Ranking Landman’s 10 Main Characters from Worst to Best

Attention: Spoilers for Landman Season 1 Ahead

The inaugural season of Landman, a fresh addition to Taylor Sheridan’s burgeoning portfolio, captivates audiences with a blend of compelling and frustrating characters. As the seventh scripted original from Sheridan, whose previous success with Yellowstone initiated a surge of Western dramas on Paramount+, Landman features an impressive cast, including Billy Bob Thornton, Jon Hamm, Ali Larter, Michelle Randolph, Jacob Lofland, and Kayla Wallace.

By the end of Season 1, we see significant outcomes for pivotal characters: Tommy narrowly avoids death, while Jon Hamm’s Monty succumbs to his health complications in the hospital. Central to the plot, these characters drive much of the narrative’s intensity, while Tommy’s family—Angela, Ainsley, and Cooper—navigate their distinct arcs. Despite varying degrees of character appeal and importance, their interplay enhances the gripping nature of Landman as a standout new drama series on television.

10 Nathan

Colm Feore

Colm Feore’s portrayal of Nathan injects moments of humor, yet he primarily serves as a foil to the show’s more dynamic characters. While Nathan embodies a sense of normalcy and rationality, these traits do not necessarily contribute to the show’s entertainment value. If he were to be absent in a potential Season 2, the impact on the storyline would likely be minimal.

Nathan’s role as a voice of reason for both Tommy and Rebecca, who are often stubborn, represents his main contribution. Although this dynamic allows for some comedic interactions, his character arc falls short of impactful development thus far, largely relegated to playing the supportive lawyer without a significant stake in the unfolding drama.

9 Cooper Norris

Jacob Lofland

Cooper is depicted as a well-meaning individual plagued by misfortune, much of it self-inflicted. His focus on pursuing a relationship with Ariana and establishing his oil business, particularly at the cost of ignoring his father’s distress, paints him as somewhat naive. Throughout the season, he remains disconnected from Tommy and his family’s tribulations.

Cooper’s journey shows him making strides towards independence, including his first land deal. However, this development does little to reinforce a connection with his family when they need him most, contributing to a sense of frustration regarding his character’s choices and priorities.

8 Rebecca Falcone

Kayla Wallace

Rebecca emerges as a powerful force within the narrative, demonstrating intelligence and tenacity in her interactions. Initially forming a bond with Tommy that hints at romantic potential, her aggressive demeanor often overshadows her contributions. Her intensity can be beneficial but often overwhelms crucial situations, particularly as conflicts arise in the oil business.

As the season progresses, Rebecca’s inability to temper her reactions alienates her from both allies and opponents, reducing her character to an often irritable trope rather than a nuanced individual.

7 Mosque Miller

Demi Moore

Cami Miller, portrayed by Demi Moore, is a character who radiates warmth and stability, albeit with limited screen time. Her presence becomes significant in the latter episodes, particularly as Monty faces severe health challenges. Cami’s calming influence enhances the narrative’s emotional depth, showcasing her strengths and vulnerabilities.

While she demonstrates an unwavering commitment to Monty and the family, her underutilization throughout the season calls for a more substantial role in future installments to maximize her character’s potential.

6 Dale Bradley

James Jordan

Dale is a character filled with humor, albeit predictably flawed. His loyalty and intelligence shine through in comedic moments, such as his dismay over breakfast selections. Yet, his lack of urgency during critical moments, like Tommy’s kidnapping, exposes a degree of irresponsibility that detracts from his character depth.

Despite these flaws, Dale provides a comedic respite to the series, embodying a charming, uncle-like persona that lightens the narrative’s heavier themes.

5 Ainsley Norris

Michelle Randolph

A character grinning in Landman episode 1

Ainsley adds an element of unpredictability to the storyline, characterized by her youthful exuberance and occasional mischief. Her dynamic with her mother and budding relationship with quarterback Ryder introduce interesting plot twists, though her character growth remains stunted at times.

As her motivations largely revolve around social activities and relationships, a more fleshed-out character arc could enhance her development and interactions, especially regarding her almost nonexistent bond with Cooper.

4 Ariana Medina

Paulina Chavez

Ariana (Paulina Chávez) looking furious in Landman season 1, episode 8

Ariana’s position as a widow and single mother evokes empathy, presenting her as a multifaceted character who struggles yet occasionally finds support from Cooper. Their relationship, though unconventional, serves as a poignant commentary on coping with grief.

As Ariana navigates her new reality, her journey highlights themes of resilience, and viewers are left intrigued about her future, with or without Cooper by her side.

3 Angela Norris

Ali Larter

Angela presents a captivating mix of excitement and exasperation, balancing charm and impulsiveness. Her stark contrasts with Tommy bring a fiery dynamic to the series, likening her to the beloved character Beth Dutton from Yellowstone.

Though Angela often appears at odds with Tommy’s harsh realities, her vibrant personality injects much-needed chaos into the narrative, making her an essential figure whose complexity enhances the overall story.

2 Monty Miller

Jon Hamm

Monty, masterfully portrayed by Jon Hamm, is a quintessential character whose savvy presence captivates audiences. His entrepreneurial spirit, despite facing dire health challenges, underscores his relentless pursuit of success in the oil industry.

Hamm imbues Monty with an air of authority, yet humanizes him with relatable struggles, leaving a profound impact on viewers as they navigate his journey. His departure from the series in Season 2 is undoubtedly a loss that will be keenly felt by fans.

1 Tommy Norris

Billy Bob Thornton

Billy Bob Thornton’s portrayal of Tommy Norris is the heart of Landman. He masterfully combines poise and bravery, consistently tackling an array of challenges with wit and grit. Tommy’s expertise in the oil business allows him to navigate complex situations, making him a formidable lead.

Tommy’s rich dialogue and distinctive personality, characterized by sharp humor and unwavering professionalism, have established him as one of Sheridan’s best creations to date, making it easy for audiences to root for him as he confronts formidable challenges.

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