Taylor Sheridan is undoubtedly the most prolific TV writer in recent years, delivering iconic, game-changing series like Yellowstone. But while he’s been exceptional at bringing veteran movie stars to the medium with fast-talking, witty characters, giving legends like Helen Mirren, Sylvester Stallone, and Kevin Costner some of the best material of their careers, his shows have arguably lacked stellar villains. There are the Beck brothers in Yellowstone, Father Renaud in 1923, and Milo in Mayor of Kingstown, but none of them have reached the level of television excellence as his protagonists: John Dutton, Mike McLusky, or even Billy Bob Thornton’s Tommy Norris.
Billy Bob Thornton’s performance in Landman has launched Taylor Sheridan’s most recent show into the television stratosphere. Season 1 was extraordinarily popular, and with additions like Sam Elliott, Season 2 only stands to build on that foundation. Sheridan’s dialogue for Thornton is the show’s most undeniably appealing asset, but after Season 2, Episode 3, “Almost a Home,” I think he might get a run for his money from a new addition to the show’s main cast: the great Andy Garcia and his mysterious gangster character, Galino.
Andy Garcia’s Galino Is the Perfect Antagonist For ‘Landman’
Galino is, in many ways, the perfect foil to offset the excitement of a character like Tommy Norris. Billy Bob Thornton delivers a character who’s consistently entertaining through sharp dialogue, straightforward bluntness, and a touch of humor, all the while maintaining a clear semblance of strength and authority that makes him believable as a central protagonist. He’s not as self-serious as Kevin Costner’s John Dutton, but when he needs to, he’s able to find the vocal pitch that gets the message across, no matter who he’s speaking to.
Tommy knows the oil world, and it’s clear that he’s familiar with Galino’s world of crime. He knows how Galino thinks and operates, and he won’t fall for it himself. However, in all their conversations, he’s met with something he can’t contend with: unwavering charisma and dishonesty. While Tommy raises his voice, makes accusations, and risks his life by pointing out the elephant in the room (Galino’s illegal business operations), all Andy Garcia’s character has to do is maintain a pleasant smile and deny everything. With Galino sitting in his office, wearing a fancy suit, Tommy is essentially yelling at a wall: the veil Galino has prepared to protect his shadier industries. There is no crime here, only legitimate business.
The fact of the matter is, Tommy, can say whatever he wants. He can accuse Galino of drug smuggling, or even murder. Galino has strategized, and he knows how to protect himself from the law; Tommy’s accusations aren’t a threat, even if they’re true. Oppositely, Galino doesn’t want to kill Tommy, even if he keeps running his mouth, as Tommy is the key to the oil operation in the Permian Basin, at least as Landman presents it. This creates a stalemate in their dialogue that works to Galino’s advantage. As long as Tommy is yelling at that wall, Galino can target Tommy’s weak points.
Galino has already stuck his claws into Cooper through a seemingly lucrative deal. Cooper’s oil success is, essentially, Galino’s oil success, and the gangster now owns Tommy’s son financially. Despite Tommy’s best efforts, he’s made a deal with the Devil, and even though he has no personal attachment, he will do what he can to protect his son, which Galino knows and will use to his advantage. Landman’s latest episode adds even more fuel to the fire.
When Tommy and Cami incidentally find Galino at the club in Episode 3, Andy Garcia’s classic charm is on full display. Here, he’s not a criminal; he’s a wealthy gentleman with a beautiful love story and admirable fashion choices. Ali Larter’s Angela is sucked in instantly, proving the effect of Galino’s influence. Cami is more reluctant and not manipulated by Galino’s physical charm, but their final exchange establishes yet another connection that will burden Tommy. M-Tex needs liquid investors to maintain operations, and Galino is more than willing to oblige.
Galino Is Taylor Sheridan’s Most Compelling Villain Yet
When you get an iconic actor on board for a TV show, it’s really difficult to miss. Taylor Sheridan keeps proving his strength at delivering outstanding, personalized dialogue to veteran movie stars, but Galino is the first villain character he’s created for an actor at this level, aside from maybe Timothy Dalton in 1923. Andy Garcia might not be the most prominent name in recent years, but this is an Academy Award-nominated actor who’s worked on iconic films like The Untouchables, The Godfather Part III, and, more importantly in this case, played the main villain in the Ocean’s trilogy.
Taylor Sheridan has yet to write an antagonist who balances terror and alluring charisma so well. We’ve seen the violence and horror Galino is capable of in Landman season 1’s ending, and now we’re seeing Andy Garcia’s movie star charm on full display, somehow making it seem possible that this sociopathic criminal could actually be someone worth trusting. He’s not only Taylor Sheridan’s most compelling villain so far, but one of his most extraordinary characters altogether.