Landman’s season 2 premiere simultaneously fixes the first run’s biggest problem while also doubling down on its most prevalent controversy. Taylor Sheridan has actively grown his television production empire over the past decade, with the Yellowstone franchise expanding and other series like Tulsa King and Mayor of Kingstown finding audiences of their own. Landman is possibly Sheridan’s most notable, crowning achievement yet, as the series achieved unprecedented numbers for a Paramount+ original when its first season aired in 2024.
Luckily for fans, Landman’s season 2 turnaround was efficient, and the show is already back with a new episode. Picking up just after Landman season 1’s ending, the series explores life in the aftermath of Monty Miller’s (Jon Hamm) death. Tommy (Billy Bob Thornton) and Cami Miller (Demi Moore) kick off their new positions as the leaders of M-Tex Oil, while Cooper (Jacob Lofland) finds immediate success with his new business. Meanwhile, Angela (Ali Larter) helps Ainsley (Michelle Randolph) kick off her college career.
‘Landman’ Gives Demi Moore the Spotlight
Landman has boasted a star-studded cast since its inception, and it’s only more noteworthy now that acting legends like Andy Garcia and Sam Elliott have officially joined for main roles. Demi Moore was one of season 1’s most famous names, and it lined up nicely with her astoundingly successful film role in 2024’s horror film, The Substance, which earned her a Golden Globe Award and an Oscar nomination. However, her awards campaign and the general buzz surrounding her return to mainstream stardom made it all the more apparent that, despite her name being in the opening credits, she had only a few minutes of screen time in Landman season 1.
The series received flak for Demi Moore’s limited role, with audiences questioning why she wasn’t utilized more effectively, given her talent and status. Every appearance she had felt nothing more than an adjacent component to Jon Hamm’s Monty. I don’t see Taylor Sheridan as a writer who changes his stories in reaction to audience criticism, but he undoubtedly has the industry awareness to capitalize on Demi Moore’s moment. Season 2’s premiere episode at least acknowledges the responses to Demi Moore’s reduced role, with characters in the show perceiving Cami as nothing more than a “trophy wife.” Of course, that description couldn’t be more wrong.
Cami shows herself to be perceptive, dignified, clever, and a powerhouse of her own, as she gets quick revenge on the gossiping bathroom girls and demonstrates her superiority over the numerous oil tycoons at her event. While season 1’s finale depicted her as not really understanding the industry, season 2 immediately reverts this decision, with her bold statement that the only difference between her and Monty is that she’s “meaner.” The season kicks off by (intentionally or accidentally) responding to criticism, revealing Cami as a force to be reckoned with in the Permian Basin.
We expected Demi Moore to have an increased role in Landman season 2 as soon as it was announced she had received second billing on the series. She’ll be co-steering the ship alongside Billy Bob Thornton this season as Cami and Tommy navigate their new positions. Both characters are venturing into new ground, but that doesn’t mean it’s out of their depth. Watching their dynamic unfold will be one of the most exciting aspects of the series, as the veteran actors are evidently still at the peak of their powers.
‘Landman’ Season 2 Doubles Down on the Ainsley Controversy
Whether you agree with it or not, it’s clear that Landman saw some controversial responses to its treatment of Michelle Randolph’s Ainsley, the seventeen-year-old daughter of Tommy Norris. The overt sexualization of a character intended to be a minor, despite the adult age of the actress, sparked divisive reactions, with some viewing it as inappropriate and setting a bad example for tolerable behavior from men, while others saw it as simple humor. It’s clear that Taylor Sheridan’s shows are geared toward male audiences, so the way male characters are depicted on-screen matters. Movies and shows influence the way audiences think and act.
Season 2’s premiere has two moments, at least that I noticed, that double down on this. When Angela and Ainsley walk around on the college campus she’s applying to, a young athlete stares at her in awe as she walks by. Later in the episode, when Ainsley tries on her skimpy new cheerleader outfit, Dale (James Jordan), arrives at the house and immediately ogles her up and down. The first instance is, at least, somewhat reasonable, as even if we’re to assume Ainsley is still 17, the boy looking at her is also likely a teenager. The second, however, is more of the odd humor that season 1 received so much backlash for.
Having Nathan (Colm Feore) and Dale stare at a seventeen-year-old girl, even if it’s meant to be a joke at the men’s expense, is a strange choice that needlessly detracts from the show’s many strengths. Landman season 2 has a lot going for it so far, with some incredible, recognizable acting talent bringing entertainment to the small screen, but there’s simply no need to portray a child character in that way.