Landman

Like the show and everything Taylor Sheridan does, but, where was the technical consultant. At the pump rig accident, Billy Bob isn't even holding the pipe wrench correctly. Nobody on set knows to advise him on something so basic.

I had to play it back when I couldn't beleive what I had just seen. And in the accident scene, a real crew would have the proper equipment and working know how. Like a 36" pipe wrench that a couple of guys could get behind. And a hand held monitor for explosive gasses. Nobody would bang on a short pipe wrench with a mallet. Hell, grad a 2 ft pipe to extend the arm if its all you gave available. Having worked in similar places, the show is way off the safety precautions used in the industry, which is OSHA by the book to a the ridiculous. Nobody would be standing on a truck load of pipe, and nobody is at height without a safety harness.

For someone so focused on his goals, the inclusion of an emotionally unstable, one-woman circus undermines the purpose of the show entirely. It feels like her character disrupts the central narrative, adding unnecessary chaos rather than supporting his journey. The portrayal doesn't enhance the storyline but instead makes it harder to take his determination and focus seriously.

Similarly, the roles of both his wife and daughter feel out of place within the series. The wife comes across as emotionally erratic, while the daughter seems to lack intellectual depth, making her contributions to the plot negligible. The daughter's portrayal feels particularly shallow, with her character offering little beyond surface-level engagement, which doesn't add value to the story.

Moreover, having these characters constantly jump around in provocative clothing, seemingly for no purpose other than to attract views, feels out of sync with the tone of the series. Instead of enhancing the plot or character dynamics, this approach comes off as a superficial tactic to draw attention. It's a strange and unneeded addition that detracts from the overall quality of the narrative.

I need to start off by saying that I'm a huge fan of just about everything Taylor Sheridan (Yellowstone, Mayor of Kingstown, 1923, 1883, Tulsa King, Lioness, Sicario, He'll or Highwater, Wind River, etc, etc.). He hits home run after home run and Landman is no different. It's another hit for Sheridan. Landman takes place in modern day Texas where everyone from billionaires to roughnecks are trying to get rich in the oil industry. This series follows Tommy Norris (Billy Bob Thornton) as he tried to take his company to the top during the oil fuel boom. I would recommend this to anyone looking for a good new series to watch, especially if you're a fan of Taylor Sheridan.

It's formula TV but by a writer who'll be remembered in a few decades much like Norman Lear is now. The difference here seems to be geography. It's another western-niche show and it's genius marketing coupled with fine performances by high quality actors. Accuracy issues regarding the oil industry? Apparently. Inappropriateness regarding the mother-daughter-father-family dynamics? Yes. Does it mean none of it plays out in real life the same way? It doesn't matter, it's a dynamic production and a fun one to watch. Thornton is meant for the role, although I read it was written for him only to begin with. Larter is at peak performance and looks phenomenal. Lots of interesting things, except the only oddity is Demi Moore listed in all 10 episodes. I've seen all 5 that aired to this point, and unless it's just me, I recall seeing and hearing her only once or so, in her pool, for a brief moment. Hamm's character isn't seen as much either, but it's played well and he nails his character, but Moore's just isn't being allowed to add anything so far. Maybe it's written that way and she'll play a part in later episodes. If not then I'll wonder what the deal is there.

This could easily have been rated an 8.5 - 9. If it weren't for the cringey and so sexualized daughter & ex wife/mother. They serve no purpose to the plot, and are just downright annoying and insulting to west Texas women. A far west Texas man myself I understand where Sheridan is coming from in a sense, but this is awful. West Texas women are the strongest, most ambitious women I know. Now aside from that, the writing and acting are terrific. Sheridan easily has another Yellowstone on his hands if he gets rid of the very uncomfortable interfamily horniness. But again, love me some Sheridan writing (and acting) and an absolutely very enjoyable show, for the most part.