The Future of Landman: Questions That Season 3 Must Answer

Taylor Sheridan’s hit series “Landman” has captured audiences with its gritty portrayal of the West Texas oil industry and the complex life of crisis executive Tommy Norris, played by Billy Bob Thornton. After a record-breaking second season on Paramount+, with the premiere episode garnering over 9.2 million views in just two days, fans are eagerly anticipating what’s next for Tommy and his unconventional family. The season two finale left viewers with several unresolved storylines and potential character departures that have sparked intense speculation about the show’s future direction. From Tommy’s bold move to start his own oil company after being fired by Cami (Demi Moore) to the aftermath of Cooper’s involvement in a man’s death following his girlfriend Ariana’s sexual assault, the stakes have never been higher for the Norris family and their associates.

The most pressing question heading into season three revolves around Demi Moore’s character Cami. After firing Tommy from M-Tex Oil, she now faces a crossroads – will she become his direct competitor or follow Nathan’s suggestion to sell the company altogether? Moore’s busy acting schedule may ultimately determine Cami’s fate in the series, leaving fans to wonder if another major character will exit the show following Monty’s departure in season one. Similarly concerning is the future of Sam Elliott’s character T.L., Tommy’s father, who has been plagued by health issues throughout season two. Elliott reportedly only signed on for two seasons initially, and his character was last seen complaining about various ailments, raising flags about a potential emotional farewell in the upcoming season. These potential cast changes could significantly reshape the dynamic of the show that has built such strong character relationships.

The personal relationships within “Landman” also hang in a delicate balance heading into the third season. Tommy and his ex-wife Angela seemed to reach a more positive place in their relationship by the end of season two, but their history suggests that harmony may be short-lived. Their complicated dynamic has been a cornerstone of the series, providing both emotional depth and occasional comic relief through their disastrous family dinners. Meanwhile, Cooper and Ariana’s relationship has progressed at breakneck speed – from dating while she was still mourning her husband’s death to getting engaged and planning their future together, all within what appears to be just months in the show’s timeline. Viewers are rightfully questioning whether their relationship can sustain this pace or if challenges lie ahead for the young couple, especially given Cooper’s recent brush with the law.

Speaking of Cooper’s legal troubles, the convenient resolution of his potential murder charge raises eyebrows going into season three. Though Rebecca’s legal maneuvering helped him avoid arrest after the death of Ariana’s assaulter, many viewers question whether justice was truly served or if there might be further consequences waiting down the road. Actor Jacob Lofland has suggested that Cooper will likely be haunted by the fact that his actions led to a man’s death, indicating potential psychological fallout even if legal repercussions don’t materialize. Additionally, the character of Cheyenne, played by Francesca Xuereb, has become an unexpected fan favorite after transitioning from her life as a stripper to becoming something of a makeshift therapist for the Norris family. Her integration into their household has brought new energy to the show, particularly in her interactions with T.L., leaving fans hoping she’ll continue to play a significant role in the upcoming season.

Perhaps most ominously, Tommy’s new business partnership with Gallino, portrayed by Andy Garcia, looms large over the future storyline. Gallino’s investment in Tommy’s fledgling oil company came with an unsettling threat – if Tommy doesn’t earn back the investment, Gallino will take what Tommy loves. This menacing promise suggests a dangerous dynamic that could put Tommy’s family and colleagues at risk in season three. The introduction of this character adds a potentially sinister element to a show that has balanced family drama with business intrigue, and viewers are rightfully concerned about how far Gallino might go to protect his investment. Meanwhile, a lighter but still compelling storyline follows Ainsley’s college adventures at Texas Christian University. After reconnecting with her former roommate and deciding to move back in with her (and their pet ferret), fans are curious to see if Ainsley will experience genuine personal growth or if her campus storyline will continue to provide comedic chaos as a counterpoint to the more serious elements of the show.

As “Landman” moves forward, these unresolved questions reflect the show’s successful blend of personal drama, business politics, and moral complexity that has made it Paramount+’s most-watched original series. The strength of the ensemble cast, led by Thornton’s nuanced performance as Tommy, has created a rich tapestry of interconnected lives all navigating the boom-and-bust world of Texas oil. Season three promises to test the newfound solidarity of Tommy’s handpicked team as they face competition from established players like M-Tex Oil while managing their own personal challenges. Whether exploring the ethical compromises required in the oil business, the complexities of family relationships, or the consequences of past actions, “Landman” has established itself as a thoughtful drama that refuses simple resolutions. As viewers eagerly await answers to these pressing questions, one thing remains certain – in the high-stakes world of West Texas oil, nothing stays buried forever, and every character will eventually face the consequences of their choices.