Spoiler Alert: This post contains spoilers for “The Landman” Season 2 Episode 1, “Death and Sunset,” which premiered Sunday, Nov. 16 on Paramount+.
Hello, “Landman” fans! I’m Bill. We’re heading to Texas with you to analyze the new episode of this beloved Billy Bob Thornton drama. As Season 2 begins, the characters face many changes. In it, Monty Miller (Jon Hamm) dies and his wife Cami (Demi Moore) takes over M-Tex. Cartel boss Jimenez (Alex Meraz) is killed by boss Garino (Andy Garcia). Cooper (Jacob Lofland) tries to make peace with his scandalous relationship with Ariana (Paulina Chavez) by going out on his own to become an oil tycoon. After Monty’s death, Tommy (Thornton) is promoted to a more responsible position at M-Tex. It’s a stressful time, so let’s do our best.
Between Tommy’s breakfast lecture on conspiracies and coffee and cigarettes on the main line before sunrise, I’m also worried he’s going to have a heart attack. There’s already been some good music this season. Did the needle drop on the Turnpike Troubadour less than five minutes into the game? Yes! “Mosquitoes are so big that they can take down a turkey with a flat foot.” Is that not a snobby Texas expression, but rather a horrifying reality in the South? “It’s a young women’s game here. No offense intended.” Sorry, Demi Moore made “Substance.” Treat her with respect or be prepared to be eaten alive. Cami’s speech is regular and reminds us of the take-no-prisoners attitude that makes this show so special. “The only difference between me and Monty is that I’m meaner. Test me and you’ll see how much.” Damn right! Why was Cooper’s first training so successful? There’s another shoe to drop in this get-rich-quick scheme, right? Wow, Ariana can’t help but be excited about becoming an overnight millionaire. why is she so stubborn? The scene where Angela (Ali Larter) expresses her love for gray sweatpants to her daughter Ainsley (Michelle Randolph) is pretty creepy. Will we see Tommy wearing it in future episodes? Ainsley and this college counselor couldn’t be a better match. Can you share a story about these two bottles during their road trip? Shout out to Randolph. Randolph walks a difficult line between over-the-top and surprisingly tender in this scene. It’s hard to empathize with someone who spends most of their admissions meeting with hot people chit-chatting about the importance of having kids together, but she pulls it off. Oh, what a sad introduction to TL (Sam Elliott). Is it too early to cry this season? TL’s harsh rebuttal of being reunited with his wife after he dies: “If that’s the case, then that means I’m in hell too.” Wow, there’s some trauma that needs to be investigated right away. You can smell Cooper through the TV when you see how the Norris women act around him. It’s funny how everyone quickly scatters when Angela has a tantrum and starts throwing dishes. Bonus points are given to those who run away with drinks and food around the table. Tommy and Angela’s quick NC-17 make-up after their dinner fight proves that these two lunatics have a thing for each other. There’s something about Thornton’s cigarette smoking that makes his ugly habit seem so glamorous, right? I love that final shot of the sunset. Tommy is mirrored in his father’s TL, as they both search for the meaning of the patriarch’s death.
Until next week, feel free to discuss your own conspiracy theories and improbable quick bucks in the comments section below.
