The new season of Paramount+‘s oil industry drama Landman has delivered a major emotional blow to fans. In the second episode of Season 2, Ariana Medina made the difficult decision to end her relationship with Cooper Norris, leaving their future together uncertain. The stars of the show, Paulina Chávez and Jacob Lofland, have now provided insight into the breakup and the complicated path ahead for their characters.
Why Ariana Chose to Break Up with Cooper
In Landman Season 2, Episode 2, which premiered on November 23, 2025, Ariana calls off her romance with Cooper. The immediate trigger was a period of intense fear she experienced after Cooper’s phone died while he was at work, leaving her unable to contact him. As a widow who lost her first husband, Elvio, the situation brought back past trauma. Ariana told Cooper she could not face another devastating loss, a constant risk given the dangers of the oil industry where he is building his career.
The breakup occurred despite Cooper’s recent success in striking oil, a financial windfall that should have secured their future. Ariana concluded that her emotional well-being and Cooper own ambitions were incompatible. Paulina Chávez, who plays Ariana, explained her character’s perspective, stating:
“I really think she was, obviously, taken aback. The stakes are so much higher now. She realizes what’s at stake [with] her partner working in the oil industry and she doesn’t want history to repeat itself.”
Chávez further noted that Ariana’s decision was also made with Cooper’s happiness in mind, wanting him to be free to pursue his dreams even if it meant they could not be together.
Cooper’s Reaction and Tommy’s Unexpected Advice
Cooper was heartbroken by the split but accepted Ariana’s decision. Following the breakup, he turned to his father, Tommy Norris, for support. In a significant character moment, Tommy offered surprisingly thoughtful advice, suggesting that Cooper should listen to and understand Ariana’s fears. This father-son heart-to-heart was a poignant scene, culminating in Cooper telling Tommy he loved him and that his best was good enough.
The event highlights Cooper’s central challenge: balancing his sudden fortune and business aspirations with the personal relationship that matters most to him. His immediate future seems set on finding a way to win Ariana back, though his new partnership in the oil business—strongly hinted to be with the shady cartel figure Gallino—may create even greater complications.
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What the Stars Say About Their Characters’ Future
While the on-screen couple is currently separated, the actors playing them are hopeful that this is not the end of their story. Paulina Chávez described Ariana and Cooper’s relationship as “a relationship that we all want,” where both people are not afraid to speak their truths and strive for something better. She personally roots for them to reconcile, saying, “I’m a hopeless romantic so I’m definitely in it with their relationship. I’m like, ‘Please, they need to end up together,’ so I’m rooting for them, too.”
Both Chávez and Jacob Lofland have characterized their characters’ journey in Season 2 as full of “ups and downs,” confirming that their deep feelings for each other will keep them connected in some way. For Ariana, this new phase is about more than her romance with Cooper. Chávez shared that her character is now “stronger, bolder and more unapologetically herself,” navigating a new phase of motherhood and learning what she wants for her own life.
How the Breakup Fits Into Season 2’s Larger Story
The emotional turmoil between Ariana and Cooper is set against the sprawling, high-stakes backdrop of the West Texas oil boom. The central mystery of Monty Miller’s missing $400 million continues to haunt Tommy and Cami Miller, who is now asserting her power in her late husband’s company. With Cooper potentially getting involved with Andy Garcia’s cartel boss, Gallino, the personal risks that frighten Ariana are only becoming more severe.
New episodes of Landman are released weekly on Paramount+ on Sundays.
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