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Warning: SPOILERS ahead for Landman season 1, episode 7!Landman season 1, episode 7 pulls back on the larger dramatic story for a bit, focusing instead on the Norris family as they grow used to life together in the patch. Following the end of Landman episode 6, Cooper (Jacob Lofland) has been discharged from the hospital, choosing to stay at Ariana's (Paulina Chavez) after feeling like he no longer has a place with his family. In the meantime, Tommy (Billy Bob Thornton), Angela (Ali Larter), and Ainsley (Michelle Randolph) are getting used to their lives together, sometimes in ways that meander more than previous episodes.
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.
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
Angela & Ainsley's Stories Don't Feel Like Key Parts Of The Plot
But They Do Help Establish Their Characters Better
One of the more standout elements of Landman episode 7 is the inclusion of side stories focused on Angela and Ainsley, neither of which have a particularly large role to play in the overarching story. The first occurs when the pair visits a nursing home, only to learn residents are borderline rotting away without any activities to do. This leads to a montage where Angela gathers together alcohol and a Cards Against Humanity deck to entertain the residents. While they're eventually asked to leave by a nurse, they're eventually invited back because of how much fun they brought the residents.
While these two storylines are fine additions on their own, they also feel like off-the-cuff ideas that won't have too big an impact on the overarching story.
The second instance happens when Ainsley finally gets a chance to go to a patch party, which she'd missed due to Cooper's injury in episode 6. Here, the cast of Landman expands with the introduction of Ryder Simpson (Mitchell Slaggert), a quarterback who catches her eye. While the sequence leans into the sometimes questionable presentation of Ainsley, it ends with a somewhat satisfying confrontation when Angela forces Tommy to find their daughter. He ends up hitting Ryder in the throat and forcing the pair apart in a scene mostly played for laughs.
Related
Landman Season 1, Episode 6 Review: Riveting Drama Series Masterfully Pulls Back To Center The Norris Family's Darkest Hour
Landman episode 6 continues to deepen the connection between all members of the Norris family as they face down their darkest hour so far.
While these two storylines are fine additions on their own, they also feel like off-the-cuff ideas that won't have too big an impact on the overarching story. Taylor Sheridan's shows are oftentimes filled with a stream-of-consciousness writing style that puts its characters in scenarios that aren't necessarily important to the big picture. While Angela and Ainsley's stories certainly felt this way, they still helped develop additional dynamics for their characters. They felt like wholesome snapshots of what the Norris family's lives could be like if Tommy's renewed relationship works out.
Cooper & Ariana Are Getting Dangerously Close To Each Other
More Consequences For Their Blooming Relationship
But not all is well for every member of the family, with Ariana caring for Tommy's son, who still hasn't fully recovered from his injuries. She still feels at fault for what happened, believing calling Cooper for help was the root cause of Manuel (J.R. Villarreal) trying to kill him. These scenes are more slow and somber than ever before, calling attention to the pain both of them are in because of what happened. Cooper also insists on her not sleeping on the couch, continuing to showcase his inherently good nature despite all the physical pain he's in.
Cooper approaching Ariana on the couch seems to contrast with when Ainsley approached her boyfriend, Dakota (Drake Rodger), when he was sleeping on the Norris' couch in episode 1.
The real meat of their relationship is showcased near the end of the episode when the pair start to kiss while lying in bed together. While it's still unclear if their blooming romance is one of convenience or a true connection, their chemistry acts as a light in the darkness, despite the untoward circumstances that brought them together. Their romantic connection in episode 7 may have been short-lived, but the sparks now flying between them promise the trappings of a wholesome love story should they maintain their care for one another.
Not Everything In Landman Can Stay Peaceful
The Final Moments Offer A Curious Cliffhanger
Custom image by Ana Nieves
But, of course, not everything can remain calm in Landman. The episode's final moments see Nathan (Colm Feore) and Rebecca (Kayla Wallace) return to Ariana's, once again offering her money following Elvio's (Alejandro Akara) death in episode 1. However, Cooper appears, determined to hear what they have to say. This catches Rebecca's attention, saying she's been looking for him before the episode comes to a close. This curious cliffhanger spells more trouble ahead for the couple, setting the stage for a more eventful follow-up.
Related
Landman Season 1, Episode 5 Review: Tragedy & Tension Intensify The Complex Father-Son Relationship
Landman episode 5 focuses on Tommy and Cooper's ongoing struggles tied to the patch, making for a tense episode with a shocking conclusion.
The episode also offered a small hint at what could be next for Tommy as Monty (John Hamm) makes a deal for new oilfields despite the cartel members he's already dealing with. Since this new business opportunity comes amid more threats surrounding the patch, it sounds like it will be arriving at a breaking point soon. Monty has remained mostly in the background of the story throughout season 1, but his new deal could make his presence much more prominent in the final three episodes.
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Upcoming Episode Of Landman |
Release Date |
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Episode 8: TBA |
12-29-2024 |
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Episode 9: WolfCamp |
01-05-2025 |
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Episode 10: The Crumbs of Hope |
01-12-2025 |
Although Landman episode 7 slowed the story down with snapshots of the Norris family's lives, its focus on character building helped lay the groundwork for the final episodes of the show. Season 1 doesn't even feel like it's close to finishing considering the number of storylines and character relationships getting fleshed out. However, episode 7 provides a perfect lead-in for more drama, promising new struggles as the series builds toward explosive revelations.
New episodes of Landman arrive Sundays on Paramount+.
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Pros
- More development for the Norris family, especially Angela and Ainsley.
- Cooper and Ariana's relationship is growing into a satisfying slow burn.
- The final moments tease a storm of events approaching in the final three episodes.
Cons
- Angela and Ainsley's development is slightly hindered by storylines that seemingly won't go anywhere.
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