Landman

Without Thornton this series would be no better than 'ok'. I've watched most of Sheridan's work and it's starting to seem like he's just recycling the same stories but with different themes. He injects his politics into his work and in this series he lectures you with it. I'm also uncomfortable with the sexual themes especially with his 'daughter'. It does not need her appearing in each episode wearing hardly any clothes or in a bikini. The plot does not require it. Each episode seems to have one set-piece accident or incident as though these are normal in the industry, which they are not. I'm not sure how this was rated 8+ but I must be missing something.

Landman is another hit in a long line of them for Taylor Sheridan. This has everything you want in a good series, it has plenty of drama, action, twists, even a little comedy, etc. It's obviously beautifully written because everything Sheridan does is but it also has an amazing cast. It stars the incredible Billy Bob Thornton, Jon Hamm, Ali Larter, Demi Moore, among others. Billy Bob Thornton was born to plays this role, he is absolutely terrific here. I'll be shocked if he doesn't get nominated for an Emmy for his performance here. Same goes for Hamm. Besides being beautifully written and acted, it's also beautifully shot too. Sheridan has so many great shows to his name and Landman is among the best of them. This look like it's going to have a long run and I'm here for it.

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.

I apparently am a sucker for Taylor Sheridan shows. They're well written and entertaining. I'd gladly watch anything with his make attached to it at this point. But what's with the girl in her underwear and the creepy sexualization of her? It's grossly gratuitous. It's extremely weird how obnoxious she is with it. It's almost that much of a turn off to not want to watch. I AM invested in the story tho so far. I'm also not getting why the woman are so utterly unlikeable. The ex wife is just ugggh. It's truly a head scratcher. Is the show just geared towards drawing men? Love Billy Bob tho. He's always plus.

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.