The series has stirred up its fair share of controversy, raising eyebrows, specifically for its portrayal of women. Tommy Norris’ (Thornton) ex-wife and daughter, Angela (Ali Larter) and Ainsley (Michelle Randolph), have had plenty of controversial storylines, whether they are lewd or otherwise limited by stereotypes about women. “Handsome Touched Me” further worsens the show’s bias.
Landman Season 2 Episode 8 Introduces A New Character
Landman Season 2, Episode 8, brings a background character into the spotlight, giving the nursing home attendant, Margaret (Deidra Shanell), a story independent of the Norris family. Showing Margaret outside Angela’s time volunteering at the old folks’ home felt like Landman was adding a whole new character, though the spotlight highlights an existing setback within the series.
When Angela takes her “old folks” gambling, Margaret gets more screen time, starting by striking up a conversation with Angela and telling her she’s “based,” complementing Angela’s swagger, which stems from her lack of regard for what others think of her. It prompts Angela and Ainsley to give Margaret a makeover after she reveals she doesn’t feel “hot.”
Landman Season 2 Episode 8’s New Character Continues A Disappointing Trend
While there’s nothing wrong with Margaret’s makeover, it’s disappointing that Landman Season 2’s episode focuses so much on the caretaker’s outer beauty. Margaret clearly places more importance on different aspects of herself, yet Angela insists she needs to change. Again, while that’s innocent enough and Margaret seems to want to be more confident, the storyline has a problematic aspect.
When Angela discovers that Margaret is married, she tells her that her husband will be “so happy.” Ainsley chimes in that he is going to buy Margaret a new car, insinuating that Margaret’s beauty makes her more valuable. Then, Margaret’s husband’s reaction confirms that he does place a high value on her appearance, and it’s a cringeworthy scene in hindsight.
Ideally, a female TV show character wears makeup for herself. Landman’s storyline reinforces that women should prioritize presenting themselves in ways that appeal to men more than their own preferences, and that winning the attention and approval of others is the key to building confidence. It’s fair that makeup made Margaret more confident, but her husband reinforces harmful beauty standards.
At best, the Landman story reinforces clichés and copies tropes that are played out and boring. At worst, these types of stories can subtly reinforce beauty standards and spread the message that women should place more value on what other people think than on how they feel about themselves. Ultimately, the story misunderstands women, making it a weak character study.
Is There Still Hope For Landman?
Still, perhaps there’s hope that Landman can turn its negative trend around. “Handsome Touched Me” builds on other female characters more positively, featuring significant developments for Angela and Cami Miller (Demi Moore). Angela gets redemption at the casino, proving that she’s underestimated, using her understanding of gambling odds to earn over $300,000 dollars from Tommy’s $10,000 investment.
