Taylor Sheridan, renowned for his monumental ranch series Yellowstone, takes a bold new direction with his latest Paramount+ drama, Landman. While his new protagonist exhibits a strong aversion to rural values, Sheridan’s narrative prowess shines through.
 
The show delves into the gritty, pulsating heart of his home state, Texas. With its sun-drenched backdrop of the Permian Basin, Landman sets a realistic stage that mirrors the conservative ethos and macho swagger that fans of Yellowstone adore. Billy Bob Thornton’s character, Norris, finds himself in a poignant exchange with a landowner who bluntly dismisses his rancher persona: “You’re an oilman who spends the money we give you on cattle.”
 
Landman captures the essence of Texas with both authenticity and a sharp edge, making it a compelling addition to Sheridan’s repertoire of captivating storytelling.
 
Taylor Sheridan, as is his trademark, penned all the scripts for Landman. Yet, he didn’t work alone this time. Collaborating with Christian Wallace, whose insightful podcast Boomtown underpins the series and is hosted on Texas Monthly, Sheridan brought an authentic depth to the narrative. Wallace’s firsthand experience with the oil fields is evident in the shrewd manoeuvres of Billy Bob Thornton’s character, Norris, and the monotonous yet perilous routine of his son, Cooper, portrayed by Jacob Lofland. Against his father’s wishes, Cooper forgoes education to take on the dangerous and demanding work on the rigs, adding a raw and gritty realism to the drama.
 
The collaboration between Taylor Sheridan and Christian Wallace, with Wallace’s firsthand knowledge brings a layer of authenticity and insight that enriches the narrative.
 
Landman thrives on the magnetic presence of Billy Bob Thornton, whose performance masterfully navigates the murky waters of the oil and gas industry, explores potential alternatives, and addresses the ominous shadow of climate change. The pilot episode sets a gripping tone as Norris, with a sack over his head, strikes a deal with a cartel soldier, confidently asserting, “Ours is just bigger.” This encounter, laden with high-stakes narcotics, injects a theatrical and provocative lens on complex issues like the division between surface and mineral rights.
 
Landman vividly brings to life the world of M-Tex Oil, a fictional empire owned by the suave and affluent Monty Miller, portrayed by Jon Hamm. At the heart of the narrative is Norris, once a pioneering entrepreneur, now the versatile troubleshooter for the company. While Norris immerses himself in the daily grind, going door-to-door and tackling hands-on tasks, Monty enjoys the luxury of air travel and lavish, wood-panelled offices.
 
The show traverses some of the oil industry’s most emblematic settings. There’s Tommy’s desolate McMansion, which he shares with a couple of M-Tex colleagues, and the privately funded highways where cartels casually ‘borrow’ trucks and planes with a blind eye from their owners. The local coffee shop is a staple in this world, where a never-ending line of M-Tex pickups queues up at the drive-thru every morning, setting the stage for another day in the high-stakes oil business.
 
While the first season of Landman‘s storyline occasionally suffers from the familiar disjointedness and visible gaps that come with a sprawling television empire of numerous spinoffs scripted by the same hand, its powerful sense of place more than compensates for these shortcomings. The series delivers a unique television experience not seen in this region since Friday Night Lights.
 
Landman captivates with its intriguing characters, sharp dialogue, and simmering wit, promising viewers a thrilling exploration of profit-at-all-costs. Expect drama, suspense, and an abundance of Texan grit that will keep you hooked from start to finish.
 
With Taylor Sheridan’s masterful storytelling and direction, Landman delivers a cinematic experience on the small screen, reminiscent of his work on Yellowstone but with its own unique flavour.
 
Overall, Landman is a significant series because it combines authentic storytelling with compelling characters and provocative themes, set against a visually stunning and culturally rich backdrop. It’s a must-watch for anyone intrigued by the complexities of the oil industry and the human stories within it.

Nominated for Golden Globe Award Landman is now available for streaming.

-Dirk Lombard Fourie