The accuracy of the newly released TV series Landman has become a crucial topic of discussion as viewers wonder about the dangers involved in working on an oilfield. The series extensively focuses on the lives of roughnecks and landmen in the Texas oil industry features a narrative inspired by real-life elements and also includes fiction.
Coming straight from the maker of Tulsa King, Special Ops: Lioness, and more, Landman has successfully gained viewers' attention. Apart from the controversy surrounding the female representation in the show, it's also being discussed for the accuracy of the story.
The TV series which debuted on November 17, 2024, on Paramount+, stars Billy Bob Thornton as Tommy Norris and explores the Texas oil industry during an oil boom. While the story is fictional, it follows real-life inspirations to depict the hardships and rewards in the dangerous industry.
Taylor Sheridan drew inspiration from Christian Wallace's podcast titled Boomtown which talks about the impact of the oil industry in Texas. While Wallace offered notable ideas Sheridan mixed fictional elements for engagement.
Comparing Landman TV series with reality: Facts Vs. fiction
As mentioned, Taylor Sheridan made Landman while keeping in mind to extensively highlight the threats and opportunities involved in the oilfields of Texas. As seen in the second episode, three roughnecks lost their lives due to a blowout, which isn't uncommon in such fields.
The scene explained how tragic events can unfold at any minute, and result in loss of lives. Similarly in real life, almost 219 deaths of roughnecks were reported between 2014 and 2019 in the Texas oilfields with vehicle crashes and clashes with objects being the common causes of accidents.
Such kind of a brutal reality was captured in the second episode during the explosion which not only resulted in deaths but also caused notable loss to some of the workers.
When it comes to the salaries of roughnecks, Landman suggests they earn more than $180,000, annually. Whereas in reality, the salaries of Landmen range between $100,000 and $194,584 according to their expertise. In the TV series, the financial struggles of these workers can be seen through Norris, who's dealing with the pressure of long hours and stressful conditions.
Also Read: Landman Season 1 Episode 4: Release date and time, what to expect and more
Landman co-creator Christian Wallace talked about the show's authenticity
Since the TV series draws inspiration from Christian Wallace's podcast, it includes several real-life events like a plane colliding with an oil tanker on a road which might seem to be exaggerated but is inspired by a real event. Additionally, the life-threatening injuries, accidents, and moments involving cartel planes with drugs are accurate.
Also Read: Who is the daughter of Landman? The character and her plot so far, explained in detail
In an interview with Collider, Wallace talked about the newly released series and explained:
"I would say there's a lot in the story that is very authentic, very true to life as far as the actual oil and gas stuff goes."
He added:
"But as far as the work and the dangers on the rig, risking life and limb, that's all very, very real. Even some of the extraordinary things, like a plane colliding with an oil tanker on a road. That is at least partially based in truth."
While Wallace brought first-hand knowledge of oilfields to the series and coordinated with real-life oilfield workers, Sheridan worked with a mix of concrete planning and improvisation to let the story evolve.
Apart from the show's authenticity, Wallace was also asked about a potential crossover with Sheridan's other hit series, to which Wallace shared a humorous response. He explained that such decisions aren't made under his control as his role is limited to Landman, but who knows if Sheridan is planning a surprise.
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