Well folks, Landman Season 1 has come to a close, and what a ride it’s been. High-stakes deals, cartel confrontations, beer critiques, and a surprise NFL owner? Yeah, the oil patch delivered. So in the spirit of celebrating the chaos, grit, and brilliance of West Texas drama, we’re rolling out some good old-fashioned superlatives. Grab a Michelob Ultra (or something stronger), and let’s take a wild stroll back through the Permian Basin’s most unforgettable moments.
🏆 Best Power Move: Tommy Negotiates with the Cartel
Let’s get one thing straight: Tommy Norris (played with grizzled perfection by Billy Bob Thornton) is no ordinary landman. He’s part diplomat, part cowboy, part con artist, and all-in on making a deal.
In a standout moment of season one, Tommy finds himself in a dicey position. He needs to secure a surface lease on a patch of land for M-Tex Oil. But there’s a catch. The land is controlled by a cartel. Not the HOA kind either. The real-deal cartel.
So what does Tommy do? Back off? Fold? Nope.
He offers to build them a road. Yep, a literal road. And in return, they keep out of M-Tex’s business. Or, he warns, the DEA might suddenly want to plop a substation nearby. It’s a genius move cloaked in cowboy cool, and the cartel takes the deal. Game, set, Tommy.
It’s the kind of power play that reminds you: never underestimate a man in boots who knows how to read a room.
😱 Biggest Oh-$#!% Moment: Monty’s Heart Attack
Nothing says “Texas oil drama” like a sudden, near-fatal medical emergency right in the middle of business chaos.
In Episode 9, Monty Miller (played by Jon Hamm in full silver-fox executive mode) suffers a massive heart attack. Not a warning twinge, not a stress test fail. A straight-up life-or-death, hit-the-floor moment.
As he’s rushed to the hospital, everything grinds to a halt. The company’s future? Totally in limbo. The board? Freaking out. The family? On high alert. Then comes the flatline. Monty dies on that table—for a second.
This isn’t just a plot twist. It’s a gut-punch. And it changes the entire trajectory of M-Tex and the Miller dynasty. Suddenly, all that money and power doesn’t look quite as solid.
Oh, and the kicker? His surprise visitor.
🕵️♂️ Most Shocking Cameo: Jerry Freakin’ Jones
Just when you’re thinking Landman couldn’t get any more Texas, who walks into Monty’s hospital room? None other than Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones.
Playing himself, Jerry drops by for a little heart-to-heart with his old pal. It’s not just a flex—it’s a moment of real reflection. He talks family. Legacy. Mortality. You don’t expect to get misty-eyed during a scene with a billionaire football mogul, but there you go.
The cameo works because it doesn’t feel like a gimmick. Jerry fits into this world like a glove. It’s a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it kind of moment, but it’s a bold, brilliant move that adds a whole new layer of authenticity.
🏅 MVP Character: Dale Bradley, King of the Patch
Everyone expected Tommy to carry the show—and yeah, he kinda did. But let’s hear it for the real MVP: Dale Bradley (played by James Jordan).
Dale is a petroleum engineer. He’s also Tommy’s roommate. And above all, he’s the heart of this roughneck world. He’s loyal, smart, and genuinely cares about the people in his orbit. The man can fix a pipeline and a broken spirit in the same day.
He’s not flashy, but that’s the point. While others are scheming and bluffing, Dale’s out here doing the work. Quietly keeping the wheels turning and everyone from melting down.
And in a world filled with egos and explosions, that kind of steady strength makes him a straight-up legend.
😅 Best One-Liner: Michelob Ultra Gets Roasted
Tommy may be a man of few words, but when he talks? You listen. Especially when he’s talking beer.
Enter this glorious gem: “It’s a Michelob Ultra. There’s more alcohol in orange juice.”
Instant classic.
It hits so hard because it’s so deadpan. You almost miss it. But once it lands, it sticks. It’s more than a dig at light beer—it’s a statement about who Tommy is. He doesn’t have time for nonsense. Or watered-down drinks.
The line now lives rent-free in fan threads across the internet. If that’s not peak one-liner status, what is?
📉 Honorable Mentions That Deserve Some Love
Not every moment gets a shiny trophy, but these still deserve a tip of the hat:
- Best Villain: Jimenez (Alex Meraz) makes cartel leadership look terrifying and weirdly magnetic. Every scene he’s in feels dangerous.
- Most Heartwarming Scene: Cooper Norris (Jacob Lofland) stepping in to support his dad, Tommy. It’s messy, but it’s real.
- Best Dressed: Cami Miller (Demi Moore) slays every scene with steel-toe boots and couture-level sass. She’s rich, ruthless, and always runway-ready.
- Wildest Vibe Shift: The boardroom scenes feel like Game of Thrones in hard hats. Cold stares, betrayal, whispered threats—pass the popcorn.
⚡Why the Buzz Matters (and Why You Should Catch Up Now)
Still haven’t watched Landman? Buddy, you’re missing out.
This show isn’t just about oil. It’s about survival. Family. Greed. Redemption. And it does it all with a dusty swagger you can’t fake.
Think Succession meets No Country for Old Men, but with better boots. The writing is sharp, the stakes are sky-high, and every episode leaves you wanting more.
So whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual viewer looking for your next binge, Landman Season 1 has plenty to offer. The good news? You’ve still got time to catch up before the next season barrels in like a rig explosion.
💚 One Last Thought Before We Hit the Road
Season 1 of Landman gave us a lot. Power plays. Emotional gut punches. Beer burns. Even a real-life billionaire dropping life advice.
But more than anything, it gave us characters we can’t stop thinking about. People who fight, fall, and somehow keep drilling.
So here’s to the wild world of the oil patch. And to all the chaos, charm, and crude that comes with it.
Bring on Season 2. We’re ready.
