Landman Episode 5, "Where Is Home," has Cooper Norris, played by Jacob Lofland, undergo hard times, so there's much to worry about him. After helping Ariana (Paulina Chávez) deal with life as a widow, Cooper gets brutally beaten up by Manuel (J.R. Villarreal) and his crew.
To make matters worse, his day has an uncomfortable family dinner planned by his mother, which only shows more hidden problems. But is Cooper dead? Thankfully, actor Jacob Lofland has confirmed that Cooper is still alive.
Speaking to TV Insider in December 2024, Lofland reassured fans,
“Yes, we’re still in there. We’re still here.”
This new information makes the audience curious about what Cooper is going to do next. As Landman looks into his strengths and reasons, the story shows signs of big changes.
Let's take a closer look at Cooper Norris, what he has experienced so far, and what might happen to him in this Taylor Sheridan show.
Cooper’s struggles in Landman include survivor's guilt
Cooper's experiences in Landman reveal the harsh truths of the oil industry and its emotional burden on workers and their families. He feels much guilt for surviving when his coworker, Elvio, died miserably, which greatly affects his choices.
Lofland talked about it in the TV Insider interview,
“There’s definitely some survivor’s guilt... he’s wondering why he’s still here and got out of that situation.”
Feeling repentant, Cooper wants to save Ariana. He does so not because he is in love with her, but because he is working through his remorse.
Cooper faces physical and emotional challenges along with wanting to be independent. His choosing to live in a small cabin instead of the family home manifests his strong will to build his own way in life.
Lofland said that Cooper wants to show he can succeed in the oil industry on his own, without using his father's influence:
“He wants to build his own name... this is his rite of passage.”
Family dynamics and unresolved conflicts
Family plays a great role in shaping Cooper's identity and problems. His relations with his sister, Ainsley (Michelle Randolph), are full of tension. Both actors say they don't really know why there is this dislike, suggesting a possible storyline in future episodes.
“We’re not sure yet, but I’ve got a feeling it’s gonna come out,” Lofland told TV Insider.
At the same time, his mother comes back and tries to reconcile with his father, Tommy (Billy Bob Thornton), which further complicates things. Cooper is conflicted because he saw the problems in their difficult relationship when he was a child.
Even with these issues, the relationships of the Norris family are important to Landman's feelings, revealing a close image of love, loyalty, and conflict.
What’s next for Cooper in Landman?
Cooper's journey in Landman is not complete yet. Tough events in episode 5 will change his route, making him reconsider his plans and goals.
As Lofland joked in an interview with Screen Rant,
“There’ll definitely be a path change... but he’s still goal-oriented.”
His wish to eventually own an oil company often positions him against his father, even resulting in very heated arguments and personal growth.
Also, Cooper's relationships with Ariana and the crew of his oil rig prove two sides of the same coin: he is weak yet strong, tender yet very independent. Such aspects ensure that his storyline will remain interesting as the show unfolds more on sacrifices and rewards in the industry.
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You can stream Landman on Paramount+ to see Cooper's journey.
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