Landman Season 2 Review: Billy Bob Thornton and Demi Moore bring quiet fire to the season’s start

Landman Season 2

‘Landman,’ Season 2 directed by Stephen Kay, began streaming on Jio Hotstar from 17th November and stars Billy Bob Thornton, Demi Moore, Sam Elliott, Ali Larter, and Jacob Lofland.

‘Landman’ Season 2 returns with an opener that slows the pace and focuses on the people at the heart of the story. Instead of racing toward big shocks, the episode stays close to the characters and the weight they are carrying.

A grounded, slow-burn return

The oil world, the power plays, and the pressure are still very much there, but the mood feels heavier and more personal. Everyone seems to be holding on to something they can’t quite name. The writing keeps things plain, and the performances do the lifting. It’s a quiet start, but it pulls you in because it feels lived-in and honest.

Pressure at work, trouble at home

The story moves between two tracks: trouble on the business front and strain at home. Tommy (Billy Bob Thornton) spends his morning in Fort Worth facing men who don’t fully trust his hold on M-Tex after Monty’s death. The tension is clear, and Cami Miller (Demi Moore) steps in with calm confidence, making it obvious she isn’t stepping aside. Out in the field, Cooper (Jacob Lofland) finally hits oil, a moment that could shift the season in a big way. Back home, Ainsley (Michelle Randolph) fights through her college forms and gets college acceptance, offering the episode a brief warm beat.

But the evening falls apart when a small remark at dinner sparks a fight between Angela and Tommy. It’s loud, messy, and clearly the result of things left unsaid. Sam Elliott as T.L. makes his series debut, and it’s a stunning one full of grief and sorrow. His slow steps, his routine, and the final phone call confirming his wife’s death bring the episode to a heavy close.

Emotions that finally surface

The episode works best when it shows the characters as they are—tired, flawed, but trying. Tommy keeps pretending he has control, yet the cracks show. Angela’s anger feels like the kind that builds over months, not minutes. Ainsley’s small victory gives the story a softer edge and reminds us there is still hope somewhere in the chaos. T.L.’s scenes carry the most weight. His grief is simple and quiet, and it hits hard without needing extra lines or dramatic cues. These moments make the world of ‘Landman’ feel real and keep the episode grounded.

Quiet frames, steady mood

Visually, the show stays close to its natural style. Dusty roads, tight rooms, slow movements, and long looks match the tone of the story. The pace never rushes. Conversations unfold at their own speed, and the show lets silence work when it needs to. Some parts do feel uneven, especially when the episode shifts between personal fights and business pressure, but that unevenness also mirrors life. Nothing feels staged or shiny. It’s people dealing with things they would rather avoid.

A low-key opener with purpose

The season opener titled “Death and a Sunset” doesn’t go for shock or noise. It builds the season’s foundation brick by brick: who holds real power at M-Tex, how Tommy’s family will hold together—or break—and how grief will shape every decision he makes. Everyone is standing on uncertain ground, and the story makes that clear without pushing too hard. It may not be the kind of premiere that tries to impress you in the first ten minutes, but it stays with you. And sometimes, that kind of quiet beginning sets up a stronger season than a flashy twist ever could.

Rating: 4/5