### Taylor Sheridan's "Landman" Digs Deep into Texas Oil Industry

Taylor Sheridan, known for his influential television creations like "Yellowstone," turns his focus towards the gritty world of Texas oil in his latest drama, "Landman." The show, now available on Paramount+, explores the rough and rugged landscape of the Permian Basin, anchored in the realism of the oil industry. With Billy Bob Thornton leading as Tommy Norris, a hardened fixer, "Landman" promises an immersive journey through one of Texas' most vital sectors.

Sheridan partners with Christian Wallace, the host of the Texas Monthly podcast "Boomtown," to bring this story to life. Wallace’s hands-on experience in the oil fields injects authenticity into the script, co-created and entirely written by Sheridan. This collaboration vividly depicts Norris and his son Cooper, played by Jacob Lofland, as they navigate the dangerous and demanding oil rigs, emphasizing the industry's daily grind.

The drama excels in Thornton's portrayal of Norris, guiding viewers through the complexities of the oil and gas industry while addressing contemporary issues like climate change. From negotiating leases with cartel members to differentiating surface and mineral rights, Thornton’s Norris is a seasoned oilman who doesn't shy away from the less glamorous sides of his trade. His interactions highlight the substance's importance and the current infrastructure's inability to transition sustainably away from oil dependency.

Within "Landman," the fictional M-Tex Oil, under the leadership of Jon Hamm's Monty Miller, serves as the main backdrop. While Monty manages affairs from luxurious settings, Norris handles the ground realities, ranging from interactions with cartels to managing company assets. The vivid portrayal of oil industry landscapes—from rented bachelor pads to private roads commandeered by cartels—adds a layer of authenticity to the series.

However, the series struggles with its family drama elements. Female characters like Tommy’s ex-wife Angelica, played by Ali Larter, and their daughter Ainsley, portrayed by Michelle Randolph, seem underdeveloped and fall into stereotypical roles. Despite her notable casting, Demi Moore’s Cami, Monty's wife, remains a marginal presence in the narrative, leaving her role unclear in the initial episodes.

"Landman" also falters with the lack of meaningful representation among Spanish-speaking laborers, a significant presence in the real-life oil fields. Though Michael Peña appears as Armando, his character mainly serves as an antagonist to Cooper, missing the chance to provide a broader perspective on the industry.

Despite these shortcomings, "Landman" benefits from its meticulously crafted setting, reminiscent of "Friday Night Lights" in its portrayal of Texas life. The series begins streaming on Paramount+ with new episodes releasing weekly on Sundays, inviting viewers to delve into the multifaceted world of Texas oilmen.