Tommy Norris: Landman or bad man?

All Tommy Norris (Billy Bob Thornton) wants after a hard day’s work is a cigarette, a light beer, and some goddamn peace and quiet. Most days in Midland, Texas, push Tommy to the brink. From his son, Cooper (Jacob Lofland), nearly beaten to death by roughnecks, to his oil titan boss, Monty Miller (Jon Hamm), breathing down his neck, Tommy is constantly putting out fires, big and small. Taylor Sheridan cast the perfect actor to play the “Landman.” Billy Bob Thornton embodies that hard-nosed, don't-give-a-damn attitude and always knows when to throw in a joke. Billy brings the energy from his Bad Santa or Bad News Bears days. With a five o'clock shadow and a cigarette in hand, this time donning a cowboy hat, he’s a reckless man who lives by his own rules. 

I wasn't super familiar with the oil and gas industry and its operations. Still, after watching Landman, I realized that Tommy's role seems vital for an oil company teetering on the Mexican border. I see how Monty needed Tommy to build his empire. I saw Tommy always put his mission first, and that's why everyone respected him. I respected Tommy from his first interactions with Sheriff Walt (Mark Collie). I could tell Tommy was above the law. Tommy had a way of explaining how every situation would unfold. He was a constant mic drop. Always walking away and not looking back. 

This attitude always puts Tommy's relationships at a breaking point. Whether his daughter Ainsley (Michelle Randolph) is out chasing boys or the drug cartel is chasing him, Tommy is constantly in a battle.

Throughout the show, Tommy made me believe you could get out of any situation using the right words. Although I always questioned Tommy's antics with Jimenez (Alex Meraz), the cartel drug manager, he constantly challenged Jimenez from the opening scenes. I could tell Tommy had played these games before with the cartel. Tommy's swagger made me never feel scared for him. He never cracked on anyone, making him feel invincible to me. 

He reminds me of the John Wick of the oil industry, But instead of violence, he uses his words and experience to take down his opponents. No matter who he came across, I always felt that Tommy would come out on top. He wasn't scared of death. His calmness convinced me that you'll always come back home at the end of the day. I was interested when Tommy's ex-wife, now current wife Angela (Ali Larter), challenged Tommy to where his real home was. It seemed Tommy believed Midland was just a temporary stop. From the rented furniture to the roommates working in the dining room, this set-up was far from permanent. Angela said he had been in Midland for over 33 years, and it was time for the family to accept this was home. 

Tommy's ability to never crack under pressure was put to the test with the introduction of a liability attorney, Rebecca Falcone (Kayla Wallace). The cutthroat, big-city lawyer challenged Tommy every step of the way. At first, she seemed unbreakable, but you could tell she was out of her element. The way the show was unfolding, I was starting to predict a potential fling between the two, as M-Tex Oil attorney Nathan (Colm Feore) told Tommy earlier, he needed to do whatever it took to get Rebecca on his side. It may have seemed far-fetched, but I felt Billy Bob's Southern charm could work.

This role fits Thornton's attitude perfectly. If he was actually a landman, this is precisely how he would run things in the Lone Star state. He played with all his chips pushed in. He wasn't afraid to lose anything. This left me wondering throughout the show what Tommy's motives were and if this is what he wanted. It made me feel like the oil industry is similar to the circus. Once you become a carny, you are stuck travelling the state with fire breathers and trained monkeys. 

Tommy Norris's character can resonate with many people and the challenges of navigating life. I can relate to Tommy's view of how it always seems when you solve a problem, another one appears. It feels like you are constantly chasing and can never catch up. Early in the season, we see Tommy continually responding to situations around the “patch,” just as he cracks a celebratory Dr.Pepper, another bombshell goes off. 

One of my favourite scenes from the show is in the last episode of the season. Dale (James Jordan), an M-Tex Oil engineer and roommate with Tommy, is seen driving back in the truck after Tommy was “rescued” from the cartel. Dale turns over to Tommy and asks, “…how are you doing, you know, up here?” as Dale points to his head. I felt like this was the first chance for Tommy to open up about what was going on in his head. Instead, Tommy says he is going to start drinking again. According to Tommy, Michelob Ultras don't count.

Tommy represents the blue-collar worker well. His struggles at work seep into his relationships, inside and out. He is constantly being moved around to deal with situations and never gets to reflect on his life. Thornton's performance throughout captures the same energy. He is a battered and bruised man with the occasional bark, which made me laugh far too much.

I felt for Tommy when he stared into his backyard, looking at the coyotes—one he had seen shot dead earlier. I interpret this as a metaphor for Tommy and the cartel. In these parts, someone is always looking to kill you. Tommy sees himself as that coyote, always on the run from someone trying to take him out.

I'm intrigued to see Tommy's legacy continue in the post-Monty Miller era, especially with his son Cooper carving out his own name in the oil industry. I know they are far from having a healthy father-son relationship. I can see a situation where the two come to a crossroads on some land leasing deals. 

I was torn by how Tommy treated the cartel leader, Gallino (Andy Garcia). This was the man who saved his life, after all. Gallino understood Tommy's role and knew he needed to start fresh for his business to prosper. Tommy stuck to his guns and refused to turn the page. I disagree with Tommy's choice, but this has been his M.O. all season. I'm sure it would be easier to cooperate with the cartel, but Tommy knows the true power the oil industry holds and is willing to put his life on the line.

Towards the end, I see Tommy regret how he has treated his wife. When talking about his life with her, all Tommy said he saw was her. I always thought it funny how Tommy would tell her that the expectations are what's hurting her. The audience can relate, which some use as a coping mechanism to avoid disappointment.

After Monty's death, Tommy was appointed president of the oil company. I'm interested in how Tommy transitions from working in the field to the office. How well will Tommy's demeanour work in the new environment? I'm also curious to see how well Rebecca works under Tommy and her plans to dethrone him if they choose to go down that route.

Billy Bob Thornton nailed the performance of a man trying to survive in a world that never lets up. Tommy is someone who doesn’t bend, even when it might cost him everything. It’s what makes him such a compelling figure.

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