Landman (TV Series), hard truths of oilfields
After watching a short clip from this TV series, I was curious enough to check out Landman (2024-). Set in the oilfields of West Texas, the series follows the daily challenges faced by a supervisor in a local oil company. The show balances the hard realities of oil extraction with the personal life of the landman, keeping the audience engaged throughout. Mangoidiots rates it Ripe.
The narrative is rooted entirely in the rugged landscapes of West Texas. Early on, we get a clear picture of the risky and demanding lives of the workers on the wells. Many of them are not college graduates; they take up these physically tough jobs far from home, hoping for better prospects. The story also offers glimpses into the lives and struggles of the local Hispanic community. On the other hand, the owners of the smaller oil wells are shown as detached from the daily hardships faced by their workforce. The role of the supervisor or manager of these oilfields, known as the landman, forms the core of the plot.
The casting is a major highlight, with Billy Bob Thornton playing Tommy Norris, the landman. He brings out the nuances of a tough, determined supervisor. The cast also includes Ali Larter as his ex-wife, Michelle Randolph as his daughter, Jacob Lofland as his son, and Paulina Chavez as the young widow. The evolving dynamics within this family of four add depth to the story. Jon Hamm appears as the owner, and Demi Moore plays his wife. In Season 1, Demi Moore has a limited presence, which may change in the next season.
The dialogues delivered by Tommy Norris, written by Taylor Sheridan, stand out for their sharpness. While the character’s comments on renewable energy can be debated, they stay true to his persona. Some scenes are especially well-executed-for example, Norris handling the mafia by inviting the US National Guard to train in the desert, using both firmness and strategy to address the threat. The budding romance between Norris’s son and the young widow is portrayed with genuine emotion. Meanwhile, the subplot of Norris’s daughter and her mother volunteering at an old-age home, though a familiar idea, is handled pleasantly.
It is worth noting that this is a serious family drama with very little room for comedy.
Season 1 concludes on a cliffhanger. I am looking forward to Season 2.
Originally published at https://venkatarangan.com on May 10, 2025.
