Why does Ariana call Cooper on Landman? Their connection and the journey that led to this, explored

**Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers for Landman Episode 5. Reader discretion is advised.**

Tommy Norris' son Cooper seems to be heading into a dangerous relationship on Landman with his dead colleague Elvio's wife, Ariana.

While the previous episodes established the start of a relationship between the two, Episode 5 makes it clear that the outcome could be trouble for Cooper and, eventually, Landman Tommy.

After losing her husband in the Episode 1 explosion, Ariana feels a genuine connection with Cooper, the only surviving member of the tragedy. In Episode 4, she calls Cooper after attending her husband's wake and wishes to meet with him.

While Cooper has been warned by Elvio's cousins, Manuel and Antonio (who also work with him as Boss' crew), to stay away from Ariana, he feels a genuine responsibility towards her because he thinks he is somewhat accountable for her husband's death.

Episode 5 has a cliffhanger ending: Manuel beats Cooper to a pulp after the latter meets Ariana. It is to be seen if Cooper survives the attack.

More about Ariana and Cooper's relationship on the show in our story:

Ariana found an unusual friendship with Cooper after her husband's death in Landman

After his first crew dies in the fatal explosion of Episode 1, Cooper finds his rhythm back with Boss' crew. But he faces hostility, too, as the crew members, especially Elvio's cousins, blame him for the latter's death.

In earlier episodes of Landman, we saw Cooper get a violent warning from Elvio's cousin to stay away from his widow, Ariana. This warning came after the two shared an friendly moment in which Ariana seemed to be enjoying Cooper's company after her husband's death.

Since Ariana is emotionally and financially fragile after Elvio's death, she sees Cooper's genuity and leans on him in her difficult time. They seem to bond over a loss that has affected them both.

Is Cooper headed for a tragic fate in Landman because of his relationship with Ariana?

Cooper had agreed to meet with Ariana despite Manuel's warning because he experiences survivor's guilt and feels responsible for Elvio's death. While the relationship between the two has been presumed to be amicable in Landman so far, Episode 5 presents the couple in a new light.

Episode 5 picks up with Cooper showing up at Ariana's place because she wished to meet him in Episode 4. We see Cooper mowing Ariana's lawn and helping with her bills. While a romantic relationship seems unlikely at this point because Ariana has just lost her husband, and Cooper is trying to find footing with his new crew, the sparks are flying.

But their moments of bliss are interrupted when Manuel confronts Cooper over his closeness with Ariana. She defies him and kisses Cooper. Later, Manuel, Antonio, and others ambush Cooper's trailer and beat him up mercilessly. The episode ends with Cooper being beaten to a pulp soon afterwards, and his future hanging by a thread.

While this is a turning point for the relationship in Landman, it could end badly for Cooper as the episode finale suggests.