Tommy and the Cartel: Season 1 Finale of Landman Explained

Warning! This article contains SPOILERS for Landman season 1, episode 10. The season finale of Landman delivered unexpected twists, particularly for Tommy Norris (Billy Bob Thornton) and his confrontation with the cartel. The tension between Tommy and the cartel had simmered throughout the season, culminating in a dramatic abduction and near-execution that left viewers reeling. In the closing moments, Jimenez (Alex Meraz) ensnared Tommy, whisking him away to an oil well, where a catastrophic explosion awaited. Following that, Tommy faced brutal torture back at Jimenez’s bar, with execution looming on the horizon.

The finale was packed with action, yet the storyline was complex, making it challenging to follow. Jimenez’s rapid transition from would-be murderer to immediate victim was jarring, and the introduction of a new character added another layer of intrigue. This new figure not only rescued Tommy but also entangled him in a mysterious business arrangement, with details left undisclosed. These significant events in the cartel’s narrative deserve a thorough exploration.

Why Jimenez Went Against His Boss and Attacked Tommy

Jimenez Treated M-Tex Like a Rival Gang and Tried to Use Tommy as a Message

In one of the most intense power struggles, Jimenez took it upon himself to kidnap Tommy and transport him to an M-Tex oil well. After inflicting severe violence, Jimenez commanded his crew to blow up the entire operation, including the oil rigs and equipment. However, this bold act was a significant miscalculation, as Tommy warned that such an explosion would surely attract government scrutiny, revealing the cartel’s involvement and sparking dire consequences.

Jimenez executed this destructive plan without his boss’s consent, hinting at a deeper rift in the cartel. He considered the cartel the dominant force, asserting that it eclipsed oil companies like M-Tex. To Jimenez, Tommy was merely a competitor to be eradicated, a notion that contradicted his boss’s broader strategy for navigating the complex landscape. Jimenez’s aggression stemmed from a misguided perspective, viewing M-Tex through a lens of rivalry instead of recognizing the potential for collaboration.

Who is the Boss Who Saved Tommy?

Andy Garcia Plays Gallino, the Boss of Jimenez’s Cartel

Just as Jimenez prepared to end Tommy’s life, an unforeseen group intervened, led by the formidable Gallino (Andy Garcia), the head of Jimenez’s cartel. The specifics of Gallino’s base of operations remain ambiguous; Jimenez hinted at geographical allegiance “this side of the river,” likely referencing the Rio Grande that denotes the U.S.-Mexico border. Nonetheless, Gallino’s reach appears to extend beyond borders as he risked traversing significant territory to confront Tommy directly.

Gallino’s influence is formidable; he demonstrated this by swiftly eliminating Jimenez and his crew, establishing his might within the cartel. More importantly, he is astute in negotiations, managing to persuade Tommy to join forces mere moments after Tommy’s torturous ordeal, challenging the belief that the oil industry would outmaneuver the cartels. With Monty Miller (Jon Hamm) incapacitated, Gallino positions himself as a new power broker in the evolving landscape of Landman.

Why the Cartel Boss Saved Tommy

Gallino Understood Tommy’s Value as an Ally Over an Adversary

Gallino pointing in Landman season 1, episode 10

Despite Gallino’s immense power, his decision to intervene personally in Tommy’s fate raises questions about his motivations. Undertaking such a risk required significant incentives, suggesting that Gallino saw the potential for a profitable partnership with Tommy and M-Tex. Unlike Jimenez—who perceived Tommy as a challenge—Gallino recognized him and the company as valuable assets ripe for exploitation.

Upon saving Tommy, Gallino expressed a desire for mutual friendship and inquired about the worth of his cartel’s land holdings. Indications suggest that Gallino is keen to broaden his cartel’s portfolio beyond mere drug trafficking, eyeing the lucrative oil sector with Tommy’s cooperation. This partnership is not merely one of survival; it encapsulates a strategic alliance designed for growth and profit.

How Tommy & the Cartel Will Work Together in Landman Season 2

Gallino as Tommy’s New “Boss”in the Oil Venture

Gallino’s intervention unmistakably paves the way for a partnership in season 2, though the parameters of this alliance are subject to speculation. With Gallino asserting interest in infiltrating the oil business, he could significantly influence Tommy’s leadership at M-Tex. The cartel’s backing might compel Tommy to operate within the cartel’s interests, possibly at the expense of his autonomy. However, Gallino’s demeanor suggests he may prefer a collaborative approach rather than a dictatorial one.

As Monty’s fate hangs in the balance, Gallino is poised to assume his mantle, redefining the power dynamics at play. Yet, such a partnership introduces additional challenges for Tommy, whose previously ambiguous connection with the cartel is now set to become a legally and ethically complex association. Engaging directly with Gallino’s enterprises could embroil Tommy in serious repercussions, as he navigates the murky waters of legality and the burgeoning demands of cartel cooperation.

Moreover, the ethical and legal connotations of Gallino’s involvement will create a new narrative tension in Landman season 2. Even if Gallino acts as a reasonable ally, the potential illicit activities associated with the cartel could complicate Tommy’s role significantly. As Tommy balances the demands of his presidency against the backdrop of cartel influence, Gallino’s presence is sure to alter the trajectory of M-Tex and Tommy’s character development in profound ways.

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