As a seasoned gamer of Western melodramas, I’ve seen my fair share of dusty trails and gritty characters, so when Taylor Sheridan announced his new project, Landman, starring none other than Billy Bob Thornton, I was all in. The anticipation was palpable as the premiere date approached, and now, with just days to go before its November 17th debut, I’ve been diving into the reviews to see what the critics are saying.
If you’re a fan of the Yellowstone style, you’ll likely appreciate Taylor Sheridan’s other productions. However, if you prefer content that steers clear of intense, Western, dramatic storylines, you might want to consider another show. Interestingly, this sentiment holds true for his upcoming project, Landman, as its reviews have been quite varied. With the premiere of this Billy Bob Thornton-led drama on the 2024 TV schedule fast approaching, let’s delve into what critics are saying about it.
Following the Season 5B premiere of Yellowstone, Taylor Sheridan’s upcoming project titled Landman is scheduled to debut on Sunday, November 17. This new show is set in West Texas and features Billy Bob Thornton as Tommy Norris, a character who mends issues for a dominant oil company. Similar to his other productions, this series promises high-octane action, intense moments, and lengthy monologues. Some people may find it engaging, while others might not be fond of it.
There’s One Camp Who Did Not Love Landman
As a devoted fan, I must admit that Taylor Sheridan’s latest drama, “Landman,” has stirred up quite a discussion among critics. For instance, Daniel Fienberg from The Hollywood Reporter commends Billy Bob Thornton’s acting prowess in the series, but beyond that, his review suggests he wasn’t particularly fond of it. In his own words:
This implies that the production features large stars (not always skillfully utilized), grand emotional upheavals (often poorly executed), and significant shifts in tone that left me uncertain about whether Landman is intended to be at least partially comical. The cast is quite extensive, but there are few well-developed characters; instead, it seems like a collection of characters waiting to deliver Stetson-worn dogmatic speeches. It’s both crudely amusing and infuriating, defined by the extravagances of a producer who never receives any denials.
At Entertainment Weekly, Kristen Baldwin voiced her criticism towards the show’s portrayal of women, titling her review as “Boy, does this new Taylor Sheridan drama seem to dislike women.” Although she acknowledged that the initial episodes were excellent, it was challenging to overlook the way female characters are presented.
To ensure Mr. Sheridan doesn’t misunderstand, I want to make it clear: I’m not angry, merely disheartened. The pilot for Landman is exceptional, and I acknowledged that. Its relevant and thought-provoking themes, like the potential destruction of our planet due to an overreliance on one industry, are both current and stimulating. However, as the episodes unfolded and Mr. Sheridan persisted with his outdated views regarding women, it became increasingly challenging to remain as enthusiastic.
The television show “Landman” is inspired by Christian Wallace’s podcast “Boomtown,” and it presents a fictional account of contemporary oil industry events. Kelcie Mattson’s review for Collider pointed out that while “Landman” had promise, it fell short in delivering the depth required for success.
However, Landman’s capabilities often overshadowed by Sheridan’s persistent flaws, this fictional portrayal of a heated real-life issue, along with its deeply applicable consequences, strips away almost all depth and subtleties from the crucial discussion. It also makes strangely illogical decisions in various aspects.
To put it simply, just like with other productions by Taylor Sheridan, there’s a diverse array of opinions about Landman, and some criticisms are valid. Yet, it’s worth noting that there’s also a group of enthusiasts who truly appreciate the show.
However, There’s A Whole Other Camp Of Critics Who Are Very Here For Landman
Despite some criticism directed towards Landman, it still manages to attract its fair share of supporters. On Looper, Akos Peterbencze awarded the series a 7.5 out of 10, praising Billy Bob Thornton’s performance as a major highlight of the program.
Initially, ‘Landman’ could seem like a stern show focusing on unveiling the grim realities of the oil industry and its political implications (which is partly correct). However, Sheridan swiftly lightens the tone. The main character, portrayed by Thornton, is a blend of his ‘Bad Santa’ persona, Lorne Malvo from ‘Fargo,’ and a rugged yet tender father who finds it hard to refuse his kids. Despite this, he doesn’t hesitate to slam everyone with blunt truths and insightful opinions that are often comical. The show’s humor, delivered through Thornton’s witty and dryly sarcastic lines, gives the series an entertaining edge that it might not otherwise possess.
Simultaneously, CBR’s Brittany Frederick not only lauded the star directing Sheridan’s series but also drew numerous comparisons between “Landman” and “Yellowstone.” She highlighted how Tommy, played by Thornton, stands in stark contrast to Kevin Costner’s character John Dutton. However, she pointed out that this new show delves into similar themes and carries a significant amount of the dramatic intensity that has become synonymous with the writer’s primary production.
Landman seems remarkably similar to Sheridan returning to the contemporary spirit of the Western genre, which he masterfully depicted in Yellowstone and his previous films. This show succeeds partly due to this resemblance. With its Texas backdrop and a group of tough-as-nails characters struggling merely to survive, it embodies all that Sheridan does exceptionally well.
At TV Guide, Liam Mathews shares a similar viewpoint, titling the show “Landman” as a “Promising Successor to Yellowstone.” Just like other reviews, the acting skills of the lead character are highly appreciated. However, this critic emphasizes the unique aspect of having a humorous protagonist, stating that it brings a fresh feel to “Landman,” adding an interesting twist to Taylor Sheridan’s expanding portfolio.
Sheridan’s main series has grown too complex due to underdeveloped secondary characters, unproductive storylines, and unexpected plot turns that seem out of place, making Landman, which is more grounded, feel like a refreshing change as Yellowstone comes to an end. So far, the narrative, at least in the first five episodes, moves swiftly, maintains its focus, and presents mostly believable situations.
From these reviews, it appears that opinions about Landman can differ greatly among viewers. But if you’re fond of Taylor Sheridan’s other works, particularly Yellowstone, then this new series could well appeal to you.
To determine your stance on this issue, consider watching the first two episodes of “Landman,” available to stream with a Paramount+ subscription beginning this coming Sunday, November 17th.
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2024-11-15 19:38