Landman season 1 finale ending explained: What happens to Monty, Tommy, and the Norris family?

Still from Landman season 1 finale ( via Paramount+)
Still from Landman season 1 finale ( via Paramount+)

The Landman season 1 finale delivers a climactic conclusion, bringing the show’s inaugural season to a dramatic close. The finale episode of Landman premiered on Paramount+ on January 12, 2023. Landman follows the Norris family’s struggles within the oil industry, combining themes of power, ambition, and survival.

Landman season 1 finale, which aired as the tenth episode, centers on the death of Monty Miller. This pivotal event forces Tommy Norris to step into the role of president of M-Tex Oil.

As the family grapples with Monty’s loss, Tommy faces mounting threats from the cartel while struggling to balance his new responsibilities with personal grief. Meanwhile, Ainsley and Cooper Norris’s journeys also take significant turns, each navigating personal and professional challenges in the wake of their family’s upheaval.

The episode answers key questions but leaves others unresolved, setting the stage for possible future developments.


Landman season 1 finale: Monty’s death changes everything for the Norris family

Still from Landman season 1 finale; Monty's death scene ( via Paramount+)
Still from Landman season 1 finale; Monty's death scene ( via Paramount+)

Landman season 1 finale episode reaches its emotional peak when Monty Miller dies in his hospital bed while Dale (James Jordan) drives Tommy home. This tragic moment marks the end of Monty’s journey and solidifies Tommy’s new role as the president of M-Tex Oil.

Monty’s passing is not only a personal loss for the Norris family but also a turning point for the company, thrusting Tommy into a position of immense responsibility.

Monty’s will, which appoints Tommy as the executor of his estate and president of M-Tex Oil, sets the tone for the future. Tommy is now tasked with navigating the challenges of the oil business while dealing with the grief of losing his closest ally.

The episode leaves the fate of M-Tex’s critical land sale and the company’s direction open to interpretation, emphasizing the uncertainty of what lies ahead.


Landman season 1 finale: The symbolic ending with Tommy and the coyote

The cyote from Landman season 1 finale ( via Paramount+)
The cyote from Landman season 1 finale ( via Paramount+)

Landman season 1 finale concludes with a symbolic scene that encapsulates Tommy’s journey. After an emotional conversation with Angela, where he confesses she was on his mind during his near-death experience, Tommy steps outside and encounters a coyote sniffing at the body of another coyote from a previous episode.

His final words to the animal are:

“You better run, buddy. They kill coyotes around here.”

These reflect his resilience and the harsh realities of his new role.

This moment serves as a metaphor for Tommy’s circumstances, highlighting the challenges he must face as he steps into Monty’s shoes. The coyote’s presence ties back to earlier themes in the series, emphasizing the cyclical nature of struggle and survival.


Tommy confronts the cartel and his mortality

Landman season 1 finale Tommy's conversation with the Cartel leader ( via Paramount+)
Landman season 1 finale Tommy's conversation with the Cartel leader ( via Paramount+)

As Tommy takes on his new role, he faces his most dangerous encounter with the cartel. In a high-stakes sequence, Tommy is captured and tortured beneath a strip club, where the cartel threatens to use his death as a message to his company.

The situation escalates when the cartel destroys one of M-Tex’s oil wells, highlighting the serious consequences of their rivalry.

However, the tide turns when the cartel’s leader unexpectedly intervenes, killing his own men and offering Tommy an alliance. Tommy declines the offer, asserting that they can coexist without becoming allies.

This decision temporarily removes the immediate threat but leaves the door open for future conflicts.

The finale underscores the precarious nature of Tommy’s new role, as he must navigate both internal and external pressures to secure the company’s future.


Ainsley’s journey finds resolution

Ainsly and Ryder from Landman season 1 finale ( via Paramount+)
Ainsly and Ryder from Landman season 1 finale ( via Paramount+)

Amidst the family’s professional challenges, Ainsley Norris’s storyline takes a lighter turn. After a divisive storyline that included convincing Ryder to become a male stripper for nursing home residents, Ainsley’s character finds redemption in the finale.

Her budding relationship with Ryder develops into a meaningful connection, offering a sense of closure to her tumultuous journey.

The finale episode shows Ainsley and Ryder spending the night together, marking a contrast to her earlier, less fulfilling relationships. This resolution signifies personal growth for Ainsley and sets the stage for a more stable narrative for her character moving forward.


Cooper’s ambition and personal struggles

Still from Landman season 1 finale Cooper and Ariana sorting through old photographs ( via Paramount+)
Still from Landman season 1 finale Cooper and Ariana sorting through old photographs ( via Paramount+)

Cooper Norris emerges as one of the season’s most compelling characters, balancing his ambition to build an oil empire with his personal challenges. In the finale, Cooper successfully secures deals with landowners, signaling a significant step forward in his plans.

However, his success is tempered by the emotional weight of his relationship with Ariana.

A heartfelt moment shows Cooper comforting Ariana as she sorts through her late husband Elvio’s belongings. This scene deepens their bond, showcasing their ability to support one another through shared grief.

Cooper’s storyline provides a balance between professional achievements and personal growth, making him a key figure in the family’s evolving narrative.


What’s next for Landman?

Still from Landman season 1 finale ( via Paramount+)
Still from Landman season 1 finale ( via Paramount+)

The Landman season 1 finale ties up major storylines while leaving others unresolved. Monty’s death, Tommy’s leadership at M-Tex Oil, and the lingering cartel threat provide fertile ground for future conflict and character development. However, with no confirmation of a second season, the show’s future remains uncertain.

For now, Landman concludes its first chapter with a mix of resolution and ambiguity. All episodes of Landman are now available for streaming on Paramount+.

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Edited by Prem Deshpande
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