‘Landman’ Sends Message To Critics Who Think Taylor Sheridan Oversexualizes Angela & Ainsley
The Paramount+ show is yet another certified Taylor Sheridan hit. The series – boasting a cast of Billy Bob Thornton, Demi Moore, Andy Garcia, Sam Elliott, Ali Larter, Jacob Lofland, and Michelle Randolph, among others – has once again had massive ratings in it’s second season.
Season 2’s premiere holds the title of the biggest season or series premiere ever for Paramount+. More than 9 million people viewed the first episode of the second season in the first few days it was available on the streamer. That number was more than triple what the series premiere of Landman did in 2024. And that viewership has carried on through the show’s sophomore run.
To put things plainly, people love the story of the Norris family and the drama of the oil industry in Texas. Much of that is thanks to the tremendous cast, which includes some strong female characters like Larter’s Angela, and Randolph’s Ainsley. Not all Landman fans are crazy about them and their storylines, but they add great depth to the life and chaos of Tommy Norris.
A lot of the criticism about Angela and Ainsley revolves around the idea that their characters are only present for sexualization. And there’s no doubt that the mother and daughter are often seen wearing swimsuits, or clothing that draws some looks. But the actresses and Taylor Sheridan have maintained that the wardrobe department does that intentionally in order to present two women that are confident and true to themselves.
Landman even called out the critics during last night’s episode, and it was rather funny.
During a scene that took place at the Norris household, Billy Bob Thornton’s character saw his ex-wife (it’s complicated) walking around the house in… let’s just say a small shirt. Tommy Norris said, “Could you please put all your clothes on before you come downstairs?” and Angela responded with, “Oh, it bothers you to see my body?”
Thornton tried to imply that his father was present in the home, saying it didn’t bother him but “there’s other people around here.” Angela asked Sam Elliott’s T.L. if the way she dressed bother him, and he made it clear that it didn’t. Then hilariously, Ainsley came into the frame wearing a similar outfit as her mom, and Tommy conceded, saying, “I give up. I love you both and there’s nothing I can do about that. I f***ing surrender.”
It was a very meta way to handle the critics, and it sure seemed like the show was trying to get people to… well, shut up about it all.
If that scene didn’t convince the critics to give up on the criticism, then what Larter said to People when she talked about her character’s story and progression. The former Varsity Blues and Legally Blonde star said that she has no problem whatsoever, and knows that Taylor Sheridan isn’t out to degrade her or women as a whole. Taylor has been labeled a misogynist for a number of shows, including Yellowstone, 1923, and more, but Larter thinks all of the talk is ridiculous.
She affirmed that she has full faith in Sheridan’s vision:
“Taylor is a provocateur. He loves to write characters that make people respond, that initiate a reaction, a feeling. And I think that what’s incredible about our show, and a lot of the shows that Taylor makes, is that they’re all wildly original and authentic to themselves.”
There’s no doubt that Angela, and Ainsley for that matter, is true to herself in Landman.
