What did Landman co-creator Christian Wallace say about Tommy's new role following Season 1 finale? Details explored

Landman Season 1 concluded on a high note with Tommy Norris unexpectedly rising through the ranks and becoming the head of M-Tex. The petroleum landman goes through an emotional rollercoaster in the finale as his close friend and boss, Monty, dies of a heart attack.

Just as Tommy grapples with the loss, he learns his friend has named him the president of the company. The man, who has mostly stayed in the oilfields with the workers, has a big challenge ahead.

Not only will he have to manage the gigantic oil company, but also change his lifestyle to suit that of an executive. Series co-creator Christian Wallace has now talked about how Tommy is going to tackle this challenge. He has revealed Tommy's lifestyle makeover will bring out a new side of his personality and might change the way M-Tex works.

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What did Christian Wallace say about Tommy's new role in Landman?

Discussing Tommy's new job and how it could impact the storyline in an interview with TV Insider, co-creator Christian Wallace said though Tommy is a good manager, becoming the head of the company means he would have to attend boardroom meetings and dinners, which he has never done before:

“I think that that is to be seen. He’s very good at being this managerial person and kind of a mid-level tier out in the field working closely with the rig hands and the roustabouts and the guys in the patch. We haven’t really seen him in the boardroom that much and at the fancy dinners.”

Wallace further said Tommy’s approach to work is starkly different from the previous head, Monty, and hence, it will be interesting to see how he handles the company's operations:

“There is a difference between Monty and Tommy. And so that is, again, a fascinating space for Tommy to have to navigate, especially since he’s been out kind of scraping by Midland and Odessa for the last decade-plus.”

Meanwhile, Billy Bob Thornton, the actor who stars as Tommy, also highlighted how his character does not want to be an executive, and will always stay a landman at heart. However, he feels Tommy would be utilizing his experience in the oil fields to run M-Tex. Thornton told TV Insider:

“Tommy is never going to get the landman out of him. I mean, that’s who he is. He does not want to be an executive guy. I don’t think he wants to be in the suit, but I believe he’ll do whatever it takes. I just think that he’s going to bring along his experience as a landman and run it from that perspective, you know?"

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How Tommy became the president of M-Tex

Tommy becomes M-Tex Oil president in Landman Season 1 finale. The episode begins with Monty in critical condition after a heart attack. While doctors try to stabilize him for surgery, Tommy learns Monty’s will has named him the new president of M-Tex and the executor of the family trust.

Tommy is hesitant to take the job at first but decides to step up, knowing the company’s future hangs in the balance as it is going through a severe financial crisis. However, just when he is about to make some decisions for the firm, he is kidnapped by a cartel, which is unhappy with M-Tex’s operations.

The cartel’s men torment Tommy, but he is eventually saved by their leader, Galino, who offers to forget their rivalry and become partners. The collaboration could change the fate of West Texas going forward as two powerful personalities come together.

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All episodes of Landman Season 1 are streaming on Paramount+.