Taylor Sheridan's new Western-style drama, Landman, has caused a lot of discussion since it started streaming on Paramount+. The show dives into the world of the oil industry with a compelling story centered around Tommy Norris, played by Billy Bob Thornton.
However, much of the talk has been about how the show portrays Tommy’s teenage daughter, Ainsley, in ways that make people uncomfortable. Both critics and viewers have criticized the show for its clumsy handling of family relationships, especially how Ainsley interacts with her father and the men around him.
Some have described these scenes as "disturbing," and they’ve spread quickly on social media, taking attention away from other parts of the series. The story involves scenes where Ainsley talks about personal matters with her father in a way that many people think is not suitable.
She is also shown wearing revealing clothes around older male characters. Sheridan, the creator, has been criticized for including these scenes because they seem to support stereotypes and don’t give female characters much depth.
Even though many people have complained, Landman still has a loyal audience. Some fans defend the show, saying its themes are meant to make people think.
What really happens in the Landman daughter scene?
The issue mainly comes from two important parts involving Ainsley Norris, played by Michelle Randolph. In the first episode, Tommy asks Ainsley about her relationship with her boyfriend, which leads to a very detailed talk about her private life.
The scene finishes with Tommy’s confused reaction, which has now become a viral moment:
“I’m gonna go get a Dr. Pepper.”
Critics say this interaction turns the father-daughter relationship into a joke, taking away from the emotional depth the story could have.
In episode two, Ainsley is often shown wearing revealing clothes while talking to her father’s male friends. The way the men stare at her makes many viewers uncomfortable, and they wonder why the show relies on such clichés.
These decisions point to bigger problems in the show, especially how it portrays women. Sheridan’s earlier shows, like Yellowstone and Tulsa King, have been criticized for similar issues, but Landman takes it even further.
The repeated pattern of poorly written female characters has led to demands for more thoughtful and complex storytelling in future episodes.
The bigger issue with how Landman treats women
Ainsley’s story isn’t the only problem in Landman. Critics have noticed that most female characters aren’t given much depth. For example, Angela Norris (played by Ali Larter), Tommy’s ex-wife, is often shown wearing revealing clothes and doesn’t do much in the story except flirt.
Other characters like Cami Miller (Demi Moore) and Rebecca Savage (Kayla Wallace) also don’t get much to do, even though the actors playing them are talented. Despite their strong performances, the writing for these characters feels flat and simple.
In an interview, Larter defended her role, saying she trusts the show’s writer, Sheridan, and hinted that Angela might grow as a character later in the season. But, as ComingSoon.net pointed out, fans aren’t convinced, especially because Sheridan hasn’t always written strong roles for women in the past.
Is the controversy taking away from Landman’s peaks?
Even with the criticism, Landman has its strengths. Billy Bob Thornton’s performance as Tommy Norris has received a lot of praise. The show’s story, which revolves around intense drama in the oil industry, has exciting moments that keep viewers hooked.
Rotten Tomatoes gives Landman a 76% rating from critics, showing that many people are ready to ignore its weaknesses.
Michelle Randolph, in an interview with Screen Rant, talked about the controversy,
“It’s not my job to tell people how to interpret my character… art creates conversation, and that’s exactly what’s happening.”
Some fans agree with this view, saying that the show’s bold and shocking parts are done on purpose to get people talking.
Even though the controversial moments have been the main topic online, there’s a chance that Landman will improve and address the current complaints.
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You can watch the newest episodes on Paramount+.
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