‘Landman’s Biggest Twist May Have Just Solved the Show’s Demi Moore Problem

Editor’s note: The below contains spoilers for the finale of Landman.

While series creators Taylor Sheridan and Christian Wallace have delivered a home run with the television adaptation of the podcast Boomtown, fans have still had their share of complaints about Paramount+’s Landman throughout the ten-episode season. Before the series hit the streaming platform, the inclusion of Golden Globe-winning actress Demi Moore as Cami Miller opposite Jon Hamm‘s Monty Miller, the owner of M-Tex, did induce excitement among viewers already convinced by Sheridan’s reputation for doling out good television. However, Moore’s limited involvement throughout the season eventually led to disappointment, as Landman ultimately failed to do justice to Moore’s acting talents. Thankfully, a potential character death in the finale may have just paved the way for Moore to step into a bigger spotlight — if Paramount+ renews the drama series for a second season.

‘Landman’s First Season Limits the Potential of Demi Moore’s Character

In Landman, Moore plays Cami, the wife of Monty Miller, the owner of the oil corporation for which Billy Bob Thornton‘s Tommy Norris works. Throughout Season 1, Monty Miller and Tommy Norris lead the charge, handling the many problems thrown at them by the unforgiving landscape of the Permian Basin. With the action happening far from Moore’s character who lives in Fort Worth in a palatial house, Moore’s character is limited to playing the concerned wife worried about the health of her husband, who leads a big corporation in the hazardous oil industry. Rightfully so, Monty’s eventual hospitalization due to a heart attack proves that Cami’s worries were not ill-founded.

It’s only when Monty becomes bedridden at the hospital due to his health problems much later in the season, however, that Cami gets the opportunity to become an active participant in the overall story. Even then, Moore’s involvement with Tommy revolves around Monty’s condition and the steps they must take in Monty’s absence from the decision-making role. However, Monty flatlining — and quite possibly dying for good — in the finale of Landman Season 1, as well as Cami’s growing involvement in the future of M-Tex, shows that Landman may have already found a solution to its Demi Moore problem.

Demi Moore’s Cami Miller Will Likely Have a Bigger Role in ‘Landman’ Season 2

While previous episodes of Landman have given the impression of the show not knowing how to spotlight Moore best, which becomes more noticeable because of the limited presence of her character, Monty’s death clears the way for Cami to become more involved. As the show reveals, Tommy is in favor of selling the company for the good of Cami and her children — but his motivations aren’t completely selfless, considering the toll the job takes on his own familial relationships. Cami, however, decides against the easy way out by motivating Tommy to choose the farmout deal, which is the riskier of the two options available. According to Cami, Monty would have preferred to leave a legacy behind, something only possible through the farmout. For the time being, Tommy plays along with Cami’s wishes in his new position as the President of M-Tex, despite being apprehensive about the path he has chosen.

Consequently, in a potential Season 2, Tommy will have to take further steps to find success in his first major move since losing a longtime friend and boss. Considering how Cami almost dictated Tommy’s course of action in the final few episodes of Season 1, it’s inevitable that Landman would, in turn, promote her from a supporting character to a primary player. In the first season, Monty served as the final decision-maker when it came to crucial situations for M-Tex, even reminding Tommy of his authority as boss despite the two characters having seemingly shared a long friendship. If the show moves forward with a second season, Cami is already being set up to assume a similar position.

Cami Could Butt Heads With Tommy in ‘Landman’ Season 2

While Tommy has now technically filled Monty’s shoes after his apparent death, Cami’s involvement in business matters will only make things more complicated. Let’s not forget that Cami and Tommy had different opinions on how M-Tex’s future should look even when they were discussing the best course of action in the event of Monty’s hypothetical passing. Tensions may arise between Cami and Tommy, as it is clear that they will not see eye-to-eye on every decision pertaining to running the oil company. Until now, Tommy has always brought the perspective of a landman who runs the business on the ground, whereas Monty was seen thinking from the perspective of a corporate head focused on cutting losses and promoting profitability.

Interestingly, for a show focused on a setting dominated by men, Cami’s increased involvement from a position of power and Moore’s captivating on-screen presence will only add more fuel to the drama of Sheridan’s latest series. It would be interesting to also see Cami interact with Kayla Wallace’s Rebecca Falcone, another strong female character in Landman. In Season 1, Rebecca crosses horns with Tommy often, and she could prove to be a strong ally for Cami if their business arrangement ended up going sideways. Unquestionably, the stage has been set for Moore and her character to deliver more impact should Landman return for another season — something already hinted at by the creators.

All episodes of Landman Season 1 are available to stream on Paramount+ in the U.S.

In the rugged terrain of West Texas, a team of landmen work to secure oil and gas leases, acting as intermediaries between landowners and energy corporations. The narrative centers on a driven landman whose ambitions in the energy sector lead him into complex negotiations and moral quandaries. The show explores the intense competition and the far-reaching consequences of the landmen’s deals, highlighting the intersection of personal ambition and the broader effects on the community and the natural world.

Release Date

November 17, 2024

Main Genre

Drama

Seasons

1

Where To Watch

Paramount Plus

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Watch on Paramount+