'Landman' Season 2 Is Halfway Through: Is the New Chapter of Taylor Sheridan Show Worth Watching?

The second season of Landman, which continues Taylor Sheridan's story, is now available. While the first season balanced industrial drama, crime, and family drama, the new season takes a decisive step toward the personal stories of the main characters.

Have the creators maintained their signature charm and grit, or has Landman become hostage to its own formula? Let's figure it out.

What Is 'Landman' Season 2 About?

Following the death of company owner Monty, his widow, Cami, struggles to maintain control of the business in a world that distrusts female leaders.

Meanwhile, Tommy navigates crises ranging from negotiations with bankers to the sudden reappearance of his father and the news of his mother's death.

Meanwhile, Cooper makes a breakthrough by discovering a new, profitable well that could change the family's fortunes forever.

'Landman' Season 2 Is Shifting Its Focus From Industrial Drama to Family Drama

The first season aimed to depict the oil industry as a whole, from shift workers to owners. The second season narrows its focus almost exclusively to the Norris family and Cami.

Supporting characters, such as lawyer Nate and engineer Dale, are relegated to the background and are sometimes portrayed in a grotesque manner.

Landman evolves from an epic portrayal of Texas's oil industry to an intimate story of coming of age, inheritance, and paternal debt. Though filmed with real engineers, the technical details of production now serve primarily as a backdrop for personal dramas.

In Season 2, 'Landman' Streamlines the Structure but Doesn't Offer Viewers Anything New

The main problem of the second season is its lack of originality and simplified narrative. While the first season surprised viewers with its blend of genres and honest portrayal of the industry, the new chapter follows a well-trodden path.

The plotlines become more predictable, and new characters, like the drug cartel boss played by Andy Garcia, fit into familiar patterns.

Landman risks becoming hostage to Taylor Sheridan's successful but overused formula: a gruff yet charming patriarch who defends his code of honor and family while confronting the world, and social issues that are either ignored or presented as inevitable evils.

Is 'Landman' Season 2 Worth Watching: The Verdict

While Season 2 has its problems, fans of Taylor Sheridan's show will not be disappointed by the first episodes of the new chapter.

The show continues on roughly the same path, gradually introducing new characters while continuing the main characters' stories at a fairly leisurely pace.

What Did Critics & Viewers Think of 'Landman' Season 2?

The Times critic Tim Glanfield wrote:

“For roughnecks who have been punching holes waiting for their next dose of Texas tea, the return of Landman once again drills deep into a different perspective on American life.”

• Landman Season 2 has 77% from critics and 40% from viewers on Rotten Tomatoes.

Where to Watch 'Landman' Season 2?

Landman Season 2 is available to stream on Paramount+.