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Ainsley Norris's story in Landman episode 8 was much better than any of her character's earlier controversial scenes, despite what Michelle Randolph has said about them. Ainsley has been a source of controversy since she first appeared in the premiere of Landman. Many viewers took issue with how sexualized she was in those early episodes, and the fact that she would openly discuss her sex life with her father, Tommy (Billy Bob Thornton). On top of that, many of the male characters in Landman were obsessed with Ainsley, which wasn't helped by the fact that all she wanted to do was sunbathe and work out in skimpy clothing.
Luckily, by the ending of Landman episode 8, Ainsley had become a much more well-rounded and less provacative character. Tommy convinced Ainsley to lie to him about her sex life, like most daughters do with their fathers, and she's even gotten involved in volunteering at a local retirement community. Ainsley isn't the only thing getting better as Landman continues, though: the entire show is improving with each subsequent episode. The fact that Landman is improving at the same time that Ainsley is getting less controversial are definitely related, despite what Michelle Randolph thinks.
Ainsley & Ryder's Story Is A Good Development For Landman
Ainsley & Ryder's Relationship Highlights Ainsley's Character Development Since Landman's Premiere
One of the new developments that helped Ainsley become a better character was her new boyfriend, Ryder (Mitchell Slaggert). While they did start off rather poorly - Tommy pulled Ryder off Ainsley in the bed of his truck and threatened to kill him - their first date went a lot more smoothly. Ryder is already a massive improvement over Dakota Loving (Drake Rodger), as he is clearly interested in more than just Ainsley's body. He took her to the reservoir to "swim in fire," and he actually got invested in playing with some of the residents of the care home that Angela and Ainsley have been visiting.
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The care home in particular shows why Ainsley's relationship with Ryder is such a great indication of how much she's developed since the premiere of Landman. Ainsley revealed that she wanted to make sure Ryder actually cared when she took him to the care home, and he passed with flying colors. Ainsley always wanted to date someone who cared about her as a person - that's why she broke up with Dakota - but the test she gave Ryder at the care home shows she's actually taking charge and making sure her boyfriends are worthy of sleeping with now.
Ainsley Helping At The Care Home Is Another Good Story For Her
Angela & Ainsley's Relationship With The Care Home Is Heartwarming & Adds So Much Depth To Their Characters
The care home also serves as a great storyline for Ainsley, even without Ryder. Ever since she and Angela began volunteering there in Landman episode 7, Ainsley has gotten to show a softer, more caring side of herself than she ever displayed while sunbathing. The care home has helped dive deeper into Ainsley's character beyond her surface-level desires, and, more importantly, it helped develop the relationship between Angela and Ainsley. The Norris family is the best part of Landman, and moments like the care home show that the series benefits from focusing on how Ainsley fits into their damaged family dynamic.
Landman Is Much Better Off Without Its Controversial Ainsley Scenes
Despite Randolph's Defense Of Ainsley's Controversial Scenes, Landman Is Better Without Them
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Even though Michelle Randolph defended Ainsley's controversial scenes, Landman is better off without them. While speaking with Screen Rant, Randolph mentioned that her job ends once the cameras stop rolling, and that it's up to the audience to interpret a character's story and personality.
You know, I got the script, I developed the character, I filmed it, and we put it out into the world, and that's where my job kind of ends. It's not my job to tell people how to interpret my character. But I think that's the thing about art, is you put it out and it creates conversation, and that's exactly what's happening.
While Randolph's words are true - it's up to the audience to decide what a piece of art means to them - it doesn't justify the effect Ainsley's controversial scenes had on Landman. Ainsley's sexuality detracted from her relationship with Tommy, it created a lot of uncomfortable situations that were supposed to be funny, and it made her come across as shallow and annoying. Yes, it did set the stage for her character development in Landman episodes 7 and 8, but it should have lasted for one or two episodes, not six.
It doesn't really matter how the audience interprets Ainsley if all of her controversial scenes detracted from an otherwise great show.
The simple fact is, Landman is a more efficient, more emotional, and better show without Ainsley's controversial scenes. The story of the Norris family works a lot better without being sidetracked by men leering at Ainsley in a bikini or moments where a 17-year-old shares intimate sexual details with her father. It doesn't really matter how the audience interprets Ainsley if all of her controversial scenes detracted from an otherwise great show. In short, Landman is better off with Ainsley in a less provacative role, no matter the interpretation.
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Set in West Texas, this series explores the world of oil rigs and the fortunes they create. It portrays a modern upstairs/downstairs narrative of roughnecks and billionaires, highlighting the profound impact on the climate, economy, and geopolitics in these boomtowns.
Release Date November 17, 2024
Character(s) Tommy Norris , Angela Norris , Cooper Norris , Rebecca Falcone , Sheriff Walt Joeberg , Dale Bradley , Cami Miller , Monty Miller , Nathan , Ellie , Dakota Loving , Abilene , Barney , Isabel , Boss , Manuel , Antonio , Armando , Luis Medina , Jimenez , Elvio Medina
Creator(s) Taylor Sheridan , Christian Wallace
Seasons 1
Writers Taylor Sheridan , Christian Wallace
English (US) ·