Let’s be honest. Taylor Sheridan has a bit of a reputation when it comes to writing women. Some fans say his female characters too often feel like set dressing—eye candy, plot props, or the occasional damsel in distress. But with Landman, there’s a chance that narrative is starting to shift. Sheridan’s latest venture into the gritty world of West Texas oil fields gives us women who are messy, fierce, sharp-witted, and maybe—just maybe—more than one-note.
So what exactly is Landman doing right? And where does it still stumble? Let’s crack open the toolbox and take a closer look at the women who power this high-octane drama.
Angela Norris: The Wild Card with a War Plan
Angela (played with laser focus by Ali Larter) isn’t your typical TV ex-wife. She’s not clinging to her man or quietly simmering with resentment. She’s a walking contradiction—vulnerable and volatile, but also smart, grounded, and fiercely independent.
From her first appearance, Angela exudes that Southern charm with just enough bite. And her decision to split from Victor in Episode 6? That wasn’t a weak woman walking away. That was a chess move. A woman grabbing the reins of her own story. According to Decider, this moment marked a turning point for her character.
She challenges Tommy, too. Their dynamic is layered, never tidy. There’s history there, but also a respect. You can feel it when they talk. You can see it in how she holds her own.
Angela’s got grit, sure. But what makes her shine is that she’s also messy. She’s unsure. She wants things, and sometimes she doesn’t even know what those things are. That’s real. That’s human.
Ainsley Norris: Teenage Spirit with a Spine
Ainsley (Michelle Randolph) is the next-gen wildcard of the Norris family. She’s 17, opinionated, and absolutely allergic to staying in line.
Now, some viewers haven’t been totally thrilled with how she’s portrayed. But Randolph has been vocal about defending Ainsley’s complexity. In an interview with People, she talked about the backlash and made it clear—this character isn’t here to be liked. She’s here to be real.
And real she is. Ainsley pushes boundaries. She challenges her dad, questions tradition, and owns her identity. Her rebellion isn’t just for drama’s sake—it’s a protest. It’s resistance in a world that tries to box her in.
So yeah, she’s young. But don’t count her out. Ainsley could be the future voice of Landman.
Rebecca Falcone: All Business, No Blinking
Rebecca Falcone (Kayla Wallace) is cool under pressure. She’s a legal shark in a sharp suit, slicing through problems with precision and purpose.
We meet her in the thick of it. She’s not intimidated by the good ol’ boys club, and she sure as hell doesn’t wait to be invited to the table. She shows up, takes her seat, and makes the rules clear.
Wallace herself, described the dynamic between Rebecca and Tommy as electric. There’s respect, but also friction. The kind that makes great television.
Rebecca isn’t here to soften the scene. She’s here to set the tone. And honestly? We’re here for it.
Cami Miller: The Power Behind the Throne?
Demi Moore plays Cami Miller with understated elegance. But don’t let the pearls and practiced smile fool you. There’s a sharp mind at work behind those eyes.
So far, Cami hasn’t had a ton of screen time. But when she does appear, it’s clear she’s more than a society wife. She’s observant, strategic, and likely ten steps ahead of everyone else in the room.
You get the sense that she’s playing a long game. Maybe not this season, but don’t be shocked if Cami makes some major moves later.
Ariana Medina: The Quiet Fire
Paulina Chávez brings a fierce vulnerability to Ariana Medina, a character who quietly steals your attention. In Episode 8, Ariana’s grief-fueled pursuit of justice shows just how deep her strength runs.
She isn’t loud. She doesn’t storm into rooms. But she commands your empathy. Ariana’s story reminds us of the human cost behind corporate missteps—a voice for those swept aside.
As the season unfolds, Ariana could easily become the show’s emotional backbone. And that’s not nothing.
So, Are We Still in One-Dimensional Territory?
Here’s the thing. Landman isn’t perfect. Some of the women—especially in the early episodes—hover too close to the sidelines. We want more backstory. More scenes where they’re not reacting to male drama but leading their own.
But credit where it’s due: Sheridan seems to be listening. Slowly but surely, these characters are breaking out of their molds. They’re not just love interests or moral compasses. They’re movers, shakers, and scene-stealers.
There’s still work to do. But the foundation’s there.
Why You Should Keep Watching
If you tuned in for Billy Bob Thornton’s drawl and stayed for the oil drama, keep your eyes on the women. They’re weaving something complex, emotional, and raw right beneath the surface.
And if Sheridan keeps giving them space to breathe, we might just see one of the best female ensembles in the Sheridan-verse yet.
So buckle up. The women of Landman are just getting started.
