This article contains SPOILERS for Landman season 1, episode 10!
The highly anticipated season finale of Landman concludes with an intriguing scene featuring Tommy observing a coyote in his backyard, prompting viewers to ponder its significance. Across Taylor Sheridan’s television creations—including Yellowstone, Tulsa King, and now Landman—the narrative often revolves around quintessentially American themes, delving into the intricacies of various regions and industries. The finale opens with a critical discussion on the oil industry’s profound impact on global economics and politics, suggesting that the storyline transcends mere oil exploration.
Billy Bob Thornton leads the stellar ensemble cast as Tommy Norris, a crisis management executive at M-Tex, a fictional private oil enterprise. The season’s climax witnesses a pivotal moment as Tommy’s supervisor, Monty, succumbs to heart failure, positioning Tommy at the helm as the company’s new president. In an earlier episode, Tommy is faced with the jarring sight of a coyote being shot in his backyard, and the season wrap-up reiterates this theme with the appearance of another coyote, observing the fallen animal.
Tommy’s Encounter with Another Coyote: A Symbol of His Entrapment
Tommy’s Predicament: Bound by the Oil Industry’s Chains
A critical moment unfolds as Tommy tells the second coyote to flee, cautioning that its life is in danger from the people in the area. This coyote symbolizes Tommy’s longing for freedom, while his expanding responsibilities at M-Tex signify entrapment. The series poignantly balances the themes of family values and the relentless pursuit of wealth—Monty epitomizes a man who sacrificed familial love in a quest for legacy.
The demise of the first coyote in episode nine highlights a grave foreboding for Tommy, suggesting he may be on a similar path as Monty. As Tommy grapples with his evolving priorities, his ascension to the management level evokes greater scrutiny and pressure. His family—Angela, Ainsley, and Cooper—are within reach, but his relentless commitment to the oil industry could isolate him, leading to a lonely, unfulfilled life.
The Survival of the Coyote: A Beacon of Hope for Tommy
Is There Still Time for Tommy to Shift His Course?
The fact that the final episode’s coyote survives serves as a symbolic glimmer of hope amidst Tommy’s tumultuous journey with Monty and the Cartel. During his harrowing ordeal, Tommy reflects on his life and recognizes the importance of Angela, suggesting that he understands the elements necessary for his happiness. The challenge ahead lies in determining when, or if, he can step away from the oil industry’s grip and pursue a more fulfilling path.
Leave a Reply