In an unexpected twist, Billy Bob Thornton, who first captured audiences’ hearts with his iconic role in the Oscar-winning indie film Sling Blade, proves once again that he’s not only a master of grunts but also a captivating orator. In the newly-released Paramount+ series Landman, crafted by the talented Taylor Sheridan, Thornton takes center stage as Tommy Norris, an oil-company fixer who expertly balances charm and pragmatism amid the chaotic world of Texas oil.

Tommy Norris stands as a quintessential Sheridan character who navigates a morally murky world while grappling with the grotesque realities of life in the oil industry. With a voice that dances between a grumpy growl and a laid-back twang, Thornton melds humor and gritty wisdom in his portrayal. He regales those around him with his blunt insights, portraying a man fully aware of the inherent destruction around him but determined to carve out his own existence.

What sets Tommy apart from other Sheridan protagonists—like the rugged John Dutton from Yellowstone—is his undeniable sense of humor, a refreshing element that permeates the show's atmosphere. Co-created alongside Christian Wallace, who originally hosted the podcast Boomtown that inspired Landman, this series delineates the messy intricacies of the oil trade, mixing soap opera-level drama with poignant social commentary.

As Thornton’s Tommy works tirelessly within the chaos of the oil industry, he is joined by Jon Hamm, playing Monty Miller, the head of M-Tex, an oil company with a long-standing history in the business. Their decades-spanning friendship and shared battles through multiple economic cycles, including the devastating pandemic recession of 2020, serve as a rich backdrop for their intertwined fates. The narrative, however, often keeps them apart, with their interactions primarily occurring over the phone, compounding the tension and urgency of their respective story arcs.

Complementing the male-dominated narrative, the show introduces complex female characters such as Tommy's ex-wife, Angela (Ali Larter), who enters Tommy’s life with a forceful presence following her previous choice to leave for a wealthier future. The younger characters like Ainsley, Tommy’s teenage daughter (played by Michelle Randolph), highlight generational conflicts and personal crises that resonate through the show. Meanwhile, Kayla Wallace’s Rebecca Savage emerges as a formidable attorney advocating for environmental justice and exposing the systemic challenges within the oil industry.

Landman’s narrative is punctuated by the expected thrilling moments found in Sheridan’s shows, marked by a sudden eruption of violence or shocking revelations after lengthy stretches of character development. This deliberate pacing can make the series feel like an elaborate op-ed, oscillating between tension and explosive action that pulls viewers in.

Refreshingly authentic, Landman stands out as one of the most distinctly Texan shows since Friday Night Lights, with its score echoing familiar sounds reminiscent of Explosions In The Sky. Sheridan showcases a keen eye for the unique culture and quirks, perfectly reflected in settings like coffee kiosks staffed by bikini-clad baristas—a nod to the hardworking individuals in the oil fields.

At its core, the series is a testament to Thornton’s remarkable performance, which infuses life into thought-provoking dialogues on the complexities of life in the oil business. Moments filled with humor and frustration reveal the heart of Tommy Norris; his layered character manages to be both infuriating and immensely relatable as he confronts the often hypocritical landscape surrounding him.

The opening sequence of the show captures our attention—Thornton’s haunting yet captivating voice emerges as he negotiates, even while held captive by a cartel. This gripping scene sets the stage for a series that promises tension, drama, and a nuanced portrayal of life within America’s oil heartland. Landman stands poised to shake up the small-screen experience, inviting audiences to reflect on morality, survival, and the heart of the Texas oil industry while celebrating the unyielding spirit of its people.

Don’t miss out on this must-see series that showcases Billy Bob Thornton at his best, navigating the wild and treacherous waters of the oil world!