The rugged world of “Landman” unexpectedly took aim at daytime television, specifically ABC’s “The View,” in a recent episode. The show, known for its gritty portrayal of the oil industry, injected a surprising dose of cultural commentary into its narrative.
The scene unfolded as Tommy Norris, played by Billy Bob Thornton, attempted to soothe the gruff T.L. (Sam Elliott). His solution? Suggesting T.L. tune into “The View.” T.L.’s unfamiliarity with the show set the stage for a pointed description.
Norris characterized the panel discussion as a gathering of “pissed-off millionaires bing about how much they hate millionaires and [President Donald] Trump and men and you and me and everybody else they got a bee up their ass about.” He then added, with a wry grin, “It’s pretty funny.”
T.L., unimpressed, bluntly responded, “Don’t sound funny.” Norris quickly clarified, “Well, it ain’t ‘joke’ funny, it’s like ‘fart in church’ funny, you know what I mean?” The comparison painted a vivid, and deliberately irreverent, picture.
While Taylor Sheridan, the creative force behind “Landman,” penned the series and often directs, he wasn’t at the helm for this particular episode. Nevertheless, the pointed dialogue clearly reflects a distinct perspective.
The jab didn’t go unnoticed by former “The View” host Meghan McCain, who responded with amusement on social media. She acknowledged her appreciation for Sheridan’s work, offering a laughing emoji alongside her comment.
The exchange is particularly interesting considering Thornton’s recent appearance on “The View” itself. He was a guest just days after the recent presidential election and shortly before the premiere of “Landman.” His performance earned him a Golden Globe nomination.
“Landman” has quickly become a success, with its first season of ten episodes already released and the second currently unfolding. The show’s popularity has been such that a third season has already been greenlit, signaling a continued appetite for Sheridan’s storytelling.
This contemporary drama marks a shift for Sheridan, whose previous series largely focused on historical narratives. He first gained significant recognition with his Oscar-nominated screenplay for the critically acclaimed film “Hell or High Water” in 2016.
Sheridan’s ability to blend compelling character studies with pointed social observations is clearly resonating with audiences, and the unexpected inclusion of a critique of “The View” only adds another layer of intrigue to his already captivating work.
