Taylor Sheridan, renowned for his masterful storytelling in series like Yellowstone and 1883, has introduced a gripping new drama, Landman. This series delves into the high-stakes world of oil exploration in West Texas, interweaving corporate greed, personal struggles, and the unrelenting spirit of those chasing fortune. Premiering on November 17, 2024, Landman is quickly establishing itself as a standout in Sheridan’s impressive lineup on Paramount+.
Plot Overview
Landman is a modern-day drama inspired by the podcast Boomtown and co-created by Sheridan and podcast host Christian Wallace. The series focuses on Tommy Norris (Billy Bob Thornton), a crisis manager for an independent oil company. As Tommy navigates the challenges of his demanding profession, he finds himself entangled in the personal lives and ambitions of the industry’s players, from oil tycoons to the roughnecks on the rigs.
The narrative explores the gritty realities of the oil industry, including environmental dilemmas, corporate power plays, and the human toll of pursuing wealth in an unforgiving field. As the stakes rise, the characters are forced to confront their motivations, relationships, and limits.
Key Cast and Characters
The series boasts an exceptional ensemble cast that brings its intense drama to life:
- Billy Bob Thornton as Tommy Norris: A seasoned crisis manager who faces challenges both at work and in his tumultuous personal life.
- Ali Larter as Angela Norris: Tommy’s ex-wife who rekindles their romance despite the complications of their shared past.
- Jon Hamm as Monty Miller: An ambitious oil executive juggling corporate crises and family dynamics.
- Demi Moore as Cami Miller: Monty’s wife, whose perspective sheds light on the emotional cost of the industry.
- Jacob Lofland as Cooper: A young worker determined to make a name for himself in the oil fields, despite the danger and resistance he faces.
Episode Highlights
Episode 1 & 2 Recap
The series begins with a bang, introducing us to Tommy Norris and the oil industry’s high-pressure world. Early episodes reveal the cutthroat dynamics between oil executives, landmen, and workers on the rigs. Monty Miller’s company faces environmental disasters and accusations of negligence, forcing Tommy to step in and manage the fallout. Meanwhile, Cooper struggles to find his place among the roughnecks after a tragedy strikes his initial crew.
Episode 3: Hell Has a Front Yard
In Episode 3, titled Hell Has a Front Yard, tensions escalate as Monty faces a tough decision about an aging oil well. Producing only 12 barrels of oil per day compared to its peak of 180, the well is no longer profitable. Monty declares his plan to “kill the well,” a term used for decommissioning. While this seems like a routine business decision, it underscores the mounting pressures Monty faces both professionally and personally, foreshadowing potential health crises.
Cooper’s journey becomes more perilous as he earns his place in a new crew, but not without confrontation. He fends off an attack from his would-be colleagues and later bonds with Ariana, a grieving widow he meets at a memorial service. Meanwhile, Tommy’s personal life takes a turn as his ex-wife Angela expresses her desire to stay with him, despite their complicated past.
Filming Locations
While the series is set in West Texas, much of Landman was filmed in Fort Worth, Texas. Here’s a breakdown of the notable locations:
- Fort Worth, Texas: The city’s rich oil history and diverse landscapes made it a perfect stand-in for West Texas.
- American Association of Professional Landmen (AAPL) Headquarters: Featured prominently to highlight the professional aspects of the oil industry.
- Fort Worth Petroleum Club: Showcased as a hub for the industry’s elite, depicting the stark contrast between fieldworkers and corporate executives.
- Texas Christian University (TCU): Used for scenes involving Monty’s daughter, Gracie, adding a personal touch to the storyline.
Release Schedule
The series premiered with its first two episodes on November 17, 2024, and follows a weekly release schedule, concluding on January 12, 2025. Here’s the full schedule:
- Episode 1 & 2: November 17, 2024
- Episode 3: November 24, 2024
- Episode 4: December 1, 2024
- Episode 5: December 8, 2024
- Episode 6: December 15, 2024
- Episode 7: December 22, 2024
- Episode 8: December 29, 2024
- Episode 9: January 5, 2025
- Episode 10: January 12, 2025
Critical Reception
Landman has received a 75% critics score on Rotten Tomatoes, with praise directed at Billy Bob Thornton’s compelling performance and the authentic depiction of the oil industry. Critics highlight the series’ ability to balance drama with moments of introspection, offering a nuanced look at the complexities of its characters.
Where to Watch
Landman is available exclusively on Paramount+. The platform offers several subscription options, including bundles with Showtime. New episodes are released every Sunday at 3 a.m. ET/midnight PT.
Conclusion
Taylor Sheridan once again proves his storytelling mastery with Landman. By combining authentic locations, a stellar cast, and gripping narratives, the series offers a deep dive into the volatile world of the oil industry. Whether you’re a fan of Sheridan’s previous works or new to his universe, Landman is a must-watch for those who crave intense drama grounded in real-world struggles.
Prepare for more twists, compelling character arcs, and a realistic portrayal of the challenges faced by those in the oil business as Landman continues its journey.
Image courtesy of Imperative Entertainment, Texas Monthly, Bosque Ranch Productions, 101 Studios, MTV Entertainment Studios, and Paramount+
Mohit Singhania is a passionate film enthusiast and the creator of CinematicJunction.com, a platform dedicated to exploring the world of movies and web series.
With a commitment to delivering original, high-quality content, Mohit combines his love for storytelling with sharp insights into the entertainment industry. When he’s not writing, you can find him binge-watching the latest series or diving deep into the art of filmmaking.
Stay tuned to Cinematic Junction for your daily dose of cinematic trends, reviews, and more!
