Landman (2024 - )

Drama

Rated 15

Paramount

Spoiler Free

Taylor Sheridan has to be one of the finest makers of TV shows in the world, ever. How’s that for a strong opener? His film credits are pretty exceptional, too. He wrote and directed Wind River, wrote Sicario and its underrated sequel and wrote Hell or High Water. We’ll leave Those Who Wish Me Dead to one side.

His TV? Pffft. Yellowstone is an utterly bingeable mixture of drama and OTT bravado, 1883 an engaging and concise, thoughtfully caring, historical, prequel to Yellowstone and 1923 has plenty of pacing problems but is ultimately rewarding. Mayor of Kingstown is just ludicrous fun, and Tulsa King isn’t exactly boring. Lioness I haven’t seen. It’s a ridiculous hit-rate.

Landman for some reason I was a bit unenthused about, despite a positive review from a friend whose opinion I trust. I went with my gut and ignored it until I had an extended period off work with stress and went into hermit mode. Hermitism isn’t healthy, but I wasn’t well and it’s a part of my healing process, OK. Needless to say I got through a lot of films and TV and when the well ran dry, I fracked and drilled deeper, deciding to try Landman one night.

Why was I put off by Landman? Because I was worried it’d be silly and I didn’t see where the drama is in a show about oil. Billy Bob Thornton is essentially a fixer for a Texan oil drilling company, and Landman centres on his work and familial struggles. Oil has a bit of a bad name ecologically speaking and the show addresses it, rather brilliantly. I should have expected that from Sheridan, he’s conscientious and even handed in everything.

Ten episodes, and my girlfriend said “it’s half fucking three” when I got into bed after doing six in a row. I did the next four in the morning. I loved it. Billy Bob (as Tommy Norris) is superb; charismatic, flawed and always under pressure in all areas of his life. Ali Larter as Tommy’s eccentric ex, Angela, will make you both hate and love her. Sheridan regular James Jordan is a lovable supporting player who I loved every minute of.

Tommy has the Cartel, oil billionaires, the intricacies of a dangerous business and his manic family life to battle. There isn’t a dull minute- it is exciting, funny, engaging and one of the best shows of Sheridan's career. Now that is a compliment. I only wish I couldn't make a dick joke in this review.

Bedsit it?

If you’ve got a lot of spare time and an understanding girlfriend like me, I’d be surprised if you don’t rattle through Landman. Even if you don’t, but you love Taylor Sheridan’s creations, you’ll make it through at whatever speed you’re allowed by life. Series two is coming later this year and I’m excited. 9/10

More great TV? Check these reviews out!...

THE MARVELOUS MRS. MAISEL
THE WALKING DEAD: DEAD CITY
IN THE FLESH
THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE RINGS OF POWER