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Warning: This article contains spoilers for Season 2, Episode 8 of Landman, titled “Handsome Touched Me,” which premiered on Paramount+ on Sunday, January 4.
In the latest episode of Landman, a fresh face steps into the spotlight, yet this addition seems to exacerbate a growing issue within Taylor Sheridan’s oil drama. Despite receiving mixed reviews, the series led by Billy Bob Thornton continues to captivate audiences, with the Season 2 premiere drawing in 9.2 million viewers over just two days, as reported by Paramount+.
Controversy has often surrounded the series, particularly regarding its depiction of female characters. The show has faced criticism for its portrayal of Tommy Norris’s (Thornton) ex-wife, Angela (Ali Larter), and their daughter, Ainsley (Michelle Randolph). These characters have been involved in contentious storylines, sometimes characterized by inappropriate or stereotypical representations of women. The episode “Handsome Touched Me” seems to deepen these problematic portrayals.
The series has stirred up its fair share of controversy, raising eyebrows, specifically for its portrayal of women. Tommy Norris’ (Thornton) ex-wife and daughter, Angela (Ali Larter) and Ainsley (Michelle Randolph), have had plenty of controversial storylines, whether they are lewd or otherwise limited by stereotypes about women. “Handsome Touched Me” further worsens the show’s bias.
Landman Season 2 Episode 8 Introduces A New Character
Landman Season 2, Episode 8, brings a background character into the spotlight, giving the nursing home attendant, Margaret (Deidra Shanell), a story independent of the Norris family. Showing Margaret outside Angela’s time volunteering at the old folks’ home felt like Landman was adding a whole new character, though the spotlight highlights an existing setback within the series.
When Angela takes her “old folks” gambling, Margaret gets more screen time, starting by striking up a conversation with Angela and telling her she’s “based,” complementing Angela’s swagger, which stems from her lack of regard for what others think of her. It prompts Angela and Ainsley to give Margaret a makeover after she reveals she doesn’t feel “hot.”
As Angela and Ainsley give the caretaker a makeover, Margaret becomes a more significant character, connecting more with the Norris family tree. The episode even shows Margaret’s home life, giving her story more footing outside her connection to Landman’s main characters. However, it’s the wrong way to introduce a new character to the series, sending an adverse and dated message.
Landman Season 2 Episode 8’s New Character Continues A Disappointing Trend
While there’s nothing wrong with Margaret’s makeover, it’s disappointing that Landman Season 2’s episode focuses so much on the caretaker’s outer beauty. Margaret clearly places more importance on different aspects of herself, yet Angela insists she needs to change. Again, while that’s innocent enough and Margaret seems to want to be more confident, the storyline has a problematic aspect.
When Angela discovers that Margaret is married, she tells her that her husband will be “so happy.” Ainsley chimes in that he is going to buy Margaret a new car, insinuating that Margaret’s beauty makes her more valuable. Then, Margaret’s husband’s reaction confirms that he does place a high value on her appearance, and it’s a cringeworthy scene in hindsight.
When Margaret comes home from work, her husband is stunned to see her made-up in a revealing outfit, and he gives her a dumbfounded look until she explains that a volunteer gave her a makeover. Instead of embracing her natural beauty, Margaret’s husband insists she keep up the makeover, suggesting he finds her more beautiful when she’s gussied up.
Ideally, a female TV show character wears makeup for herself. Landman’s storyline reinforces that women should prioritize presenting themselves in ways that appeal to men more than their own preferences, and that winning the attention and approval of others is the key to building confidence. It’s fair that makeup made Margaret more confident, but her husband reinforces harmful beauty standards.
At best, the Landman story reinforces clichés and copies tropes that are played out and boring. At worst, these types of stories can subtly reinforce beauty standards and spread the message that women should place more value on what other people think than on how they feel about themselves. Ultimately, the story misunderstands women, making it a weak character study.
Is There Still Hope For Landman?
Still, perhaps there’s hope that Landman can turn its negative trend around. “Handsome Touched Me” builds on other female characters more positively, featuring significant developments for Angela and Cami Miller (Demi Moore). Angela gets redemption at the casino, proving that she’s underestimated, using her understanding of gambling odds to earn over $300,000 dollars from Tommy’s $10,000 investment.
It’s also an essential episode for Cami, who has become a leading character in Landman Season 2 after taking a backseat in the show’s freshman run. Cami makes a risky decision in Episode 8, showcasing her determination to be more than a figurehead for M-Tex Oil, following through on the promise that Moore would have more prowess in Season 2.
The episode also features a couple of other new characters, including Margaret’s husband and Cheyenne (Francesca Xuereb), the stripper whom Tommy hires to give T.L. (Sam Elliott) physical therapy. It’s too soon to tell what’s happening with Cheyenne’s story, but so far it seems more layered with nuance than Margaret’s, which relies heavily on played-out movie and TV show tropes.
- Release Date
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November 17, 2024
- Writers
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Taylor Sheridan, Christian Wallace
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Billy Bob Thornton
Tommy Norris
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