Landman - Season 2 (Paramount+)

By: Nick Zednik

Returning for its second season, viewers are reminded that everybody has a price, and so does oil, in the twisty Paramount+ hit dramedy, Landman. Showrunner Taylor Sheridan (Yellowstone, Lioness) doubles down on the intrigue of oil consumption and the greed that follows as Tommy Norris (Billy Bob Thorton) is forced to stabilize a crumbling West Texas energy empire while facing cartel-linked rivals, financial chaos, and the circus of his own family life.

Season 2 dials up on the wise-cracking sense of humor as the looming fear of danger oil riggers face in the field perfectly complements the cinematic landscape of Texas. The chaotic mass production of oil intensifies as political adversaries materialize. Meanwhile, relationships grow and drift apart as a greater emphasis is placed on Tommy’s son, Cooper (Jacob Lofland) and the complicated relationship with his widowed girlfriend, Ariana (Paulina Chàvez) as Cooper works toward a rich future and Ariana seeks independence by working at the meanest, rowdiest, and loudest bar in town just to prove a lesson to her impulsive boyfriend. Demi Moore’s (Ghost) grieving widow Cami and the fierce family attorney, Rebecca Falcone (Kayla Wallace), both effectively chew up the scenery by dominating conversations alongside business negotiations.The addition of Sam Elliot (Road House) as T.L. Norris, Tommy’s father, adds emotional story depth that allows viewers to sink more into the troubled past involving his son. Andy Garcia (The Godfather Part III) also has an increased role serving as a facilitator of intentional business deals who isn’t afraid to let others get their hands dirty for him. Of course, Landman would not exist the same way without the effervescent mother-daughter duo, Ali Larter (Final Destination) and Michelle Rudolph’s (1923) offering viewers non-stop comedic entertainment, especially as it pertains to Tommy Norris consistently resolving their problems rationally within the confines of his always-on-the-road business truck.

The greatest strength of Landman is that it’s a time capsule to an era where audiences crave juicy, western soap-opera dramas with captivating twists and turns to prevent weekly television from becoming stale. While season 2 operates at a more tedious pace thanks to a slower buildup of character motivations percolating, viewers shouldn't expect to see the entire hand be dealt in the first few episodes. Some episodes are more action-packed with high stakes at play while episodes focus on fleshing out the season-long narrative. The characters make the story, not the other way around. Audiences tuning in for the chaos that unfolds in Tommy Norris’s everyday life with our beloved cast will still surely be rewarded. 

Nick’s Pick: 8/10 Landman Season 2 is a solid continuation that adds welcome character depth and escalating conflicts, although patience will be key.