Behind the Scenes of “Landman”: When Serious Drama Meets Uncontrollable Laughter
The set of “Landman” might be depicting the high-stakes world of the oil industry, but behind the cameras, the cast can barely keep it together—especially during those now-infamous family dinner scenes. Jacob Lofland, who portrays Cooper Norris, recently revealed that the editing team deserves special credit for salvaging scenes where the actors are on the verge of breaking character. “There’s plenty of takes where you’ll catch yourself smiling or almost laughing,” Lofland shared. “You can’t help it, because you’re just watching this happen in front of you.” The combination of Billy Bob Thornton and Ali Larter’s electric dynamic as Tommy and Angela Norris creates moments so authentically chaotic that maintaining composure becomes nearly impossible. Michelle Randolph, who plays Ainsley Norris, admitted feeling “so silly” delivering some of the show’s more outlandish lines—like telling her on-screen brother, “Did you swallow a soup can? Oh, that’s your Adam’s apple.” These seemingly small moments of familial jabs create the perfect foundation for the larger dramatic explosions that have become the show’s signature.
Season 2’s premiere episode showcases exactly this dynamic, featuring a celebration dinner for Ainsley’s acceptance into Texas Christian University. What begins as Angela’s attempt at a wholesome themed family gathering predictably devolves into chaos, culminating in a full-blown food fight with cacio e pepe as ammunition. Randolph offered an insightful observation about her character’s parents’ relationship: “There’s something in it that feels like they enjoy it a little bit,” suggesting that beneath the surface hostility lies an almost playful dynamic that both characters secretly relish. This complexity gives the Norris family interactions a depth that transcends typical family drama, making their dysfunction simultaneously relatable and entertainingly extreme. The tightrope between comedy and tension is what makes these scenes stand out—they’re uncomfortable yet strangely satisfying to watch.
Colm Feore, who plays Nathan, explained that maintaining composure becomes particularly challenging when Thornton “throws off an improvised zinger” or when props go flying and “nearly decapitate somebody.” Interestingly, Feore noted that sometimes it’s the crew who struggle most to maintain professionalism. “This is really silly stuff,” he admitted. “It’s so much fun if you try and play it straight, you do it seriously.” This approach—treating absurd situations with deadpan seriousness—creates the perfect storm for comedy. Nathan and James Jordan’s character Dale find themselves essentially “held hostage” at these family gatherings, forced to participate in Angela’s themed dinner parties whether they want to or not. “If she says we’re having paella, we’re having paella,” Feore explained, highlighting how his character has learned to navigate “the intensity to the circus that she runs.”
Beyond the dinner table theatrics, the show continues to explore the complex sibling relationship between Cooper and Ainsley. Despite their on-screen animosity, Lofland and Randolph share a close bond in real life, which makes portraying their characters’ mutual disdain particularly interesting. “We would like for our relationship to grow a little bit more. We have a lot of fun with it because we get along in person,” Randolph shared. “Of course, I love Jacob. I feel like he’s my real brother—but I don’t have that relationship with my siblings. So to have that dynamic onscreen is fun to work with.” The contrast between their personal friendship and their characters’ antagonism adds another layer to their performances, allowing them to push boundaries while maintaining an underlying trust.
The source of Cooper and Ainsley’s conflict remains somewhat mysterious to viewers, which adds intrigue to their interactions. Randolph theorizes that their animosity stems from fundamental differences: “I like to say they are complete opposites of one another. I think all that Ainsley represents Cooper despises and vice versa. There’s no common ground between the two of them.” This explanation offers insight into why even small interactions between the siblings often escalate quickly—they’re operating from entirely different worldviews and value systems. However, Lofland suggested there might be more beneath the surface hostility: “I think there’s a lot of love, though. There’s love, just in a way of, ‘I hate you.'” This complex dynamic mirrors many real-life sibling relationships, where deep affection and intense irritation often coexist.
As “Landman” continues its second season, viewers can expect the show to balance its exploration of the oil industry’s challenges with the continuing saga of the Norris family’s internal conflicts. The series has found its sweet spot in contrasting professional high-stakes situations with messy personal dynamics, creating a viewing experience that’s both thought-provoking and entertaining. The cast’s ability to navigate between dramatic tension and barely-contained laughter mirrors the show’s overall tone—serious subjects delivered with just enough absurdity to keep audiences engaged. New episodes will continue to premiere every Sunday on Paramount+ starting November 16, promising more memorable family dinners, industry drama, and moments where the cast will undoubtedly struggle to maintain their composure. For fans of character-driven drama with a healthy dose of chaotic energy, “Landman” continues to deliver a uniquely compelling viewing experience.
