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Landman, the latest drama from Taylor Sheridan, premiered on November 17, 2024, on Paramount+. The show delves into the complex and perilous world of Texas oilfields, where landowners and oil workers encounter high-stakes challenges, with a cast led by Billy Bob Thornton.
The 10-episode series, which is situated in the Permian Basin, delves into the themes of power, morality, and survival within the rapidly expanding oil industry. The first two episodes ran concurrently; fresh episodes air every week until January 12, 2025. Landman's sharp realism and vivid narrative add great appeal to Sheridan's canon.
Tommy Norris, portrayed by Billy Bob Thornton, is at the heart of Landman. As a crisis management executive, Tommy deals with the aftermath of tragic accidents, including the deaths of his employees. His salary is not explicitly disclosed in the show, but his lifestyle and $500,000 debt hint at a substantial income.
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Speculatively, his position could earn him seven figures annually, though financial mismanagement adds complexity to his character. Oil rig workers under him earn up to $180,000 yearly, highlighting their profession's financial allure and dangers.
Tommy Norris is a really flawed person burdened by his obligations. Often juggling ethical conundrums, his character negotiates both personal and professional upheaval. Tommy's choices and their effects create a riveting narrative thread as the show moves forward, rendering Landman a provocative drama.
Details about the character Tommy Norris in Landman
The protagonist of the show is Tommy Norris, who Billy Bob Thornton portrays. Tommy's responsibilities as a crisis management executive in the oil industry of Texas are not limited to the traditional responsibilities of a landman.
His character is defined by his ability to navigate high-stakes negotiations, manage catastrophic events such as rig explosions, and confront moral dilemmas. His capacity to negotiate and resolve crises renders him indispensable, yet it also generates controversy within his field.
Tommy's resourcefulness under pressure is demonstrated in the opening episode, as he narrowly escapes a cartel confrontation. In the second episode, his moral compass is put to the test as he engages in a debate with Rebecca Falcone, a lawyer who is investigating his company's negligence.
Tommy contends that the $180,000 annual salaries of oil rig workers justify their risks, which incites intense ethical debates that are central to the series. Tommy's personal life is characterized by financial strain and fractured relationships, despite his pivotal role.
Tommy’s interactions with his son, Cooper, further highlight his complexities. In an effort to pass down his legacy, he handpicks skilled rig workers to mentor Cooper. However, their tragic deaths in a rig explosion haunt Tommy, emphasizing the high stakes of his profession. His struggles with debt, medication, and family underscore the personal cost of his demanding career.
The plot of the series
Landman is situated in the Permian Basin, an area that is central to the U.S. oil boom, specifically in the oilfields of West Texas. Tommy Norris's crisis management challenges are initiated by a catastrophic rig explosion that was the result of faulty equipment, resulting in the loss of three lives.
Each episode decodes the oil industry's intricacies, including managing cartel threats and resolving legal disputes regarding negligence.
The central conflict emerges as Tommy faces scrutiny from Rebecca Falcone, a big-city lawyer investigating the rig accident. Her presence forces Tommy to confront his company’s ethical lapses, including outdated safety measures.
Meanwhile, Tommy’s son Cooper joins the oil rig workforce, experiencing firsthand the dangers and camaraderie of the field. The plot intertwines personal drama with broader industry issues, offering a gritty portrayal of life in the oil boom.
The cast and characters
The primary cast and the characters played by them include:
- Tommy Norris (Billy Bob Thornton): A crisis executive managing high-risk situations.
- Angela Norris (Ali Larter): Tommy’s ex-wife and mother to Cooper and Ainsley.
- Cooper Norris (Jacob Lofland): Tommy’s son, navigating his first experiences as a landman.
- Ainsley Norris (Michelle Randolph): Tommy’s headstrong daughter.
- Rebecca Falcone (Kayla Wallace): A lawyer investigating company negligence.
- Monty Miller (Jon Hamm): A titan of the Texas oil industry and Tommy’s ally.
- Dale Bradley (James Jordan): A petroleum engineer essential to operations.
The average salary of a landman & oil rig worker in Texas
Although Landman dramatizes salaries, the actual figures are different. In Texas, the average annual salary of a landman is approximately $130,000. Petroleum landmen at major companies such as Chevron can earn up to $194,584.
Oil rig roughnecks, on the other hand, receive an annual salary ranging from $60,000 to $112,000, contingent upon their level of experience and position. The $180,000 Tommy claims for rig workers is likely indicative of managerial positions rather than entry-level positions.
The high annual earnings of oil rig work are a result of the long shifts, which are frequently 12 hours long and occur seven days a week. Nevertheless, some of the risks associated with these challenging circumstances are also illustrated in the show.
Landman is now available to stream on Paramount+.
