WARNING: SPOILERS ahead for Landman season 2, episode 5.
Landman season 2, episode 5, "The Pirate Party," continues the strong momentum of episode 4 and properly introduces T.L. to Tommy's world in Midland. Now five episodes in, it's safe to say that Landman season 2 has been a mostly successful continuation of the beloved Taylor Sheridan series, one that often impressively balances intimate family melodrama and tension-fueled corporate drama.
There's been less of an immediate physical threat in Landman season 2 so far, now that Tommy's forced to deal with one of the cartel's leaders, Gallino, as opposed to his hot-headed henchman. Tommy's life doesn't feel as constantly threatened, but the stakes still feel higher than ever, now that Cami is starting to realize just how big of a hole Monty dug her and M-Tex before reaching an early grave.
Sam Elliott's T.L. is unsurprisingly a delight to watch as a broken older man with a new lease on life, fitting in naturally to the neo-Western landscape. He has played a great role in anchoring Landman's more lighthearted and emotional scenes, a task that was almost exclusively left to Ainsley and Angela in season 1. Every scene he's in adds narrative depth and offers vieweing a chance to take a breath.
Tommy's doing his best to save Cooper from the financial chokehold that Gallino has over him, but is refusing to realize what seems to be the inevitable fact that Gallino is the key to keeping not only Cooper's enterprise, but M-Tex, afloat. Gallino is the dark cloud that looms over Tommy, especially now that Cami is willing to make a deal with the devil to preserve her family name and honor Monty's legacy.
Tommy's Troubles Pile Up As Gallino Becomes M-Tex's Only Savior
Gallino is still "all smiles" to Tommy and Cami, hiding his true intentions and waiting to strike like the snake he revealed himself to be. Cami is so desperate that she's willing to turn a blind eye and deal with Gallino even though Tommy explained Gallino's real identity and cartel affiliation. To Cami, admitting defeat at this point is worse than potentially facing criminal consequences down the line – perhaps even by the end of the season.
All signs point to Cami taking Gallino's money and building the gas rig in the gulf in Landman season 2, episode 6. This would certainly solve the most immediate threat to M-Tex at the season's midpoint, but will almost certainly open up another can of worms. There's no question that Gallino will eventually drop the act as a stand-up businessman once his long-game plays out.
The latter half of Landman season 2 could bring back more serious cartel threats for Tommy, rendering him less useful in the process, once Gallino starts paying Cami's debts. Tommy generally finds solutions to M-Tex's biggest problems, which is part of the reason why Monty trusted him so much. However, if Gallino legally owns part or all of M-Tex, the implications would be enormous, and likely deadly.
The Pirate Party Puts A Cherry On Top Of Landman Season 2's Midpoint
This latest episode of Landman season 2 may be the best example of how the series expertly blends drama, thriller, and comedy elements into a full-bodied, immersive series. Most shows tend to lean into genre trops but Landman has such a distinct identity from other series, even compared to Taylor Sheridan's other celebrated series, maintaining a reliable and surprising viewing experience at the same time.
As the #1 trending show on Paramount+, Landman feels like truly inspired television, especially after killing off one of its main draws, Jon Hamm, in the season 1 finale. The series has smartly incorporated Gallino into the fold after his sudden appearance at the end of last season, building up his influence over Tommy and suspense for the viewer just by sinking golf putts in his corner office.
Overall, Landman season 2 has been so far so good, even though you could argue that not all that much has happened – except Angela's first dinner party that didn't end terribly. However, the more persistent chaos of season 1 may be returning as soon as next week if Cami trusts Gallino. In that case, surely the cartel will want more than a piece of M-Tex's pie – they may just want the whole thing.
