Billy Bob Thornton, the acclaimed star of the hit drama Landman, has given an exclusive insight into the cryptic season one finale and the turbulent future awaiting his character, Tommy Norris, in the show's highly anticipated second season.
The Ominous Finale and Its Deeper Meaning
The first season of the Paramount Plus programme, created by Taylor Sheridan, concluded with high drama, leaving Tommy's fate precarious as he prepared to take on the role of president at M-Tex Oil. The finale saw Tommy kidnapped and tortured by a cartel, only to be released after crime boss Gallino, played by Andy Garcia, intervened, ominously stating he wished to 'be friends'.
In the closing moments, a deeply symbolic scene unfolded. Tommy delivers a mysterious warning to a coyote that returns to find another coyote's body in his garden. Referencing his neighbour who shot the first animal, Tommy says, "You better run buddy. They kill coyotes around here." While seemingly addressing the animal, it's clear the warning is a stark reflection Tommy is directing at himself.
Thornton on Tommy Norris's Internal Struggle
In an exclusive chat, Thornton elaborated on why his character struggles to follow his own advice. "Well, when he leaves in this crazy world he lives in sometimes, it's just impossible, you know," the actor explained. He detailed the internal conflict, stating, "There are things he has to do that aren't necessarily what he always wants to do. I mean, I'm the president of the oil company. He certainly doesn't want to be that. Tommy's a driven person, you know, he wants to make things work."
When questioned if audiences will see new dimensions to Tommy in the new series, Thornton promised, "You'll see all the colours this season. Every one of them." This suggests a complex and layered character arc is in store for viewers.
Star-Studded Cast and Season Two Synopsis
Thornton also shared his experience working with a cast of longtime friends, including Demi Moore and Sam Elliot. "It was great. We've never had the chance to actually see each other in a working relationship on a regular basis," he said of Moore. "So, yeah, it's like I'm with an old pal. And the same goes for Sam Elliot, who I've known longer than any of them, and Andy Garcia who I've also known forever and I've never worked with him before." Sam Elliot has officially joined the cast for the second series and is set to feature prominently.
The official synopsis for Landman season two sets the stage for more intense drama: "In Season Two, as oil rises from the earth, so do secrets - and Tommy Norris's breaking point may be closer than he realizes. Facing mounting pressure from M-Tex Oil, Cami Miller (Moore), and the shadow of his kin, survival in West Texas isn't noble - it's brutal. And sooner or later something's got to break."
New episodes of Landman season 2 are available to stream every Sunday on Paramount Plus.
