If you’ve been binge-watching Taylor Sheridan’s gripping drama Landman, you’ve probably noticed it’s not your average oil tycoon saga. Sure, there’s plenty of corporate backstabbing, but beneath all that Texas grit lies a treasure trove of symbolism and metaphors. Let’s dig in—pun definitely intended—and explore the hidden gems that elevate this show beyond standard television fare.
Coyotes and Consequences
First up, we’ve got the coyote incident from Episode 9. Tommy Norris sees a coyote prowling his backyard, a brief moment of wild beauty before his neighbor swiftly ends it with a rifle shot. At first glance, it’s just pest control. But hold up! The coyote symbolizes Tommy’s yearning for freedom and a life unchained from the oil industry’s relentless grasp. When the neighbor fires the shot, it’s a grim echo of Tommy’s own choices. He’s inching towards losing himself entirely, sacrificing personal joy for ambition and success. The coyote’s death is no random act—it’s a stark foreshadowing of what might happen if Tommy doesn’t change course.
Oil, Water, and Relationships
Then there’s Tommy’s famously rocky relationship with Angela, his ex-wife. When Tommy says they’re “like oil and water,” he’s not just being dramatic. It’s the perfect metaphor, painting a crystal-clear image of two people fundamentally incompatible, despite all their past chemistry. They simply cannot blend. This not only speaks volumes about their troubled marriage but also cleverly mirrors the larger chaos within the oil industry itself. Relationships, like business deals, need chemistry to survive, and when elements don’t mix—explosions happen.
The Gray Wolf: End of an Era
Speaking of animals, remember that gray wolf from Episode 9? The poor creature gets shot too, and it’s heartbreaking. But this wolf isn’t just wildlife—it’s symbolic of Monty Miller and the old-school oilmen whose days are numbered. Once extinct in Texas, the wolf’s fleeting return and abrupt death symbolize a dying breed, underscoring how tradition is giving way to modernity. Like Monty, who struggles with the shifting tides of business, the wolf symbolizes the fading dominance of the old guard.
Explosions and Unpredictability
Let’s not forget the catastrophic oil rig explosion early in the series. It’s more than just a tragic accident used to hook viewers. The explosion symbolizes the chaotic and dangerous nature of the oil industry itself. It’s unpredictable, uncontrollable, and always one spark away from disaster. This event dramatically sets the tone, reminding audiences of the peril that hovers over every business decision Tommy makes. It whispers ominously: tread carefully, because nothing is guaranteed.
Guns and Power Dynamics
Then there’s the neighbor’s rifle itself. Guns in Texas might seem common, but here it symbolizes control and authority. Shooting the coyote isn’t just protecting property; it’s asserting dominance over the environment. This act parallels the aggressive power struggles between characters within the series, highlighting how far individuals are willing to go to maintain control. Whether in boardrooms or backyards, dominance is constantly being contested.
The Desert: A Backdrop of Isolation
Now, let’s talk about that stunning, brutal Texas landscape. Sure, the desert scenery adds aesthetic drama, but it’s also symbolic. The harsh, arid environment mirrors the isolation and internal desolation of the characters. Tommy, Monty, Angela—they all grapple with loneliness in their personal and professional lives. The barren land represents the stark emotional landscapes of their journeys, emphasizing the solitary nature of their choices and the high stakes they’re playing for.
Lipstick-sized Toy: Tradition Meets Modernity
And finally, who could overlook Rebecca’s playful yet loaded remark about her “little lipstick-sized toy”? It’s cheeky, sure, but it symbolizes something deeper—the tension between modern convenience and traditional values. This tiny object, “that doesn’t talk back,” subtly critiques outdated gender roles, highlighting the friction between old and new ways of life. It’s a small detail, but clever and potent, challenging viewers to consider how modernity disrupts established norms.
The Drilling Deep Wrap-up
So, Landman isn’t just another TV drama; it’s rich with symbols and metaphors that pack a punch. Sheridan masterfully weaves subtle yet powerful imagery into each scene, compelling audiences to dive deeper beneath the surface. From coyotes symbolizing freedom, to explosive metaphors highlighting industry volatility, these layered meanings enhance every storyline and character arc.
Next time you stream an episode, keep your eyes peeled—every scene might just be hiding something deeper, waiting to be discovered.
