"Landman": A Texas Tale of Oil, Ultra-Processed Foods, and a Stress-Fueled Life
How Taylor Sheridan’s Latest Show Blows Up the Screen with Explosions, Egos, and Controversial Health Advice
In the larger-than-life town of Midland, Texas, “Landman” introduces us to a world of giant oil rigs, explosions, and endless egos. But, as with any self-respecting Texan story, there’s also a healthy dose of health themes that intersect with the characters’ lives, ranging from cultural shifts in eating habits to some misconceptions that might make you wonder, “Do these people live on another planet?”
Nutrition: Pop-Tarts and Doritos vs. Angela and Ainsley
In the first episode, we see Tommy Norris (Billy Bob Thornton) berating his roommate Nathan (Colm Feore) for daring to eat a Pop-Tart for breakfast. Tommy, with all his Texan wisdom, tells Nathan that the packaged treats “are going to kill him.” But what a world! Because the real advocates for healthy eating here are Tommy’s ex-wife Angela (Ali Larter) and his daughter Ainsley (Michelle Randolph). These two women live in a world of protein and whole foods, where Doritos and hot dogs are out of place.
And, truth be told, the research is on their side. Ultra-processed foods, like the ones Tommy and Ainsley rail against, have been linked to an increased risk of diabetes and heart disease. But let’s not forget that the protein craze, especially among those who live on the internet, has reached a fever pitch. The high-protein ketogenic diet that Ainsley is on? Probably not the best option for most people, especially in the long run. But who am I to judge? I’m just a writer!
Smoking: The Problem That Isn’t a Problem, According to Tommy Norris
Sheridan’s series doesn’t shy away from wading into troubled waters, and Tommy Norris’s theories about the causes of disease are no exception. After Nathan criticizes Tommy for smoking two packs a day, Tommy responds with a passionate speech about how people in Japan, China, and Italy smoke like steam trains, yet lung cancer isn’t even in the top ten causes of death there. “It’s not cigarettes; it’s sugar and things like Pop-Tarts that kill you,” Tommy says confidently.
But, Tommy, you’re wrong. Lung cancer is the fourth leading cause of death in Japan, third in China, and fifth in Italy, according to the World Health Organization. But, as neurosurgeon and TV consultant Dr. Oren Gottfried says, “There are always exceptions.” Tommy may be wrong, but that’s part of making the characters believable. Just don’t take his health advice for granted!
The crux of the matter: Work can kill you.
(Warning: spoilers!)
At the heart of the show is the constant struggle between succeeding at work and living healthily. Monty Miller (Jon Hamm), CEO of Norris Corporation, embodies that struggle. His wife Cammie (Demi Moore) constantly reminds him to take his statins and exercise, but Monty, like any oilman who knows his worth, prefers to work on his health. In a moment of extreme stress, he has a heart attack. And it turns out it's not his first.
"There's some truth to that," says Dr. Gottfried. "Emotional stress can be the last straw that leads to a devastating cardiac event." Yes, stress is a major risk factor, but in Landman's world, work is religion, and health is a tax.
Stress: The Hidden Enemy
In Landman's world, stress isn't just a passing feeling; it's a hidden enemy that lurks around the characters. Monty Miller isn't the only one who suffers from work stress. With all his swagger and power, Tommy Norris seems to be on the verge of collapse several times. Stress here isn't just a sideshow; it's an integral part of the story.
But, as Mark Twain said, "Life is just a series of problems we try to solve." And in Landman, problems come in the form of explosions, family feuds, and heart attacks.
Conclusion: A Texan Story in Every Way
"Landman" is not just a show about oil and money; it's also a reflection of the real-life challenges people face in a world full of pressures. Whether it's eating Pop-Tarts, smoking, or working themselves to death, the show is a Texan story in every sense of the word: big, loud, and sometimes downright crazy.
But, as Mark Twain said, "Truth is stranger than fiction," and in "Landman," the truth comes with a bang or two.
Why do we watch "Landman"?
Perhaps we watch "Landman" because it reflects our lives in all their complexity. We see ourselves in Tommy when he miscalculates health risks, in Monty when he sacrifices his health for work, and in Angela when she tries to be perfect. The show reminds us that life isn't perfect and that we all make mistakes.
But, ultimately, "Landman" is a story about human beings, with all their weaknesses and strengths. It reminds us that, despite all the pressures and challenges, we still try to live our best lives. This, in itself, is worth watching.
About the Creator
Pedro Wilson
Passionate about words and captivated by the art of storytelling.
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