Landman Season 2, Episode 3 Review: Tommy Norris Faces His Toughest Balancing Act Yet

As a Texas Landman, Tommy Norris seems to do very little in the way of negotiating traditional land leases with legal landowners or researching local mineral rights. Never have we ever seen him spend time down at the old courthouse canvassing historical documents and ownership records to file quick claim deeds. No small tasks, mind you, but certainly more akin to what you might find on any given day in this line of work.

In fact, the titular character of the popular Paramount+ series of the same name, spends very little measurable time actually out on the land, if you will. This season, we are more likely to find him behind the wheel of his F250 racing down the Texas interstate from one calamity to the next, putting out those proverbial fires started by the dysfunctionally co-dependent people with whom he shares this life.

Played by Billy Bob Thornton with a deepening mix of charisma and introspection, Tommy Norris’ role onscreen, in the fictional reality of co-creator Taylor Sheridan, comes off more like a crisis management fixer who just happens to operate in the world of oil and gas. If only he could do the more mundane day-to-day of a true landman, I am certain he would not be near as rabid of a chain-smoker as he is now.

As has become customary for the series from week to week, one call after another — whether from his family, his bosses, his employees, or a lawyer or two — all lead Tommy to the dumpster fire of the day. At this point, it’s a wonder why he even answers their calls. 

Such is the case this week in “Almost A Home,” episode 3 of the series’ sophomore season. In it, Tommy is faced with balancing financial concerns of M Tex Oil, the behemoth of a company now in the hands of Cami Miller, played by Demi Moore, since the death of her husband in Season 1; keeping his son, Cooper (Jacob Lofland), from making deals with the devil to make a few bucks of his own out on the Patch; preparing for a family funeral that everyone appears reticent to attend; and a near-death experience for members of his work crew, who he sent on the very errand to inspect those neighboring property wells.

Nevertheless, what continues to make these scenarios work each week rests squarely on the strength of character from Thornton. Embodying the seasoned landman navigating the chaos of one of the most dynamic and dangerous industries in the state, Thornton’s locked-in performance captures Tommy's reluctant hero determination, highlighting the ethical dilemmas and personal stakes involved in his work. You cannot help but root for him to make it to see another sunset, or at the very least, to hear him go off with a well-crafted, well-placed clapback. Priceless.

Landman remains a testament to Thornton’s versatility as an actor, blending authenticity with his layered interpretation that continues to resonate with viewers. 

What is also not too far off the mark is Moore’s portrayal of the Texas socialite coming to terms with the facade of a perfect life in the face of her husband’s untimely death. Largely relegated to a background day player in Season 1, Moore’s role has expanded substantially this go-round as the oil widow-turned-heiress learning to assert her power in the male-dominated industry that is oil and gas. Never underestimate a Texas woman who is fueled by grief. No doubt, in this life, she has already learned to channel vulnerability into fanning the flames of her existence. 

With noted substance added to the character this season, Moore continues to highlight Cami as a sophisticated, highly intelligent, deceptively strong woman. In an unexpected scene that gathers together Tommy, his newfound nemesis, drug cartel boss and Cooper Norris’ secret backer, Gallino, played by Andy Garcia, and their wives, Cami delivers an impassioned reminder to the couples to cherish what they have in that moment, regardless of its imperfections. For, life has an uncanny way of reminding you that there is an expiration date to it all.

To have watched Moore showcase her versatility across her 40-year career playing ambitious, manipulative, rebellious, some-what flawed women, it is nice to see her in this new role as the venerable matriarch — commanding, impressive, and reverent. 

Not to mention, Moore remains the queen of the most beautiful single tear eyes on screen. In them, she carries the poignant stories of love and loss, to near perfection.

The business of oil in Texas is complex and often misunderstood, much like the rich cast of characters who operate in it on the daily. 

While Landman’s sneak peek into this world can be overzealous in those characterizations, at times, the cultural richness of Texas the series showcases, from the vast western landscapes to the local communities affected by the oil economy, captures the unique lifestyle of individuals who live and work in this unforgiving environment. For the rest of us, we just like calling it home.

Also starring Ali Larter, Michelle Randolph, Colm Feore, and Sam Elliott, Landman streams each Sunday on Paramount+.

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