As Season 2 of Landman nears its conclusion, disappointment hangs heavy among viewers due to the show’s shift in focus. Fans expecting in-depth exploration of the oil industry are instead faced with heightened personal drama, leading to a decline in reception. The audience score on Rotten Tomatoes currently stands at 40%, down significantly from Season 1’s 68%, while IMDb ratings have also dipped below 8/10 for most episodes. Notably, lead actor Billy Bob Thornton foresaw this drop in enthusiasm several months ago, issuing a cautionary note to fans.
Thornton Anticipated a Less Exciting Season from the Start
Before Season 2 premiered, Billy Bob Thornton spoke with co-creator Christian Wallace in an interview with Entertainment Weekly, candidly sharing their thoughts on the direction of the new episodes. Thornton was open about the season being less electrifying than the original, emphasizing a narrative shift toward character relationships rather than the business itself.
“Now that the audience knows all the characters, Taylor was able to really dive into the relationships more. Last season, we had to explain what this business was all about and who the people are. This season, he was able to really focus in the first few episodes on the family dynamic and the business dynamic. But this one really ramps up as it goes on, and there’s more and more intensity.”
Billy Bob Thornton, Lead Actor
True to Thornton’s observation, creator Taylor Sheridan has concentrated on unveiling the personal lives of the characters. Rebecca has embraced both her social and professional life, seemingly thriving in a new relationship. Angela has dialed back her reliance on video calls, favoring face-to-face interaction through dinners that often end in dramatic confrontations. Cooper is eager to prove his worth to his partner Ariana, undertaking risky wildcatting ventures without adequate preparation. Meanwhile, Ainsley balances fierce cheerleading with the role of a devoted “Mama’s Girl.”
While this deeper character access offers viewers more comprehensive backstories, it comes at a steep price. The show’s primary focus on oil industry mechanics—thermodynamics, permeability, fracking—has largely been sidelined. What was once a gripping industry thriller is increasingly feeling like something else entirely.
From Oil Drama to Soap Opera: A Shift in Tone
The essence of Landman has altered so much that it now resembles a soap opera more than a show about the high-stakes world of oil drilling. Its tone echoes that of classic dramas like Dallas, raising speculation that upcoming episodes might even conclude with cliffhangers reminiscent of those series, such as a “Who Shot Tommy Norris?” scenario. While domestic tension is not inherently negative, many fans feel this narrative is better suited for a standalone soap opera rather than a series billed on oil industry intrigue.
Season 1 thrived on its examination of the hazardous technicalities behind oil drilling and the distinctive lifestyle of those who inhabit that world. Corporate elements were present but never overshadowed the core story. In contrast, Season 2 has only sporadically touched on these facets. Cami, once promoted as a bolder, more strategic force poised to elevate M-Tex, has appeared mostly to aggravate Tommy Norris, who himself has made little professional headway in the current season.
Intensity Builds but with Mixed Reception
According to Thornton, the latter episodes ramp up in intensity, though not always in ways fans find compelling. The penultimate episode sparked debate due to Ainsley’s feud with a non-binary roommate—a conflict many viewers deemed unnecessary and unproductive for character development. Some critics suggest a corporate feud involving Rebecca or Nathan and a non-binary executive would have provided richer storytelling grounded in the business world of Landman.
As fans await Season 3, hope remains high that the show will return to its roots, blending the oil industry’s thrilling elements with strong character arcs. The series is set in West Texas boomtowns, inspired by the acclaimed podcast Boomtown, and narrates the complex interplay between rugged workers and wealthy wildcat billionaires whose activities ripple across the economy and geopolitics.
Given Billy Bob Thornton’s accurate early warnings and extensive experience with acclaimed projects like Fargo and Goliath, viewers may benefit from taking his advice to “lower your expectations” while hoping for an improved balance in future episodes. The fate of Landman now hinges on whether the showrunners can reconcile the spirited personal drama with the intricate world of oil.
