Ranking the Characters of ‘Landman’: Who’s the Most Likable?

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Stepping aside, Yellowstone, here comes Landman, making its mark across dusty landscapes. Could it possibly eclipse Taylor Sheridan’s greatest creation yet? The cat’s out of the bag – according to Paramount+, this series has been their most-watched original to date, a claim further supported by the Nielsen streaming chart. In this gripping tale, Billy Bob Thornton takes center stage as a Petroleum Landman and an Operations Vice President in the thriving oil towns of Texas. As Tommy Norris, he struggles to balance his professional obligations with the demands of family life, but finding that equilibrium isn’t always straightforward.

Regardless of your stance on the ‘Oil vs. Environmental Conservation’ debate, there’s no disputing that Landman is a tightly crafted, engrossing drama series. So far, Timothy Hutton has been recognized with Best Actor nominations at the Golden Globes and the Satellite Awards. The stellar cast includes Jon Hamm, Demi Moore, and several other recognizable faces from your favorite films and television shows. Many of the characters are skillfully written, although not all of them are particularly likeable. Some may even provoke a desire to vent your frustration by punching a wall… others will inspire a longing to embrace them, but without these complex characters, the show would fall flat.

10
Nathan

Nathan (Colm Feore) is a lawyer and administrator who happens to share living quarters with the show’s main character, Tommy Norris. Frequently, he attempts to work from home but is continually interrupted by Ainsley, Tommy’s daughter, who seems to be constantly wandering around the house in her swimsuit, and Angela, Tommy’s former spouse, who switches between working out and engaging in playful banter.

Nate Struggles to be Funny

Nathan is intended to be a humorous character, but unfortunately, he comes across as expressing frustration (while attempting to appear polite) whenever Ainsley and Angela interrupt him. Unfortunately, he doesn’t receive any significant storylines related to his work, leaving him rather bland, not due to any fault of his own. Additionally, Colm Feore is not known for his comedic acting skills.

9
Ainsley Norris

Ainsley Norris, or Michelle Randolph as you might know her, is a 17-year-old girl, the child of Tommy and Angela, and the sister to Cooper Norris. Initially, she appears when she comes to spend time with her father during their separation period. As the story progresses, we meet Ainsley along with her sportsman boyfriend, whom her dad initially dislikes. However, later in the narrative, we find her enjoying a harmonious life with both of her parents once they reconcile.

Problematic Characterization

Ainsley is very much like the stereotypical TV teen character. If you were to move her from the show “Landman” into a teen drama series, she would blend in seamlessly. The scenes between her and her parents are heartwarming, but it’s hard not to notice that she isn’t a complex character. Her storylines primarily focus on her relationships, while the directness of her dialogue and the content of certain scenes have sparked debates about their appropriateness.

8
Rebecca Falcone

Rebecca Falcone, known as Kayla Wallace, is a prominent lawyer specializing in causation cases. She has been dispatched to West Texas following an unfortunate incident involving an oil truck and an M-Tex Oil aircraft. Upon arrival, she encounters disagreements with Tommy regarding business tactics, and clashes with Ariana over perceived unfair remuneration.

A Brilliant Professional with no Compassion

Rebecca’s ability to adapt is truly impressive. Despite having minimal experience in the oil industry, she picks up things swiftly and outshines those who have been in the field for a considerable amount of time. Her bold remark during a deposition, “You think they hired me because I’m pretty? I charge $900 an hour, you a**hole,” showcases her as one of the best TV lawyers. However, her harsh treatment of Ariana and the rest of the family when discussing compensation for Elvio’s death makes her less endearing. Her strong business acumen is admirable, but her unkind approach towards Ariana and the rest of the family during discussions about Elvio’s death leaves a sour taste.

7
Angela Norris

In the initial appearance on screen, Angela (Ali Larter), who is both Cooper and Ainsley’s mother and Tommy’s ex-wife, is married to a wealthy man. Despite their past separation, Angela continues to feel affection for Tommy and occasionally calls him through FaceTime. As expected, this led to an affair between them, ultimately resulting in a divorce from her current husband.

Angela (Ali Larter), who is known as Cooper and Ainsley’s mother and Tommy’s ex-wife, enters the scene married to a wealthy man. Despite their split, Angela still harbors feelings for Tommy, leading her to occasionally reach out to him via FaceTime. Predictably, this led to an affair between them, eventually causing a divorce.

Hard to Date, But Easy to Hang Out With

Angela embodies two distinct traits: she’s both a free spirit in need of guidance on relationships, yet possesses an alluring charm and a stubborn determination. She excels at dismantling the emotional walls Tommy may have built. Moreover, Angela appreciates the value of living life boldly. Her decision to uplift nursing home residents through games and even occasional outings to a strip club will undoubtedly remain heartwarming in our memories.

6
Cami Miller

Cami Miller (played by Demi Moore) is the late wife of the former CEO of M-Tex Oil Company, Monty Miller, and a cherished friend to the main character, Tommy Norris. Initially depicted as a homemaker, there are indications that her role may expand significantly in Season 2 following Monty’s demise, as suggested by co-creator Christian Wallace.

In Sickness and in Health

Camila is a person who is honest and sincere. She deeply cherishes her husband and strives to create a harmonious environment at home. Her compassionate nature becomes more apparent when her husband falls ill. Despite his desire to immerse himself in work, she manages to keep him away from it and discourages Tommy and others from discussing business matters. Just as she has done in several of her critically-praised films, Demi Moore delivers the character with passion and warmth.

5
Dale Bradley

James Jordan, a well-known favorite in Sheridan’s productions, portrays Dale Bradley. Apart from his role here, he also appears in various hit shows produced by the same team, such as “Mayor of Kingstown,” “Yellowstone,” “1883,” and “Special Ops: Lioness.” Outside of work, Dale resides with Nathan and Tommy and serves as Tommy’s trusted associate, possessing expertise in petroleum engineering.

Whatever Tommy Needs, Dale Has His Back

Dale embodies the quintessential, dedicated, diligent man. He performs his tasks efficiently, exhibits unwavering loyalty, and seldom complains. His extensive experience and leadership skills earn him the utmost respect from those under his charge, the tough guys in his team. Additionally, Dale is not hesitant to take on responsibilities that go beyond his job scope, such as assisting Tommy in disciplining the men who attacked Cooper. An ideal employee for any manager.

4
Cooper Norris

In the movie “Landman“, Tommy’s son, Cooper (Jacob Norris), aspires to emulate his cool parent and pursue a similar path. Despite attending Texas Tech University on an Athletic Scholarship, Cooper harbored dreams of becoming a landman. However, his father disapproved, but Cooper remained determined in his pursuit.

Always Kind and Hardworking

Cooper may appear indifferent or reluctant to confront his fiery adversaries, yet he harbors a heart as warm as sunshine. Unlike most children with prosperous parents, Cooper eagerly accepts the challenge of starting at the bottom, taking on the role of an oil field worker – just like his father had done. This selfless act shows his determination and respect for hard work.

When Ariana’s husband meets a tragic end in an explosion, Cooper offers her comfort and support. Their friendship eventually evolves into something more intimate, with Cooper becoming not only a shoulder to lean on but also a partner to share the bed with. While some might find this development unexpected, it is hard not to appreciate the blossoming romance between these two remarkable characters. They could very well become one of the most beloved TV couples in history.

3
Monty Miller

Monty, portrayed by John Hamm, stands as a colossal figure in the oil industry of Texas and serves as the CEO of M-Tex Oil. He’s often depicted either within the confines of his office or in boardrooms, where he delegates tasks to Tommy to resolve issues or negotiate deals that add billions more to the company’s wealth. Regrettably, Monty succumbs to his longstanding heart problems before a transplant can be performed, marking the end of his life in the Season 1 finale.

Boss of the Year

Fans were deeply saddened by Monty’s passing as he was an exceptional fictional boss, renowned for his appearance on television screens. Unlike many, he didn’t hover over decisions, instead giving Tommy the freedom to work in his own style. This approach led to the company’s success. Regardless of the situation – be it debating the future of the oil industry with powerful peers or handling unfavorable news – Monty always remained composed and poised. The acting talent of John Hamm will certainly be missed.

2
Ariana Medina

Initially, everything seemed smooth sailing for me with Ariana (Paulina Chávez) at the start of the show. However, an unfortunate oil field explosion claimed the life of my husband, Elvio, leaving me to navigate single parenthood. In the midst of this hardship, I found comfort in Cooper Norris, the sole survivor of that tragic incident. Over time, we both began to harbor feelings for each other.

Standing Strong in the Face of Tragedy

Ariana is admired by many as someone who triumphs over adversity such as grief and trauma. She faces challenges bravely, understanding that her child relies on her strength. Just like a remarkable character, she remains determined and unyielding to self-pity. She’s as resilient as the deep and insightful Sheridan drama. Ariana is not one to be intimidated or mistreated either. We observe her standing up for herself when Rebecca tries to offer her less than fair compensation. Furthermore, she makes it clear that her late husband’s family cannot interfere with her relationship with Cooper. Here’s hoping that Season 2 brings more opportunities for her growth and development.

1
Tommy Norris

Tommy Norris, portrayed by Billy Bob Thornton, serves as the Crisis Manager and Vice President of Operations at M-Tex Oil, a company based in Texas. Overseeing land-related transactions is a significant part of his role, but occasionally, he finds himself navigating predicaments arising from the decisions of his former spouse-turned-current lover, Angela Norris, as well as their children, Ainsley and Cooper Norris.

Perfect at Work and Home

Everyone appreciates a good problem-solver, and Tommy certainly fits that description. He handles everything from difficult cartel members to comforting Angela in her moments of distress without losing his cool. Not even during intense disagreements does he lose his temper or show anger. Instead, he remains composed. But what truly sets him apart is his dedication as a father, even with his demanding schedule. In the first season alone, we witness him seek justice for Cooper against his attackers and engage in friendly banter with Ainsley on numerous occasions.

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2025-01-26 23:03