Taylor Sheridan’s signature grit and swagger have made him one of the most powerful voices in television, but his writing—particularly his portrayal of female characters—often sparks debate. His latest drama, Landman, is no exception, with some fans and critics calling out the way women are portrayed in the oil field series.
But Landman star Ali Larter isn’t having it.
Larter, who plays the glamorous yet layered Angela Norris, recently responded to criticism that the show’s female characters are too sexualized or shallow. While some have dismissed Angela as a poolside cocktail sipper with no substance, Larter sees her role—and Taylor Sheridan’s writing—in a very different light.
“Nobody’s putting me in a position that I’m not comfortable being in,” Larter told The Hollywood Reporter. “I love playing this character. If there was something I was uncomfortable with, I wouldn’t do it. What’s more uncomfortable is that people are so uncomfortable by their sexuality.”
Larter is also quick to point out that Landman is tonally diverse and emotionally complex. And in her view, the female characters reflect that.
Angela, she says, is more than just a glamorous wife. She’s a devoted mother, a woman grappling with aging, and someone finding purpose in unexpected places—including visits to a local nursing home where she lifts spirits and brings joy. Sure, she can be flashy and confident in a bikini—but that’s only one facet of a multi-dimensional woman.
“You see her crumbling trying to keep her family together. You see her battling and feeling like she’s getting older… It’s very multi-dimensional, and that’s why it doesn’t bother me,” Larter said.
The criticism hasn’t been limited to Angela. Some viewers have also taken issue with the portrayal of Michelle Randolph’s Ainsley Norris, arguing that the character—a teenager—is too often sexualized in ways that feel uncomfortable. But Larter maintains that both women in Landman are written with emotional depth, even if they’re not afraid to flaunt their confidence.
This isn’t the first time Sheridan has faced this kind of scrutiny. Fans of Yellowstone may remember when his character Travis Wheatley appeared in a scene with models playing strip poker—a moment that fueled accusations of objectifying women. Yet those same viewers often hold up Yellowstone’s Beth Dutton as a prime example of a well-written, fierce, complicated woman.
So where does that leave Angela Norris? Somewhere in the middle—but definitely not one-dimensional.
As Landman gears up for Season 2, Sheridan has a chance to deepen these characters even further. But if you ask Ali Larter, he’s already done a pretty good job.
