The latest episode of Landman on Paramount+ has viewers talking, but not in the way the show’s creators might have hoped. Season 2, Episode 7, titled “Forever Is an Instant,” aired on Sunday, December 28, 2025, and a common feeling among fans is that not much happened. The episode shifted focus from the high-stakes oil business to the personal lives and romantic relationships of its main characters, a change that left many fans disappointed.
Instead of advancing the central plot involving corporate drama, cartels, and drilling risks, the hour was packed with intimate moments between couples. The episode featured Tommy and Angela’s turbulent marriage, Cooper’s elaborate proposal to Ariana, and Rebecca’s complicated relationship with geologist Charlie. For a show typically centered on the intense world of Texas oil, this detour into relationship drama felt out of place to a large part of the audience.
A Focus on Love and Conflict Over Oil and Business
The episode’s main storylines all centered on personal connections. Tommy Norris, played by Billy Bob Thornton, spent much of the episode navigating his rocky reunion with his ex-wife, Angela (Ali Larter). After a weekend getaway filled with arguments, Tommy had a meaningful talk with his father, T.L. (Sam Elliott), who urged him to appreciate the good things in his life. Acting on this advice, Tommy later told Angela, “You’re a beautiful tornado of a gift, honey,” in an attempt to save their relationship.
Meanwhile, Cooper (Jacob Lofland) planned a romantic proposal for Ariana (Paulina Chavez), creating a trail of discounted roses to lead her to him. His nervous proposal was successful, with Ariana accepting. On the professional front, lawyer Rebecca (Kayla Wallace) faced a workplace dilemma. Her romantic involvement with geologist Charlie (Guy Burnet), a subordinate, became a formal conflict of interest for M-Tex Oil. Company attorney Nate (Colm Feore) presented her with a disclosure form to sign, causing her significant distress.
A more subdued but notable moment came from Boss (Mustafa Speaks), the veteran oil crewman. He celebrated 20 years with M-Tex, received a Rolex watch, and quietly revealed plans to retire and move to Houston by the summer. This subplot hinted at the human cost and personal milestones within the demanding industry.
Fan Reactions: Frustration Over a Lack of Progress
The audience response to the episode has been largely critical. On forums and social media, a common complaint is that the episode was pure “filler” that did little to advance the season’s main stories. With only three episodes remaining in the season, many felt this was a missed opportunity.
One fan expressed a widespread sentiment, writing, “I don’t really have any commentary for this episode because nothing is happening”. Another pointedly asked, “I… I thought this was a show about the oil industry”, highlighting the disconnect between this episode and the series’ core premise. Several viewers noted the absence of key business and antagonist storylines, with one comment reading, “Cami & M-Tex are what makes this show about oil but when you don’t include either of them… then what exactly are we watching?”.
The episode’s opening scene, which featured a sexually charged and controversial incident involving Tommy, Angela, and a hotel waitress, also drew specific criticism. Some found the attempt at humor to be in poor taste and a disappointing way to start the hour.
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How the Episode Fits Into the Larger Landman Story
Landman is a drama series on Paramount+ created by Taylor Sheridan and Christian Wallace. It is inspired by the podcast “Boomtown,” which explores the modern oil boom in Texas’s Permian Basin. The show stars Billy Bob Thornton as Tommy Norris, a landman who negotiates oil and gas leases for a major company.
The series has been renewed for a third season. Season 2 began airing on November 16, 2025, and new episodes are released weekly on Paramount+.
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