SPOILER ALERT: This post contains spoilers from Season 2, Episode 2 of “Landman,” “Sins of the Father,” which premiered Sunday, Nov. 23, on Paramount+.
Last week’s season premiere of “Landman” was a loaded episode: Tommy (Billy Bob Thornton) found out that his mother died; his son Cooper (Jacob Lofland) struck gold with oil; his daughter Ainsley (Michelle Randolph) got into TCU; his boss Cami (Demi Moore) gave a speech that scared her enemies; and his ex-wife Angela (Ali Larter) threw an expensive dinner against the wall. Now that the Season 2 plot threads have been teased, let’s jump into the second episode.
- Right off the bat: Are these the craziest lyrics we’ve ever heard from a song on a Taylor Sheridan show? “If there ever come a time I got rabies / You’re high on my bitin’ list.” Tyler Childers is great, but this took me by surprise!
- Why is Cooper so shaken up? He effectively won the lottery, and his dad is the titular landman. Ask for some help with paperwork and you’re set, dude.
- Also, I get Ariana (Paulina Chavez) being triggered, but it’s only been a few days of a life-changing week for your partner that will benefit you, too. Just roll with it…he’ll be OK!
- Wait, she’s breaking up with him over this? This communication blip is such a solvable problem! All of Ariana’s points are valid, but solutions could be ironed out in 45 minutes or so, especially now that they have money.
- OK, now that both T.L. (Sam Elliott) and Tommy have talked trash about the now-departed matriarch of their family, I’m dying to know what she actually did to fall out with them.
- Love Tommy arguing with the radio DJs as if they’re sitting in his truck with him.
- Also, it’s amazing that Tommy’s phone lights up with a picture of Angela mid-screaming and a spooky ringtone every time she calls.
- Uh oh, this missing $400 million is going to be an issue. Too bad the only person who knows where it is, Monty (Jon Hamm), is dead.
- Rebecca (Kayla Wallace) putting Nate (Colm Feore) in his place felt great. Shut up, nerd — she can negotiate a contract to drill on the damn moon!
- Angela getting Nate’s name wrong several times is a great gag. To be fair, he does look like a Neil!
- Cooper is maybe the dumbest person on the planet. I understand wanting to control your legacy, but HIS DAD IS THE LANDMAN! Have him look at the contract!
- Wow! Who knew that Tommy would have pretty good advice about Ariana’s situation and how Cooper should listen to her?
- Would love a spinoff of the tipsy, farty horndogs at the old folks home.
- When it comes to Angela and Ainsley vs. the THHSC, I’m firmly Team Norris. They were hanging out with the elderly…that’s a nice thing!
- If I ever need a lawyer, please let them be as ruthless as Rebecca.
- As expected, it seems like the skeletons in Monty’s closet will haunt everyone this season.
- Is there any situation in which Sheriff Walt (Mark Collie) wouldn’t just do what Tommy told him to do over FaceTime?
- “Oh, that was just me purging my grief” was an excellently delivered deadpan from Thornton.
- Another heartbreaking performance from Elliott. Calling it now: Give him some awards attention!
- “I wasn’t raised to father a son.” Damn, Tommy is getting introspective!
- Wow, Tommy’s upbringing was a nightmare.
- Cooper’s moment telling Tommy he loved him and his best was good enough… instant tears! A great emotional beat. Also love Thornton’s acting while Tommy is trying not to cry.
- What are the odds that Cooper’s new business partner is Gallino (Andy Garcia)?
Until next time, feel free to debate if Gallino will eventually kidnap Cooper and put a sack over his head in the comments below.
