Why ‘Goliath’ is a Must-Watch for ‘Landman’ Fans!

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Billy Bob Thornton, a versatile actor who has made a name for himself over three decades in Hollywood, is undoubtedly one of its most captivating shape-shifters. He’s excelled on both the big and small screens, demonstrating his remarkable acting skills, leaving an indelible impression with numerous blockbuster performances such as Sling Blade, Armageddon, Bad Santa, Monster’s Ball, and more recently, Fargo and the upcoming series Landman in 2024.

In 2016, Thornton solidified his status as one of Hollywood’s most captivating actors by starring in the intense legal drama “Goliath.” In this series, he portrayed a lawyer who had hit rock bottom and sought revenge against a law firm he co-founded after they betrayed him following a disastrous case. Thornton’s performance was outstanding once more in the popular Prime Video production, earning another Golden Globe and demonstrating that there was no role or genre he couldn’t excel at. Let’s delve deeper into this undervalued gem of a series.

Thornton Shines in ‘Goliath’

After delivering an outstanding performance in the critically praised series Fargo, Academy Award-winning actor Billy Bob Thornton maintained his screen dominance by starring in the 2016 legal drama Goliath, where he played the downtrodden and embittered Billy McBride. This character was once a powerful lawyer who lost everything after being implicated in a heinous crime that left him a mere shadow of his former self. McBride had previously represented a murder suspect, helping to secure an acquittal, only for the client to later brutally slay an entire family following their release, thereby irreparably damaging McBride’s once-respected reputation.

A troubled attorney named McBride, currently residing in a long-term hotel due to a marital separation, finds himself embroiled in fresh turmoil when he accepts a significant wrongful death lawsuit against his former powerful employer. This embattled lawyer starts receiving threatening messages and encounters ominous figures after representing his client, as McBride stumbles upon a chilling conspiracy that only intensifies the danger looming over him. With a motley crew of allies and driven by an insatiable thirst for retribution, McBride sets out to win the case and deliver a powerful blow against his formidable adversary.

‘Goliath’ Features Several Big Names

Starring William Hurt, Maria Bello, Morris Chestnut, and J.K. Simmons alongside others, the acclaimed series “Goliath” spanned four seasons, focusing on Billy McBride, portrayed by Billy Bob Thornton, a resilient character determined to overcome personal turmoil through handling intricate and high-risk cases. Co-created by renowned TV producer David E. Kelley (known for “Ally McBeal” and “Big Little Lies”), “Goliath” received critical acclaim and audience appreciation for its unexpected plot twists, authentic characters with flaws, and Thornton’s captivating portrayal of the tormented protagonist. Notably, he was awarded a Golden Globe for Best Actor – Television Series Drama for his performance.

Although Goliath was praised extensively by critics and showcased Billy Bob Thornton’s exceptional talent, this gritty legal drama has mostly gone unnoticed by viewers. Consequently, it stands as one of the most underappreciated treasures on Prime Video and within the streaming world as a whole. The captivating series provides ample evidence of Thornton’s adaptability and charm as an actor, with his illustrious career in both film and television extending across more than three decades. Not only has he been featured in numerous box-office successes, but Thornton has also achieved comparable acclaim in the realm of television production.

Apart from his exceptional performances in Noah Hawley’s crime black comedy “Fargo” (an adaptation of the Coen brothers’ classic) and the gripping “Goliath,” Thornton added more TV brilliance to his repertoire by playing the tough and resilient Tommy Norris in Taylor Sheridan’s drama “Yellowstone Pioneer,” set in Texas during a lucrative oil boom. This series, created by Sheridan, features Thornton alongside stars such as Ali Larter, Jon Hamm, and Demi Moore. The Paramount+ streaming hit has already completed one explosive season, leaving fans eagerly waiting for the official announcement of its anticipated second season.

It’s no wonder that Billy Bob Thornton earned nominations for both the Golden Globe and Satellite Awards, playing the strong-willed yet weary character of Tommy Norris in the series. This drama is currently captivating audiences with a 78% Rotten Tomatoes score, thanks to its engaging characters and gripping storylines. Critics and fans alike agree that Thornton delivers an outstanding performance in this riveting Taylor Sheridan production. The Pittsburgh Tribune even went so far as to say, “Taylor Sheridan’s latest series is his best yet. It’s even more enthralling than Yellowstone. A significant part of its appeal lies in the flawless pairing of actor and role – Billy Bob Thornton was destined to portray oil company fixer Tommy Norris.” Don’t miss out on Goliath, which is now streaming on Prime Video.

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2025-03-12 06:02