Landman (2024) Review: A Gritty and Utterly Captivating Texas Epic - 10/10
Taylor Sheridan's Landman is an absolute tour de force, a sprawling, high-stakes drama that immediately establishes itself as the gold standard of modern epic television. Set in the boomtowns of West Texas, it masterfully dissects the complex, cutthroat world of oil and gas—a world of fortunes made and lost, of earth-shaking machinery and even more volatile human ambition. But at its core, this series is a brilliant, Shakespearean family drama, and it is here that it achieves true perfection.
The heart and soul of Landman is the dysfunctional Norris family . This is not just a well-cast ensemble; it is one of the most electrifying, perfectly balanced family units ever put on screen. Each member is a force of nature, their dynamics a volatile mixture of deep-seated loyalty, fierce competition, and legacy trauma. The writing is sharp enough to cut through steel, giving every character layers of contradiction, vulnerability, and raw Texas grit. You believe they share blood, history, and a relentless drive to conquer their corner of the world, even if it means tearing each other apart in the process. Their scenes together are pure television magic—tense, hilarious, and deeply human.
Beyond the family saga, the show is a riveting procedural of high-finance and geology, a legal thriller, and a stark portrait of American capitalism, all wrapped in breathtaking cinematography that captures both the dusty beauty of the plains and the obscene wealth it generates. The pacing is relentless, the stakes feel genuinely continental, and the supporting cast of wildcatters, corporate sharks, and desperate landowners is impeccably drawn.
The Verdict
10/10 - An Instant Classic
Landman is more than just so entertaining ; it is a complete and total triumph. It has the scale of Yellowstone , the financial intrigue of Billions , and the familial complexity of Succession , yet it forges a unique and compelling identity all its own. From its powerhouse performances to its flawless writing and grand vision, this is prestige television operating at its absolute peak. A flawless first season that doesn't just meet expectations—it shatters them. An absolute must-watch.
