The ninth episode of Landman Season 1 left viewers grappling with one of the most significant cliffhangers of the series so far. Monty, a pivotal character, suffered a critical health episode in the hospital, leaving his fate unclear. Earlier in the episode, Monty made Tommy the Vice President of Operations, signaling a possible transfer of responsibilities.
However, events took a darker turn as Monty faced another heart attack while lying in his hospital bed. The final scenes did not confirm his survival, leaving fans eagerly awaiting the season finale for answers.
Viewers were given a hint of tragedy when Cami called Tommy to inform him about Monty’s deteriorating condition. Tommy’s solemn expression and apology hinted at the possibility of Monty’s passing. Adding to the emotional weight, Monty previously expressed regret about not being able to spend more time with his family, particularly his daughters, before his condition worsened.
Social media reactions captured the raw emotions of fans, with one saying,
“My heart broke for Monty when he asked if his daughters were out there and Tommy told him no 🥺 #Landman #LandmanPPlus.”
Another viewer expressed frustration, tweeting,
“They’ve either put Monty in a coma or let him die already—so his wife can take over. But I like Jon Hamm as Monty #Landman.”
As fans prepare for the season finale, the question remains: Did Monty survive, or is this the end of his journey?
Is Monty dead?
The events of episode 9 strongly suggest that Monty may have died, although the show stopped short of providing definitive confirmation. In one scene, Monty’s heart rate spikes dramatically while he is in his hospital bed, prompting him to press the emergency call button. The episode does not show whether medical staff arrived in time to assist him, leaving viewers in suspense.
Later, Cami calls Tommy to deliver an update on Monty’s condition. Although the dialogue is not shown, Tommy’s reaction is a mix of solemnity and regret. This implies that Monty’s situation has taken a tragic turn. Many viewers interpreted this moment as confirmation of Monty’s death, especially given the episode’s recurring themes of mortality and legacy.
However, as some fans have noted, Monty’s death has not been explicitly shown, leaving room for speculation that he might still be alive but in critical condition, possibly in a coma or requiring a heart transplant.
Monty’s potential passing carries significant thematic weight for the series. The gray wolf that Tommy observes being shot by his neighbor may serve as a metaphor for Monty’s fate.
As one of the last of the “old guard” oilmen, Monty’s death could symbolize the fading era of traditional oil exploration in favor of a greener, more sustainable future. However, until the finale provides clarity, Monty’s fate remains an open question.
The gray wolf metaphor and the path ahead
A key scene in Landman episode 9 features Tommy watching a gray wolf from a distance, only for it to be shot moments later by a neighbor. The wolf, an endangered predator in Texas, is often associated with resilience and survival, making its death a poignant parallel to Monty’s situation.
The symbolism suggests that Monty’s passing may mark the end of an era, both for the character and the industry he represents. As one of the last traditional oilmen, Monty’s potential death could signify the old guard being replaced by new approaches and leadership in the evolving energy landscape.
However, Landman has a history of keeping its audience guessing. As fans have pointed out, the absence of a definitive death scene leaves room for surprises in the finale. Whether Monty has truly passed or is still clinging to life, his storyline will undoubtedly play a critical role in shaping the show’s future.
What does Monty’s fate mean for the show’s future?
Monty’s uncertain fate has significant implications for the dynamics of the show. Before his hospitalization, Monty made it clear that his health issues were forcing him to step back from his leadership role. By appointing Tommy as Vice President of Operations, Monty ensured that the company would have stability in his absence.
However, Monty’s wife, Cami, and business associate Rebecca Falcone are also positioned to take on larger roles, setting the stage for potential power struggles within the company. The finale is likely to explore how Monty’s absence—whether temporary or permanent—affects those around him.
For Tommy, Monty’s presumed death serves as a reminder of life’s unpredictability and the importance of balancing personal relationships with professional responsibilities. Meanwhile, Cami may emerge as a more prominent figure in the company, potentially clashing with Tommy and Rebecca over control and direction.
Monty’s health crisis also ties into the broader narrative themes of Landman. His workaholic nature and reluctance to step away from the oil business reflect the struggles of an industry grappling with change.
As Jerry Jones advised Monty earlier in the episode, letting go of control and prioritizing family could have been his path to recovery. However, Monty’s inability to follow this advice may now serve as a cautionary tale for other characters.
The season finale is set to air next week on January 12, 2025, promising to answer lingering questions about Monty’s fate and set the stage for what comes next. Until then, fans can only speculate about whether Monty’s story is truly over or if there is more to come.