Taylor Sheridan's latest series, Landman, has been praised as a gritty oil industry drama that rivals his earlier hit Yellowstone. Starring Billy Bob Thornton as Tommy Norris, a hard-drinking, debt-ridden overseer of an oil-drilling operation in west Texas's Permian Basin, the show is packed with sharp one-liners and a rugged, old-school sensibility.
The series follows Tommy as he navigates explosive catastrophes, legal troubles, and family drama. His boss, Monty Miller (Jon Hamm), is a gruff plutocrat, while Tommy's ex-wife Angela (Ali Lartner) and daughter Ainsley (Michelle Randolph) add personal complications. Ainsley's provocative behaviour and Angela's flirtatious video calls test Tommy's patience, leading to biting remarks like, 'Your tits look great. Don't get syphilis.'
Critics have noted the show's problematic portrayal of women, with female characters often objectified or dismissed. Attorney Rebecca Savage (Kayla Wallace) is mocked for her professionalism, while Tommy's attitude towards renewable energy and modern sensibilities reflects Sheridan's trademark critique of 'wokery'. Despite these flaws, the series is lauded for its quotable dialogue and Thornton's commanding performance.
Fans of Sheridan's work will find familiar themes: hard men preserving a dying way of life against criminals, bureaucrats, and the law. While Landman may not break new ground, it delivers the gritty, epigrammatic storytelling that has made Sheridan a household name.
