Susan Granger’s review of “Landman” (Paramount+)
Based on Christian Wallace’s podcast about industrial corruption within the big 21st century oil boom in the West Texas basin, Taylor Sheridan’s “Landman” attracted 14.9 million viewers in its first four weeks, making it the biggest global premiere for any Paramount original to date.
Billy Bob Thornton plays Tommy Norris, a thoroughly disgruntled, disillusioned crisis-management landman whose job is to secure mineral rights for the small, independent oil company owned by Monty Miller (Jon Hamm), married to Cami (Demi Moore)..
A longtime roughneck, Tommy is all too familiar with America’s dependence on oil, a 150-year petroleum-based infrastructure. So expect to become acquainted with the personnel operating the oil derricks (the large metal apparatus holding pipes, drills, pumps, filters, etc.) that pull crude from the ground, refine it and prepare it for mass consumption.
That includes ‘toolpushers’ and ‘drillers’ who specialize in fracking, utilizing highly pressurized water to break ground. ‘Ginsels’ are low-level crew members who perform menial tasks, and the ‘worm’ is the most novice worker on an oil rig.
In addition to work, Tommy’s got his hands full with the ridiculously sexy, skimpily clad women in his life: his relentlessly seductive ex-wife Angela (Ali Larter) and 17 year-old daughter Ainsley (Michelle Randolph), along with his 22 year-old son Cooper (Jacob Lofland), determined to learn about the oil industry.
Drilling is a dangerous business so when a horrific ‘blowout’ occurs, Monty Miller summons Rebecca Falcone (Kayle Wallace), a ferociously intelligent, politically correct young attorney whose presence complicates matters further.
Since he’s admittedly $500,000 in debt, Tommy shares sprawling home with Nathan (Colm Feore), a company lawyer, and Dale (James Jordan), an oil patch worker; their provocative presence creates another interesting dynamic.
Although the series just made its debut, critics have already attacked Taylor Sheridan’s controversial assertions about renewable energy – particularly the concrete, crane and lubricants in wind turbines – and climate change technology.
Tyler Sheridan’s best known for his “Yellowstone” trilogy, encompassing “1883” and “1923,” starring Harrison Ford & Helen Mirren, which begins its second season.
On the Granger Gauge of 1 to 10, “Landman” is an engaging 8, streaming every Sunday night on Paramount+.
