Landman Season 2 Finally Redeems Its Most Controversial Character

Landman has drawn plenty of controversy for its storylines about the women surrounding Billy Bob Thornton’s Tommy Norris character, including his ex-wife, Angela (Ali Larter), and daughter, Ainsley Norris (Michelle Randolph), which have contributed to the divisive reception of Taylor Sheridan’s oil drama. However, Landman is redeeming a key character heading into the finale of Landman Season 2.

The show’s sophomore run had Paramount+’s biggest premiere ever, amassing 9.2 million viewers in two days, according to the platform. However, even though many fans have stuck with Landman despite its divisive reception, that doesn’t mean viewers like or agree with everything happening in Tommy Norris’ life in Midland, Texas, with lots of complaints about the Norris women.

Landman Season 2 Episode 8 Finally Redeems Angela Norris

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So far, the Norris women have brought controversial stories to the series, with reviews of Landman Season 2 pointing out that the series was recycling its worst tropes. However, Angela’s luck may begin to change after Episode 8, with Tommy’s ex-wife proving that she’s criminally underestimated by others and more than just the “eye candy” some viewers regard her as.

Angela has a significant moment in “Handsome Touched Me,” when she takes her nursing home residents to the casino. She borrows $10,000 from the family safe to fund the endeavor, saying she wants to change her old folks’ lives. However, it’s her own life and reputation that Tommy’s ex-wife changes, as Angela wins over $300,000 on her day out.

The development proves that Angela is more than just the “trophy wife” she’s perceived as. The most recent Landman episode proves that Angela possesses a unique understanding of gambling odds, which adds to her robust persona and showcases her wit. With her winnings, Angela provides Tommy with a 3,000% return on his investment, dispelling doubts that she doesn’t offer value.

The latest Angela Norris story suggests Tommy’s ex-wife can add value to their life and to the series, even amid her sometimes temperamental demeanor. That said, Tommy really turned things around, reconciling with Angela about years of turmoil in Landman Season 2, Episode 7, which set the stage for Angela to evolve into a more grounded, mature character.

How Angela’s Gambling Success Sets Up Landman Season 3

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Angela’s story in Landman Season 2, Episode 8, is more than just a win for the character. It marks a potential turning point in her development. Her gambling success also sets up huge developments for the future of the series, which could play out over the two remaining episodes of Landman Season 2, or set the stage for next season.

Though some audiences feel that the show has lost its magic, Paramount+ has already renewed the oil drama for Landman Season 3. Therefore, Angela’s earnings provide insight into what the next chapter could hold. Tommy’s wife has been hinting at making some pretty life-changing purchases for the family, which could redirect the whole Norris family’s course.

Ever since Ainsley’s acceptance into Texas Christian University (TCU) in Landman Season 2’s premiere was confirmed, Angela has been talking about moving to Fort Worth to be closer to their daughter when she goes to college. Angela even shops for real estate in Landman Season 2, Episode 3, “Almost a Home,” but Tommy reports they can’t afford a new house.

Now that Angela has brought a small fortune into the family, it’s way more likely that the Norris clan will move to Fort Worth, setting up a new location for Landman Season 3. Tommy already commutes to the city to meet with Gallino (Andy Garcia) and Cami (Demi Moore), but the family’s personal stories have all unfolded in Midland.

However, a mansion in Fort Worth might not be the only purchase that Angela is considering making with her casino earnings. Tommy’s ex-wife has been saying she wants a new engagement ring and wants to make their marriage official again. Therefore, Landman fans could hear wedding bells, perhaps in Landman Season 2’s finale or the start of Season 3.