Screen legend Sam Elliott has made his highly-anticipated debut in the Western drama Landman, delivering a powerful performance that's already captivating audiences. The 81-year-old actor appeared in the second season's first episode, titled 'Death and a Sunset', which began streaming on Paramount+ this Sunday.
A Powerful Character Introduction
Elliott portrays T.L., the father of Billy Bob Thornton's character Tommy Norris, in a scene that showcases the veteran actor's remarkable talent. The Sacramento-born star's character was depicted living in a Texas assisted living facility, where he spends his days watching sunsets from his wheelchair. The pivotal episode was written by series creator Taylor Sheridan and directed by Stephen Kay, ensuring the quality Landman viewers have come to expect.
In a particularly moving scene, a care worker attempts to persuade T.L. to return indoors before sunset. The tension escalates when nurse Hank, played by Wes Frazier, arrives with devastating news about a woman named Dorothy's passing. Hank explains they received a call from 'memory care in Amarillo' revealing Dorothy 'took her afternoon nap, just didn't wake up.'
Emotional Depth and Raw Performance
Elliott's character responds to the news with profound grief, sobbing openly and confessing he feels like he's 'dying a little bit' every day. In a shocking moment that highlights the character's world-weariness, T.L. advises Hank: 'I recommend you find a way to die quick.' When Hank attempts to offer comfort by saying Dorothy is 'in a better place' and that T.L. will see her again, Elliott's character delivers a stunning retort: 'If I do, that means I'm in hell, too.'
The emotional weight of these scenes becomes clearer later in the episode when Tommy Norris tells Angela about a death in the family. When she asks 'Baby, who died?', he reveals the heartbreaking truth: 'My mother', confirming Dorothy's significance to the main characters.
Continuing a Successful Partnership
This marks another collaboration between Elliott and visionary creator Taylor Sheridan, following their work on the critically acclaimed Yellowstone prequel 1883. Elliott's performance in that series earned him significant recognition, including a SAG Award in February 2023. During his acceptance speech in Los Angeles, the veteran actor expressed deep gratitude for the honour, calling it 'the most meaningful acknowledgement of my 55-year career.'
Landman, which focuses on the West Texas oil boom, confirmed Elliott's casting back in April, with later revelations specifying he would play Thornton's father. The series continues to demonstrate Sheridan's talent for creating compelling Western dramas with complex characters brought to life by some of Hollywood's most respected actors.
