will plays a key role in Landman which gives light to the business aspect and also the emotional. As time goes on more personal aspects are unveiled and many want to see how this character grows with time.
Additional Characters
Other recurring characters, such as Cooper Norris and Angela have important parts of the story line while showing conflicts related to choices from family relationships and complicated views from work. Each character is given depth with their personal choices and beliefs showcased throughout the different points of the plot.
Plot and Story Points
Season 1's Final Moments and Conflicts
Season 1 culminates with many characters reaching their final turning points from challenges that come both internally and externally. Many aspects are still open ended making this ready for another season. There are several events showcasing struggles within different aspects of the character's roles in the show.
Tommy Norris Forced Partnership
A new cartel leader “Galino” played by Andy Garcia enters the show giving the first time on screen for Garcia and Thornton together to play off their unique skills. This character creates a new sense of direction as he wants to partner with rather than go to war against the new lead.
The Potential for Season 2
The first season ended leaving a lot to unfold as the newly appointed executive now must also work with an enemy cartel leader. If the series continues viewers may see more about the character’s transformation, the exploration of those uneasy partnerships, and more insights about the energy world.
Themes and Social Commentary
Highlighting Modern Issues
The series doesn't shy away from modern issues as it also questions how much control society has within the oil business. Viewers have noticed that issues and concepts surrounding ethical standards within a capitalist perspective are questioned throughout several episodes.
Reckless Behavior
Characters also express questionable views that sometimes can appear as propaganda while other times seem a call to action for viewers to choose an area for understanding what these major talking heads promote and if the views are logical. These factors create unique tension between the people that follow and those who speak these views.
Production and Authenticity
Authenticity of the oil Industry
the show was made in such a way to create authenticity with on screen locations to show real life situations that come with the oil industry. The production crew and writers have aimed to make the show as authentic as possible and the series reflects their research into these worlds. This was also aided by creating characters that represent people within the fields.
Guest Appearances
Another element of the show is unique interactions from guest appearances as seen when the Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones had an unscripted story during the series showcasing Sheridan's unique relationships and connections in different areas.
Viewers and Critiques
The "Landman" has created a large interest for viewership by using known actors. Some views highlight both their excitement but also criticism on certain aspects.
Exploring all Perspectives
The series also uses some elements to encourage multiple perspectives even on difficult conversations. The show also takes certain approaches that some say help to sway people’s perspectives about issues such as climate control . Some viewpoints on that have made viewers critical about what may be considered “political”.
Key Takeaways
- “Landman” is a series following characters who work in the world of West Texas Oil and has various aspects related to that lifestyle.
- The show stars Billy Bob Thorton, Demi Moore, John Hamm and several others who create the different character driven conflicts within.
- Season one's finale puts multiple people in jeopardy with Tommy’s life now in the hands of a cartel leader making their partnership a requirement for moving forward.
- While based on an accurate podcast some viewers notice areas where facts were skewed to show bias which cause some challenges in viewpoints of the show.
- Overall “Landman” has become popular due to high production value and has raised many questions about what to expect next.