“Landman” continues its descent into the murky depths of the oil industry, this time exposing the uncomfortable tendrils of petroleum that grip even our “clean” energy solutions. “Hell Has a Front Yard” isn’t just a clever title; it’s a stark illustration of the show’s central argument: escaping the oil business is like trying to claw your way out of a particularly well-furnished pit of despair.
The episode throws a wrench into simplistic narratives about renewable energy, showing how deeply entangled alternative solutions are with the very industry they aim to replace. Tommy (Billy Bob Thornton), our weathered oilman protagonist, delivers a brutal dismantling of Rebecca’s (Kayla Wallace) idealism, pointing out the petroleum fingerprints on everything from her lipstick to her cell phone. Rebecca, with her “woke” sensibilities, provides a stark contrast to the rough-and-tumble world of oil fields, generating moments of both humor and uncomfortable truths. Their ideological clash forms the core of the episode, a tug-of-war between pragmatism and aspirations.
Meanwhile, personal dramas ignite like rogue flares on a drilling rig. Cooper (Jacob Lofland) seeks solace – and possibly something more – with a widow from the rig explosion, adding a frisson of complicated grief to the story. Angela’s (Ali Larter) reappearance injects chaos and sexual tension into Tommy’s life, mirroring the unpredictable nature of the oil business itself. And Monty (Jon Hamm), caught between loyalty to Tommy and self-preservation, wrestles with the ethical dilemma of a potential OSHA violation. Will he throw Tommy under the bus to save his own skin?
While Kayla Wallace and Ali Larter deliver powerful performances, Demi Moore’s role feels disappointingly sidelined. Perhaps future episodes will give her character the room to breathe and fully contribute to the show’s complicated tapestry.
“Landman” is shaping up to be a show that relishes moral ambiguities, refusing to offer easy answers about energy, ethics, or the human cost of doing business. This episode cements its position as a thoughtful exploration of a complicated industry, and a worthy addition to Paramount+’s lineup.
“Landman” airs Sunday nights on Paramount+.
