As Season 2 of Landman nears its conclusion, viewers have noticed a shift toward more personal drama and less focus on the oil industry, leaving many fans dissatisfied. With a downgraded audience score of 40% on Rotten Tomatoes compared to Season 1’s 68%, and most episodes receiving under 8/10 on IMDb, the show’s direction has sparked debate. The show’s lead actor, Billy Bob Thornton, had anticipated this downturn well in advance, preparing fans for a noticeable change.
Thornton Anticipated the Season’s Slower Pace and Focus
Before Season 2 premiered, Billy Bob Thornton and co-creator Christian Wallace discussed the show’s upcoming trajectory with Entertainment Weekly. Thornton was upfront about the difference fans should expect: the new season would not be as action-packed as the first.
“Now that the audience knows all the characters, Taylor was able to really dive into the relationships more. Last season, we had to explain what this business was all about and who the people are. This season, he was able to really focus in the first few episodes on the family dynamic and the business dynamic. But this one really ramps up as it goes on, and there’s more and more intensity.”
— Billy Bob Thornton, Actor and Producer
Indeed, much of Season 2 centers on the intricate relationships among characters such as Tommy, his family, and business partners. The characters receive more screen time, giving viewers deeper insight into their personal lives: Rebecca balances work and romance, Angela appears more frequently in person rather than video calls, Cooper strives to prove himself to Ariana through risky wildcatting, and Ainsley aims to be both the ultimate supporter and devoted mother’s girl.
While this character-driven approach enriches the family dynamics, it comes with a trade-off. The technical and business side of the oil industry—topics like thermodynamics, permeability, and fracking—that captivated audiences in Season 1 has been significantly reduced. Instead, the show now resembles more a family drama than an exploration of energy sector mechanics.
From Oil Industry Drama to Soap Opera Style Storytelling
Landman’s current narrative direction feels far removed from its original oil-centric focus, leaning heavily into soap opera territory. The dramatic plotlines are reminiscent of Dallas, with personal conflicts overshadowing the corporate and technical story arcs that once defined the series. The upcoming finale could easily be imagined bearing a sensational title such as “Who Shot Tommy Norris?”
This shift has disappointed many who expected Cami to emerge as a stronger figure driving M-Tex to new heights. Instead, her appearances have been sporadic and primarily spent aggravating Tommy, who himself has not made notable professional advances this season.
Character Development Over Corporate Conflict
The initial season thrived by blending the perilous realities of oil drilling with corporate power struggles within the industry’s culture. In contrast, Season 2’s focus on interpersonal tensions and familial challenges has diluted those elements. The lack of substantial corporate conflict has been especially noticeable, with key characters like Rebecca and Nathan missing opportunities for compelling boardroom drama. For instance, a meaningful story involving a non-binary executive, perhaps a corporate feud or alliance, might have added depth and relevance, but the current subplot involving Ainsley’s conflict with a non-binary roommate remains disconnected from the professional stakes of the series.
Despite these criticisms, Thornton hinted that tension escalates in the later episodes, though the nature of this intensity is divisive among viewers. The penultimate episode’s controversial feud did little to advance character growth or plot complexity, leaving some hopeful that future seasons will refocus on the show’s strengths.
Setting and Story Foundations of Landman
Set against the backdrop of booming West Texas oil towns, Landman narrates a contemporary saga about the pursuit of wealth and influence in the energy sector. The series, inspired by the acclaimed podcast Boomtown, portrays the contrasting lives of roughnecks and wealthy wildcat billionaires whose ambitions drive a boom that reshapes the economy, geopolitics, and environment.
Billy Bob Thornton, known for his acclaimed work in Fargo and Goliath, stars as Tommy Norris, a central figure navigating the high stakes and personal conflicts of this rugged industry. Other cast members—such as Ali Larter playing Angela Norris—bring complexity to the intertwined family and business relationships that remain at the heart of the story.
Expectations for Landman’s Future Seasons
Landman’s second season experience serves as a cautionary tale about balancing character focus with the thematic core of a series. Billy Bob Thornton’s earlier counsel to
“Lower your expectations… Sheridan’s channeling his inner Cami!”
reflects the mixed reactions from loyal viewers expecting the intense industry drama that defined Season 1.
Lower your expectations… Sheridan’s channeling his inner Cami!
— Billy Bob Thornton, Actor and Producer
Looking ahead, many fans hope that Season 3 will restore the show’s emphasis on the corporate and technical dimensions of the oil business while maintaining the engaging interpersonal conflicts. Whether Landman can recapture its initial momentum depends on steering the narrative back toward its unique setting and themes, avoiding the pitfalls of turning into a conventional soap opera.
