Landman’s windmill scene takes a hard look at renewable energy realities

Taylor Sheridan's newest offering, Landman, has fired up a fierce conversation over renewable energy thanks to one viral scene featuring Billy Bob Thornton's character, Tommy Norris. The rural drama doesn't shy away from controversy; one especially talked-about moment has Thornton's character dissecting the carbon footprint and lifecycle of wind turbines and sparking a polarizing conversation over the true costs of renewable energy.

The scene, widely shared on X, resonates with skeptics of the effectiveness and environmental benefits of renewable technologies. While some view it as a bold critique of green energy, others accuse the show of spreading misinformation.

Sheridan, whose Yellowstone is another series of this kind, creates scripts by taking on the challenge against the zeitgeist of culture, and Landman was no different. Landman draws its material from the podcast Boomtown but probes the depths of production when it comes to energy communities and the environment.

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Are renewable energy sources in Landman truly "clean"?

In the hilarious clip, Thornton's character counters this with the argument that building renewable energy infrastructure is not eco-friendly. When he points out the diesels needed to mix concretes for the turbine bases and the metal steel required for the structural elements, Norris talks of these hidden carbon costs.

"In its 20-year lifespan, it won't offset the carbon footprint of making it."

His comment sums up a widening skepticism about whether renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar, are really "clean."

Critics of renewable energy point to lifecycle emissions, such as manufacturing, transportation, and disposal, as reasons that diminish the green credentials of technologies like wind turbines and solar panels. Proponents counter that although initial emissions are significant, long-term benefits outweigh those costs. The show's stance sparks a necessary debate: should we redefine what constitutes "clean energy" or focus on improving current renewable technologies?

Beyond the scene, the series is a cultural mirror that questions mainstream narratives. It challenges viewers to think critically about the complexities of energy production rather than accepting the simplified solutions. In doing so, the show allows for critical thinking about what it really means to transition to a sustainable energy future.

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What does the scene in Landman reveal about energy industry politics?

This is a science critique and also critiques the politics and economics behind energy. Norris remarks,

"If Exxon thought them f---ing things right there were the future, they would be put all over the g--damn place,"

In his remark, Norris emphasizes how the oil industry domination, with their skeptical outlooks towards renewables, runs very deep in traditional energy giants. He also points out how these firms make such strategic decisions about technologies.

The oil industry has a fear of embracing the renewable industry completely, usually because of scale and payback. The bottom line is whether corporations are really committed to renewable energy or just invested in it for public relations. The show reflects these real-life dilemmas by giving a realistic picture beyond good and evil.

Critics say the series oversimplifies the debate surrounding renewable energy by focusing on shortcomings rather than ongoing advances. Advocates for renewable energy point to advances such as higher efficiency turbines and solar panel recycling technologies as evidence the industry is addressing its weaknesses. A critique of the scene may come across, but it similarly perpetuates outdated stereotypes.

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Does Landman offer solutions or just critique?

Still from Landman (Image via Instagram/@landmanplus)

While Landman raises some good points, it does not propose any solutions. Thornton's character is a scathing critique, but it leaves the viewer wondering: what's the alternative? Is the show advocating for a continued reliance on fossil fuels, or is it calling for a more balanced approach to energy production?

The lack of clear solutions might be an opportunity lost to constructively engage with the energy debate. Focusing on the weaknesses of renewable technologies may alienate part of the audience that already believes in the possibility of green energy. However, for others, the purpose of this scene is to make viewers ponder rather than provide answers regarding sustainable energy.

Ultimately, the series reflects the complexities and contradictions of modern energy production. It forces viewers to confront some uncomfortable truths about the environmental impact of renewable and non-renewable energy sources. Whether viewers see the scene as insightful or inflammatory, it adds a compelling layer to the ongoing conversation about climate change and sustainability.

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Landman is currently streaming on Paramount Plus.