As a long-time fan of Taylor Sheridan’s works and someone who has spent countless hours in the dusty plains of Texas, I can confidently say that “Landman” is a welcome addition to the Sheridan-Verse. It’s like a shot of good bourbon after a hard day’s work – rough around the edges but smooth enough to keep you coming back for more.
“Taylor Sheridan’s creative universe appears to follow a principle of constant growth. Over the past decade, this versatile writer, director, and producer has introduced us to numerous modern-day cowboys across various genres on television – from contemporary cowboys in ‘Yellowstone’, traditional cowboys in ‘1883’, romanticized cowboys in ‘1923’, to cowboy gangsters in ‘Tulsa King’. His rapid pace of production shows no signs of slowing down or taking a break.
In the new Texas project titled “Landman,” inspired by Christian Wallace’s podcast “Boomtown,” we encounter a fresh set of characters – not as violent with guns as Sheridan’s past personas, but equally rugged, harsh, and brutal, reminiscent of the iconic Marlboro Man on TV. Despite the show’s premise not originating from Sheridan himself, he wrote every one of its 10 episodes (five were made available for review). His traditional style in handling the material is clearly present. Furthermore, “Landman” presents a more relaxed and humorous side to the writer-director than we have seen before.
Billy Bob Thornton‘s one-man show
In essence, the plot of this series revolves around several characters who have their individual storylines, coming and going as Taylor Sheridan deems appropriate. However, “Landman” heavily relies on Billy Bob Thornton’s exceptional acting skills. He portrays Tommy Norris, a crisis manager at a massive oil company, responsible for overseeing rig operations across West Texas. This role occasionally requires him to deal with Mexican drug cartels operating in the same region. The series begins with a gripping scene: Tommy, blindfolded and held captive in an empty hangar, while a cartel member executes the man next to him. This opening scene demonstrates Thornton’s ability to command any screen presence, even without other supporting elements, as his charm immediately draws you in.
Without a doubt, the bag eventually gets removed, exposing a face that bears the weight of all the pressure and hardship associated with being an oil landman. Tommy is a heavy smoker, manages to function despite his alcoholism, and is a divorced father of nearly grown-up children. He’s also deeply in debt due to his profession and seems unlikely to ever escape it. He works solely for Monty Miller, portrayed brilliantly by Jon Hamm, who wields immense power and influence within the oil industry. Their professional bond may be close, but their relationship is far from smooth; they both understand their dependence on each other, a fact that neither finds pleasant.
Initially, “Landman” might seem like a stern, serious show focusing on unveiling the sinister aspects of the oil industry and its geopolitics. However, Sheridan quickly lightens the mood by creating a protagonist who is reminiscent of his characters from “Bad Santa” and “Fargo,” as well as a gruff yet tender father figure who finds it difficult to refuse his kids. Despite this, he doesn’t hesitate to slam audiences with hard truths and insightful comments that are frequently hilarious. The show’s humor, delivered in a witty and dryly sarcastic manner, elevates its entertainment value far beyond what one might expect.
Family is both a curse and a blessing
In much the same way as in the show “Yellowstone,” family plays a significant role here too, as Tommy’s children and ex-wife reappear in his life, disrupting its calmness. While Taylor Sheridan could easily create a rugged Western ambiance without even opening his eyes, he adds a touch of the enduring “Texas forever!” spirit from NBC’s beloved sports drama “Friday Night Lights.” This soapier, emotionally resonant style might not be everyone’s cup of tea among the creator’s usual fanbase, but if you appreciate the sort of domestic melodrama it presents, you’re in for a treat.
Sheridan clearly enjoyed crafting these vibrant characters, particularly Tommy, as evidenced by the quick-witted dialogue and engaging soliloquies. While a character-driven narrative is his forte, it occasionally reveals that some aspects of the storyline are sparsely developed, with twists being forced or artificial to keep the suspense alive. However, these moments of contrivance are offset by Sheridan’s portrayal of grit and determination through his characters. The series offers a glimpse into the lives of both oil rig workers, showing their camaraderie and resilience in the face of tragedy, and the corporate world, where figures like Monty ruthlessly pursue profits while disregarding the worth of their employees. Tommy serves as the mediator, ensuring that everyone receives their due, including himself.
As a passionate gamer immersed in this intense game world, there’s one aspect that just doesn’t seem to hit the mark: the choice of lifeless stadium country tunes. These tracks fall short of doing justice to the skillful direction and cinematography that I’ve come to expect. Instead of enhancing the gritty, perilous atmosphere this show excels at creating, they undermine it. It’s like a dissonant soundtrack that doesn’t fit the mood. I’m hopeful that when the final episodes are released, they might have chosen music that better complements the raw, dangerous vibe the creators usually manage to nail so well.
As a gamer, I’ve got to say that “Landman” on Paramount+ is shaping up to be right at home within the Sheridan-Verse. Just like before, Sheridan brings us an authentic blend of traditional drama with a gritty edge, filled with characters as tough as steel and unyielding in their pursuit of dreams. However, this time around, there’s a touch of humor and levity that I didn’t see coming from someone who built his TV empire on hard-hitting, dark, and brutal stories about survival in a ruthless universe. It’s like diving back into the game world with a fresh perspective!
“Landman” premieres on Paramount+ on November 17.
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2024-11-15 11:30