Well, almost.

I’m writing this post before the Yellowstone Season 5 (or series) finale, so maybe there is a sliver of happiness to be had. At this point, I seriously doubt it.

Sure, there is some hope that a spinoff or continuation of the Dutton saga with Beth and Rip at the wheel will renew the family legacy in some way.

And Kayce’s cockamamie tax scheme to save the land — after already selling off their prized stock, all of their horses, and a family history of wagons and whatnot — could buy them another reprieve.

But the reality is that the Duttons’ century-long fight to save their land loses its luster in prequels when the result is so depressing.

We still don’t know the certainty of John Dutton’s ancestral line, which was one of the fun things about watching 1883 and 1923.

And the love stories have been off the hook.

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On 1883, young Elsa Dutton had two swoon-worthy romances during her tragically short life span.

Spencer and Alexandra met under circumstances normally found in romance novels. They traversed the globe, running from human, animal, and natural enemies, trying to tear them apart.

Jack and Elizabeth’s story is a little more grounded but not without its perils. They cling to each other for dear life while their worlds fall apart around them.

Of course, that leads us to Beth and Rip, the de facto fiery romance on Yellowstone, and Kayce and Monica, a more level-headed family-style romantic partnership.

So you’ll have to excuse me when I lose my excitement seeing teasers for 1923 that put the battle for land front and center again. That battle likely can’t be won, at least not as the family imagined it at that time.

Much to Taylor Sheridan’s dismay, it wasn’t the search for or battle for the land that made either the 1883 or 1923 appointment TV — it was the emotional connections promising to keep the fire burning for generations to come.

Here’s the official synopsis for 1923 Season 2:

A cruel winter brings new challenges and unfinished business to Jacob and Cara back at the Dutton ranch.

With harsh conditions and adversaries threatening to end the Dutton legacy, Spencer embarks on an arduous journey home, racing against time to save his family in Montana.

Meanwhile, Alexandra sets off on her own harrowing trans-Atlantic journey to find Spencer and reclaim their love.

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So, Spencer and Alexandra, the fiery light that swept over us all while watching 1923 Season 1, will be separated for a good portion of the season, most likely the whole season, with them running into each others arms to close out the series.

If there’s one thing that these short seasons (and short series) rob us of, it’s the joy of experiencing a relationship’s development over time.

Even worse, Sheridan’s shows are soap operas in their truest sense, where star-crossed lovers fight against forces pushing them to their limits and often keeping them out of the arms that give them life.

On Yellowstone, John Dutton, the last man to care as deeply about the land as the family who claimed it, is dead.

No matter how that story ends, the wars waged by previous Dutton generations don’t hold as much weight anymore. The way of life they lived and fought for is at its end.

That really sucks the energy out of the past. Maybe the final eight episodes of 1923 will prove me wrong.

If Yellowstone Season 5 Part 2 has done anything, it’s shown that my optimism is a pipe dream. So, I’ll remain cynical and enjoy the elation of my incorrect assumptions should they come to that.

Here’s the official teaser:

Are you still excited for 1923, or has Yellowstone’s ending tarnished the past as much as the present?

Let me know what you’re thinking in the comments below.

1923 Season 2 premieres on Paramount+ on Sunday, February 23.

The post New Teaser be Damned: Who Cares About the Duttons’ Land Battle in 1923 With Yellowstone’s Looming Unhappy Ending? appeared first on TV Fanatic.

Landman Season 1 Episode 6 doesn’t just drop us into the aftermath of Cooper’s brutal beating — it pulls us deeper into its characters’ messy, often contradictory lives. 

Let’s unpack it all.

Cooper Is The Fragile Core of Landman

Cooper’s recovery looms large over this episode. His injuries — a collapsed lung and head trauma — are brutal, but they’re just the surface of what he’s facing. 

The aftermath brings out the best and worst in those around him. For Tommy, it’s a stark reminder of how ill-suited Cooper is for this business. His despair isn’t just about the injuries; it’s about the kind of world he’s allowed his son to enter.

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But let’s not ignore Cooper’s role in his own predicament. 

His kindness — his need to help people like Ariana — is what makes him special. It’s also what makes him vulnerable. When Tommy says his son “just isn’t mean enough” to survive in the rough and tumble world of the oil business, it’s as much an admission of pride as it is fear. 

Cooper’s humanity shines in a world that often feels devoid of it, but it also paints a target on his back. The question isn’t just whether Cooper can survive this life — it’s whether he should.

What’s Behind Rebecca’s Frost?

Rebecca’s icy professionalism takes center stage when she confronts the widows, and it’s hard to miss how poorly she handles the situation. 

Her disdain for Ariana’s questions practically drips from her, but there’s a moment that raises eyebrows: when Nate calls her out for her claim that she’s “done this more times than she can count.” 

It’s a classic overplay, but does it reveal something deeper?

Rebecca’s demeanor is cold, sure, but it feels like armor. Does she envy the widows she faces — their love, their connection, the compassion they receive, even in tragedy? 

Something about her actions feels performative — as if she’s hiding something. Maybe it’s regret for what she’s sacrificed to climb the corporate ladder. Maybe it’s loneliness. 

Whatever it is, Rebecca’s veneer is cracking, and it makes you wonder how long she can keep up the act.

Ariana’s Strength in the Chaos

Ariana’s refusal to sign the bereavement check is one of the episode’s most powerful moments. 

Rebecca’s bulldozing tactics would have crushed many, but Ariana’s resilience shines through. The irony is hard to ignore — Cooper’s unavailability forces her to stand firm, but their connection gives her the strength to do so. 

Would she have held her ground if he’d been there to comfort her? Probably, but Rebecca’s persistence might have made it a much tougher fight.

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Her dynamic with Cooper is fascinating. 

They’re two people who’ve found each other in the wake of immense loss, and there’s a spark there, even if neither of them is ready to admit it. 

Tommy certainly sees it, and his warning to Cooper about taking things slow is less about control and more about wisdom. He knows Ariana is searching for a lifeline, and he doesn’t want his son to become that at the cost of his own well-being. 

Angela’s Rare Moment of Self-Awareness

Angela’s chaotic energy is on full display, but this episode gives us something rare: a moment of self-awareness. When she calls Tommy and admits she feels like a “whore,” it’s both a confession and a revelation. 

Angela recognizes that many of her romantic pursuits are transactional — built on what she can gain rather than what she can give. And maybe that’s why her love for Tommy feels so real to her. He has nothing to offer her, no wealth, no status, no strings. 

It’s not about what she can get but what she feels. That kind of clarity is rare for Angela, and it adds a poignant layer to her character.

Of course, Angela being Angela, this moment of vulnerability was fleeting. Her relief at keeping the Bentley during her legal face-off with Victor’s lawyers is almost comical, but it’s also telling. 

Angela clings to the things she can hold onto — cars, quips, bravado — because the things she really wants, like love and stability, always seem just out of reach.

Tommy and Monty Are Worlds Apart

Tommy’s visit to Monty’s mansion is a study in contrasts. 

Monty’s theory about green initiatives being a manipulation tactic by oil-producing nations is as cynical as it is plausible, and Tommy doesn’t necessarily disagree. He’s not here to debate its morality; he just wants to know what’s coming.

Monty’s life is a monument to detachment. His relationship with Cami (the criminally underutilized Demi Moore) feels more like an employer-employee dynamic than a marriage, and his approach to parenting is more about appearances than love. 

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For Tommy, it’s a glimpse into a world he could never inhabit — and wouldn’t want to. While Monty lives in luxury, Tommy clings to his rough-hewn optimism. His wisecracks about Angela suggest he’s bracing for another divorce, but deep down, he wants them to work. 

He’s an optimistic pessimist — a man who hopes for the best while preparing for the worst.

Monty’s life may be easier, but it’s colder, and Tommy’s not the kind of man to trade warmth for convenience, no matter how tempting it might seem.

Vigilante Justice, Landman Style

Tommy’s revenge for Cooper’s beating is brutal, calculated, and undeniably satisfying. The scene where he confronts Manuel and his crew is typical Landman: gritty, raw, and deeply personal. 

But this isn’t just about revenge — it’s about drawing a line in the sand. Tommy’s speech about taking “30 years of your life” isn’t just a threat; it’s a declaration. This is his world, and he won’t let anyone tear it apart.

And yet, there’s a cost. Tommy’s escalating violence raises questions about how far he’s willing to go to protect his son — and at what point he risks losing himself in the process. 

Dale’s comment about things getting “wild again” is a chilling reminder of just how dangerous this world is. Tommy knows it, and the question lingers: can he save Cooper without destroying himself?

Layers of Irony and Humanity

“Beware the Second Beating” is a masterclass in character-driven storytelling. 

From Rebecca’s icy facade to Angela’s rare vulnerability and Tommy’s brutal sense of justice, every moment feels loaded with meaning. 

The irony runs deep — Cooper’s fragility saves Ariana, Angela clings to Tommy because he has nothing to offer, and Tommy fights to protect a son who might be better off walking away.

This is another messy, human, and unflinchingly honest hour of Landman. 

It’s a world where survival often comes at a cost and love — whether for a son, a partner, or a Bentley — can be both a burden and a blessing. 

Here’s hoping the characters can find a way to navigate the chaos without losing themselves in the process.

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While NCIS: Origins explores the backstory of our beloved Leroy Jethro Gibbs, Dexter: Original Sin takes us back to the twisted beginnings of one of TV’s most iconic anti-heroes — Dexter Morgan.

On Dexter: Original Sin Season 1, Episode 1, we’re transported to 1991, where we witness the early formation of Dexter’s homicidal urges. And let me tell you — it does not disappoint.

Michael C. Hall is back, bringing his signature Dexter charm to the narration, reminding us why we fell in love with this character (and the OG series) in the first place.

And Patrick Gibson? He nails young Dexter — capturing everything from the eerie calm to the awkwardness that made the original Dexter such a compelling character.

It’s not just the young Dexter who impresses, though. The Dexter: Original Sin cast is packed with fantastic performances.

From Molly Brown as Debra to Christian Slater as Harry, James Martinez as Angel,  Christina Milian as Maria as Maria,  and Alex Shimizu as Vince, they bring the OG characters back to life with remarkable accuracy.

Even the newcomers — Sarah Michelle Gellar as Tanya Martin and Patrick Dempsey as Captain Aaron Spencer — add a fresh dynamic to the show.  

Now, let’s rewind a bit before we dive into the series premiere.

The original Dexter series ran from 2006 to 2013, spanning eight seasons of suspense, thrills, and a lot of bloody fun. But, as many fans will agree, the final season left a bad taste in our mouths.

That’s when Showtime gave us Dexter: New Blood in 2021, delivering the ending Dexter deserved after that notorious finale: Dexter Season 8, Episode 12, “Remember the Monsters?”. It was the redemption we all needed.

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But now we’re going back — way back.

The premiere of Dexter: Original Sin gives us a fresh look at how Dexter’s dark passenger was born, and from what we’ve seen so far, this is going to be a wild ride.

With a stellar cast and some killer (pun intended) performances, this series is shaping up to be a show we didn’t know we needed.

In this first hour, we meet Dexter as he’s being revived in the hospital after being shot by his son, Harrison

(The shooting happened in the final episode of Dexter: New Blood and seems to be setting up the premise for the sequel to that series — Dexter: Resurrection).

After flatlining for a few minutes, he’s resuscitated and, through narration, talks about how life flashes before your eyes, and this is where his story begins — sort of. We see his birth and then flash forward to life with Harry and his family.

I imagine we’ll be delving into all the rest of how he came to be with Harry Morgan and his family at some point, but this hour, we’re starting with Dexter’s first kill.

 Who would have thought Dexter’s first victim would be an “Angel of Death” in the form of a nurse who believed she was helping her patients by ending their suffering?

But her mistake was targeting Harry, who had a heart attack and ended up in the hospital where the nurse worked.

Dexter’s urge to kill was impossible to suppress, and Harry wasn’t blind to it. In a moment of both understanding and perhaps desperation, Harry gave Dexter the green light to take out the nurse.

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It wasn’t about Harry’s own needs (though he certainly wasn’t ready to die) — it made sense in his mind to let Dexter release his dark urges on those who truly deserved it.

Harry had been trying everything to divert Dexter’s urgings — from hunting trips to allowing him to basically eat raw meat — but deep down, he must have known he couldn’t contain Dexter forever.

This was a man who hid clippings of infamous serial killers like Ted Bundy, the Night Stalker, and the Zodiac Killer inside his Playboy magazine.

That was his turn-on –- not the naked women in those pages. He was still a virgin (and he wasn’t talking in the sexual sense.)

He wondered if he would ever make it into the newspapers, should he ever go full-throttle into serial killing. He also wondered if he’d get a nickname if he were ever caught. These killers were his idols.

And even though Dexter knew this woman was killing patients, he still double-checked to make sure his suspicions were correct before he even broached the subject with Harry.

So, Nurse Death was actually a blessing in disguise.

Harry isn’t a monster — he’s a man who wants to protect his family.

Letting Dexter act on his dark urges is the last thing he’d ever wish for, but if Harry were to die, who would be there to guide Dexter and keep him from becoming a monster himself?

In a flashback, we see Harry distracted by a baseball game while his young son, Junior, wandered into the backyard and tragically drowned in the pool.

Though this episode doesn’t fully explore how Harry came to adopt Dexter (some of that was revealed in the original series), it’s clear that this traumatic loss is what’s driving Harry to make decisions he might never have made as a cop.

What we’re witnessing is a father trying to protect his son — his soon-to-be serial killer son — by allowing him to fulfill his urges in a way he believes is controlled.

Harry’s need to stay alive is rooted in his desire to protect his children, which is why he ultimately gave Dexter the go-ahead to take care of Nurse Death.

Dexter never would have gone through with it had Harry not allowed it.

What’s fascinating is that Harry had no reaction to how Dexter disposed of the nurse’s body.

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Even more interesting is how open and honest Dexter was with Harry — he was the only person Dexter could be truly himself with, until later with Hannah and Debra.

Speaking of Debra, the relationship we saw between these two siblings in the OG series, is on full display here. It hasn’t changed. But what we do see is how Dexter has adopted his father’s protective instincts.

This was evident when Dexter accompanied Debra to a college party where she was almost raped after passing out drunk on the bed.

Dexter did not hesitate to take the guy out, and had it not been for Debra, Dexter might’ve actually killed the guy.

Debra didn’t even realize she needed protecting, but she was grateful that Dexter was there. Their bond, strengthened during their father’s hospital stay, showcased their awkward but unbreakable connection.

She even showed up at his pre-med graduation after he blew off her championship volleyball game because he feeding Nurse Death to the alligators.

While the relationship we saw in the OG Dexter remains, this series gives us a deeper understanding of what truly made it so strong.

To say Dexter: Original Sin gives off OG Dexter vibes is an understatement. It’s phenomenal in every way, and each episode will likely warrant a rewatch, thanks to all the clever callbacks to the original series.

For example, when Dexter performs an autopsy in his pre-med class, he’s fascinated by the fact that the body has no blood — a nod to Dexter Season 1, Episode 1 “Dexter.”

And that’s just one of many callbacks (the opening, the mosquito, the haircut). Plus, the music is on point, with tracks from Naughty by Nature, Vanilla Ice, and Poison adding to the nostalgia.

(And all those other details I didn’t detail like what makes him happy? American Psycho).

And Sarah Michelle Gellar as Dexter’s forensics mentor at his new job at Miami Dade Metro? Definitely the cherry on top.

All in all, it was a well-written, well-acted premiere, and I can’t wait to see where the next episode takes us.

Now, over to you, TV Fanatics — did you enjoy the premiere of Dexter: Original Sin? Drop your thoughts in the comments!

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The post Dexter: Original Sin Series Premiere Review: A Stellar Cast Brings Dexter’s Dark Origins to Life appeared first on TV Fanatic.

Landman Season 1 Episode 5, “Where Is Home,” pushed Cooper to his limits yet again as he navigated a budding relationship with Ariana, endured another beating at the hands of her cousins, and faced an awkward reunion with his mother, Angela.

Jacob Lofland shared his thoughts on Cooper’s journey so far, what drives the character forward, and what we can expect from the rest of the season.

Where’s Cooper’s Head At?

Heading into Episode 5, Cooper’s life is a whirlwind of challenges.

Jacob shared, “I don’t know if he knows where his head’s at ever, really. He’s still got this one goal in mind, and that is to make his way as high as he can in this business… and to one day own his own [company].”

Despite the chaos, Cooper remains focused on proving himself.

“He knows he has to do every aspect [of the job],” Jacob added. “He’s trying to figure it out, but at the end of [Episode 5], there’s definitely going to have to be some path change from there.”

Helping Ariana — And Himself

A big part of the episode focuses on Cooper stepping in to help Ariana with her house and bills despite the risks involved with her family.

When asked why Cooper is so willing to put himself out there, Jacob explained, “I think it’s almost like a trauma bonding type thing. It’s helping both of them not to be alone. At the end of the day, he’s got a big heart, and he’s a nice guy just trying to do what he can.”

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One standout moment from the episode is the lawn-mowing scene, which Jacob described as a chance to explore Cooper’s vulnerabilities.

“We’ve seen Cooper trying to be this blue-collar working man, but now we get to sit down and see that he’s really just a kid,” Jacob said. “He doesn’t really know what he’s stepping into… It’s kind of a fun little lost moment where she takes the lead. It’s a fun dynamic.”

Tensions With Ariana’s Family

The tension with Ariana’s cousins reaches a boiling point in this episode, culminating in another brutal beating for Cooper.

Jacob laughed when asked about the repeated violence, “It’s become a running thing for Cooper. He’s always on the ground.”

Filming those intense scenes, however, comes with its own challenges. Jacob credited the stunt team for their seamless work.

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“We have one of the best stunt teams around. I had a great double, but they always let me try things first. It’s physically tough, but when you’ve got the right people, it flows and works great.”

As for Cooper’s warning to Manuel — “This is the third and the last time” — Jacob admitted he couldn’t say too much. “It’ll tie itself back together. I’m not going to say it might not be at the hands of Cooper, but it works itself out,” he laughed.

Family Drama and “Home”

The episode also brings Cooper back into the orbit of his estranged mother, Angela, for an awkward family dinner that does little to repair their fractured relationship.

The tension is palpable as Angela puts on a show of normalcy with rented furniture and a carefully prepared meal, but it’s clear that Cooper isn’t buying it.

Jacob reflected on the dynamic, “I don’t think Cooper really wanted to be there to begin with… I don’t think it did much in the moment. Not for Cooper.”

The episode also contrasts Cooper’s feelings about his biological family and his growing connection with Ariana. Cooper seems to feel more at home helping her than he does with his own family, a sentiment Jacob agrees with.

“That’s been a really good question… I think as the series progresses, those questions will be answered,” he said, pointing out that while the characters’ backstories aren’t fully revealed yet, there’s hope for clarity later on.

The episode’s title, “Where Is Home,” captures Cooper’s ongoing struggle. He doesn’t have a home.

It’s not in that little box where he waits for the job to start again. It’s not with Ariana, although he’s making it sort of homey. And it’s also not at home with Angela and Tommy.

When asked how long it might take Cooper to find his place, Jacob admitted, “We can only hope soon… Taylor and Christian will definitely lead us on an entertaining path.”

What’s Next for Cooper?

Jacob teased that the back half of the season will be full of twists and surprises. “Entertaining, super suspenseful, and… cliffhangers,” he said with a grin.

“It’s Taylor Sheridan’s world,” he laughed. “You know you’re going to have some cliffhangers in there!”

And as for Cooper? Jacob believes his character’s blind determination will keep him going. “He’s trying to prove it to himself and his dad and all these people around him,” he said. “He wants it to be seen that he’s done it on his own.”

Whether Cooper can find his home or just keep surviving remains to be seen. One thing is clear — Jacob Lofland’s performance has us rooting for him every step of the way.

New episodes of Landman drop Sundays on Paramount+.

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Landman Season 1 Episode 5, “Where Is Home,” doesn’t just ask where you live — it asks where you truly belong. 

And for most of these characters, the answer is somewhere between “I have no idea” and “definitely not here.”

The title sets the tone for an episode full of quiet moments and explosive ones (sometimes literally) as the characters grapple with their pasts, relationships, and the hard truths of their world. 

From Angela’s desperate attempt to create a family dinner to Cooper’s growing tensions with Ariana’s cousins, everyone’s reaching for a sense of home — but nobody seems to know how to hold onto it.

Let’s start with Angela. She’s really leaning into her role as the family chaos coordinator, but for all her flash and bravado, we finally see some cracks in her armor. 

Her attempt to pull the family together with a dinner is so painfully awkward it’s almost hard to watch. She’s bought new furniture, painted walls, and cooked pasta like she’s staging an HGTV special, but nobody else is buying into her fantasy. 

Cooper shows up muddy and quiet, Tommy and Dale exchange weary glances and Ainsley — bless her — can’t even keep her keto rules straight. 

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Angela’s trying so hard to create something resembling a home, but it’s clear that everyone at the table is just trying to get through the night.

And Angela knows it. When Tommy ruins the meal with his blunt (and admittedly hilarious) tirade about burst hemorrhoids and cartel threats, you can see her crumble. 

She storms away from the table, throwing the food away in frustration, and finally lets out some of the emotions she’s bottled up. 

For all her larger-than-life antics, Angela’s just as desperate for connection as anyone else. The question is, will she keep trying, or will she give up again like she did the first time her marriage to Tommy fell apart?

Then there’s the pipe accident, which slams Angela with a dose of reality she clearly wasn’t expecting. 

When she leaves the truck — against Tommy’s wishes — and witnesses the chaos, it’s like she’s seeing what Tommy’s world really looks like for the first time. 

The accident is brutal, and the man’s final call to his wife is heartbreaking. It’s one of those moments that strips away all the glitz and humor of Angela’s personality, leaving her standing in the wreckage, realizing just how much this life costs. 

How will this shape her view of Tommy’s work — and her place in his life? And how will she handle the news about Cooper’s brutal beating when that inevitably comes to light? 

Angela might thrive in chaos, but even she has limits. The cracks are already starting to show, and it’s hard not to wonder if she’s on the verge of breaking completely.

Meanwhile, Cooper’s story quietly steals the show. 

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His scenes with Ariana are so full of unspoken tension and small moments of vulnerability that they feel like their own separate movie. 

He’s trying so hard to help her, from mowing her lawn to breaking down her bills, but it’s clear he doesn’t fully understand what he’s getting into. 

The tension with her cousin Manuel reaches a boiling point in this episode, and when Manuel accuses Cooper of only wanting Ariana, her response — a bold kiss to shut Manuel up — is as messy as it is intriguing. 

Does Ariana really feel something for Cooper, or was that just a way to deflect the fight? And what does Cooper want from Ariana? Is he stepping into her life because he cares, or is he trying to find some sense of belonging for himself?

The family dinner is another big moment for Cooper, marking the first time he’s been in the same room with Angela in years. 

Their dynamic is fascinating — Angela’s over-the-top energy is a sharp contrast to Cooper’s quiet demeanor, and you can almost feel the distance between them. 

Does Cooper want to reconnect with his mom, or is he just going through the motions for the sake of keeping the peace? 

He doesn’t say much during the meal, but his presence speaks volumes. And when Angela insists they hold hands for a prayer, you can see that while she’s trying to make things work, not everyone’s on board with her vision of “togetherness.”

And then there’s Tommy, who’s dealing with cartel threats, Angela’s antics, and the constant demands of his job. 

His conversation with Angela about her expectations — where he bluntly tells her nobody can meet the ones she keeps inventing in her head — is a standout moment. 

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It’s brutally honest and cuts straight to the heart of their relationship. They’re two people who clearly care about each other but don’t know how to make it work. Whether they’ll figure it out this time is anyone’s guess.

Monty’s scenes this time out didn’t quite pack the emotional punch of the main storylines, but they added an interesting layer to the larger picture.

Watching him circle a skyscraper in a helicopter, surrounded by power players debating alternative energy, reminded me of the disconnect between the boardroom and the oilfield.

Monty’s blunt dismissal of any “social responsibility” talk — complete with his signature no-nonsense attitude — shows just how firmly he’s planted in the world of profit margins and practicalities.

While it’s easy to see him as cold, his sharp retort about oil prices being the only thing worth discussing hints at his frustration with the performative side of these discussions. It’s not exactly heartwarming, but it’s Monty at his most Monty, and I can’t help but respect the consistency.

Rebecca’s scenes, on the other hand, leaned heavily into her snake-like tendencies.

Her conversation with Nate about the death settlements was icy, calculated, and just plain uncomfortable to watch, especially after watching Ariana struggle through what Rebecca brushes off so easily.

Rebecca clearly operates from a position of power, but her approach — skimming off 401k plans and rushing families to settle — was about as subtle as a sledgehammer.

And then there’s her reaction to Ainsley’s playful antics, which left her gobsmacked (and honestly, who could blame her). She couldn’t live farther away from the world she’s now operating in.

While Rebecca’s story might not have hit the emotional highs of the other plots, it’s setting up some fascinating tension.

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How long can someone like Rebecca operate in a world full of people like Angela, Tommy, and Nate before her perfect control starts to crack?

But the real gut punch is how the episode ends on a devastating note with Cooper’s beating. 

This isn’t the first time he’s been attacked, but it feels more personal now, with Manuel and his crew leaving him bloodied and unconscious in his trailer. It’s a brutal reminder of just how dangerous his world has become. 

Will anyone discover the truth about what happened, and if they do, how will that ripple through the crew and his family? 

Tommy, in particular, doesn’t strike me as the kind of guy who’d take kindly to finding out his son’s been targeted. His warnings to Cooper about the business didn’t contain the personal elements that caught up with Cooper his first day on the job.

And what will this mean for Cooper’s already-strained connection to Ariana? There’s no way this doesn’t get messier.

“Where Is Home” doesn’t give us answers to its title question, but it makes one thing clear: these characters are all trying to build something, even if it’s fragile, messy, and doomed to fail. 

Whether it’s Angela trying to create a family, Cooper trying to help Ariana, or Tommy trying to hold his world together, everyone’s reaching for some sense of stability. 

The beauty of Landman is that it doesn’t tie things up in a neat bow. Life is messy. Love is messy. And that’s what keeps us coming back for more.

What do you think? 

Can Angela handle the weight of this world, or is she bound to crack? 

Will Cooper ever find the home he’s looking for, or is he destined to stay on the outside looking in? 

Let me know your thoughts — I’ve got theories, but I want to hear yours.

Watch Landman Online

The post Landman Season 1 Episode 5 Asks Where Home Is — And the Answer Isn’t Easy appeared first on TV Fanatic.

Fans immediately connected with the setting, the cast, and the timely storylines that took us back in time to tell another origin story about the Duttons.

Today is the day that we finally have an idea about 1923 Season 2. Paramount+ released new photos, two teasers, and a premiere date.

1923: Has It Been Renewed for Season 2?

Unlike 1883, which was designed as one season to tell a complete story, 1923 is getting a second season.

As the writing process was underway, Taylor Sheridan realized he needed more time to wrap up the storylines, which means we’re getting a second season.

It will probably be the final season because the superproducer has been vocal about not wanting to keep the shows on the air beyond their initial storylines.

It’s always good when shows have a clear beginning, middle, and ending because it makes them more satisfying to watch.

How Many Episodes Have Been Ordered for 1923 Season 2?

1923 Season 1 spanned eight episodes, and we’re getting the same again with 1923 Season 2.

Eight-episode seasons mean there’s little time for filler and more time for action, so we can’t wait to see what’s on the horizon for Cara, Jacob, and the rest of the Duttons.

It’s unbelievable how many stories have been brought to the forefront about the Duttons.

The family has a long and storied past; we’re just happy it will continue to be charted.

1923 Season 2 Cast: Who’s In?

After the events of 1923 Season 1, it’s easy to tell who will be returning.

Hint: Their characters didn’t die. Take a look at who should be on the roster for 1923 Season 2.

Harrison Ford as Jacob Dutton

Helen Mirren as Cara Dutton

Darren Mann as Jack Dutton

Michelle Randolph as Elizabeth “Liz” Strafford

Brandon Sklenar as Spencer Dutton

Julia Schlaepfer as Alexandra

Brian Geraghty as Zane Davis

Aminah Nieves as Teonna Rainwater

Jerome Flynn as Banner Creighton

Timothy Dalton as Donald Whitfield

1923 Season 2 Cast Additions

Jennifer Carpenter (Dexter) joins 1923 as Mamie Fossett, “a highly capable U.S. Deputy Marshall who serves warrants and makes arrests with confidence ahead of her time.”

Janet Montgomery (New Amsterdam) joins 1923 as Hillary, “a thoughtful woman who does not want to see injustice go unpunished.”

1923 Season 2: What Will It Be About?

Given that 1923 Season 1 concluded without resolution, plenty of questions are still up in the air, meaning we’ll need to tune into 1923 Season 2 for some answers.

Obviously, Cara and Jacob will take center stage, but the rest of their family and people in their orbit still have a lot of stories to tell.

The bad news? It’s hard to judge what comes next because Sheridan likes to subvert expectations, so there’s a good chance the final eight episodes will go in a completely different direction to what we expect.

That’s why we love these shows so much.

When Will 1923 Season 2 Premiere?

We finally have an answer for that!

The second season will premiere on Sunday, February 23 exclusively on Paramount+

Is There a Trailer for 1923 Season 2?

We’ve got two, count them TWO teasers for the second season.

That’s the good news.

The bad news is that even if you piece them together, they don’t amount to much.

Did we really expect details about a TS show? Uh, no.

Where Can I Watch 1923?

1923 Season 1 aired exclusively on Paramount+.

While the series is a streaming original, Paramount has decided to air the complete first season on Paramount, and the premiere date for 1923 Season 1 Episode 1 is December 8 at 9/8c.

If you want to catch up with this series and its incredibly romantic love stories, that’s the best place to start.

1923 Season 1 was also released on Blu-Ray and DVD in August 2023, so you can own it, as well.

Will the Dutton Family Dynasty Lead to More Yellowstone Spinoffs Set in the Past?

Paramount+ ordered 1944 and The Madison, which is already in production.

We’re also not yet sure if the next two episodes of Yellowstone Season 5 will be their last or if they’re going to continue the present-day Dutton saga beyond its latest “chapter,” as the execs describe it.

Yellowstone’s final episode is also called a season finale, which leads us to believe the present-day Duttons will continue with Beth at the helm.

That’s all we got, 1923 Fanatics. We will update this page as TV news drops, so check regularly.

What are your thoughts on all the details so far?

Are you excited about 1923 Season 2?

Hit the comments.

Cliffhangers That Made Our Jaws Drop to The Floor

Open List

The post 1923 Season 2 Premiere Date, Teasers, First-Look Photos & Everything Else We Know appeared first on TV Fanatic.

A series isn’t much fun if it doesn’t have a flawed character who somehow resonates with the audience, whether they lean more dark or are a burst of light. Characters who recognize and embrace their flaws are some of the most compelling to watch.

And we couldn’t resist breaking down some of the characters who fit the bill.

Rafe Cameron – Outer Banks

By now, we’ve discussed what went wrong in Outer Banks Season 4 and even mourned the loss of our comfort show. But moving on, the series is full of flawed characters who are somehow endearing.

No one fits the bill better than Kook King Rafe Cameron. He’s objectively a terrible person at times; his long list of crimes includes nearly killing his own sister, for starters. But this is Outer Banks, baby, where Rafe’s flaws somehow work within this series.

A self-professed killer, Rafe is, at times, mentally unstable, driven by traits like revenge and greed. Still, he’s also bound by values like legacy and family, culminating in him doing unspeakable things for oddly noble reasons.

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Rafe knows who he is and he rarely apologizes for it. However, he does make the necessary adjustments and proves himself through actions. And that’s why there’s something strangely admirable about the character—how he knows himself so well and stands in who he is, good, bad, and ugly.

Rafe isn’t a perfect character or even a good person. Still, he’s authentic, which makes him click into place and resonate well amid the class lines that often revolve around superficiality and identity crises in Outer Banks.

Watch Outer Banks Online

Morgan Gillory – High Potential

Who hasn’t fallen in love with Morgan Gillory and High Potential?

She’s witty, intelligent, messy, and prone to making mistakes in many aspects of her life, but she’s genuinely good-hearted. Her style, openness, and honesty make her stand out. She wears her working-class background on her brazenly bright, gaudy faux fur sleeve.

She is gifted intellectually but realistically stalled in life, making her a less glamorous and more realistic depiction of neurodivergence and genuinely relatable as a character.

She’s imperfect and will be the first to tell you that upfront. She readily accepts that she’s flawed but still strives to be a better mother, friend, and person.

Morgan always holds her own and is true to herself, even though she oversteps boundaries, is pushy, and lacks a filter. That’s what makes her so likable.

Watch High Potential Online

Oliver Wolf – Brilliant Minds

Oliver is absolutely brilliant, as the Brilliant Minds‘ title implies, but he’s such a deliciously complex character, not without many flaws and imperfections. He’s a socially awkward, introverted gay luddite with face blindness! And damn if we don’t love him for it.

Oliver is a fantastic doctor who focuses as much on connecting with his patients as he is on fixing their health issues. His unique approach to practicing medicine is often rooted deeply in a traumatic past of dealing with an emotionally distant mother and a father who battled and died from mental illness.

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Oliver’s flaws and experiences allow him to lead with genuine compassion and sympathy. He not only wholly embraces what makes him different and flawed and his own shortcomings, but he subsequently teaches and inspires other characters to do the same.

Oliver is a quietly inspiring character who continues to battle issues but learns how to step outside of them, and he’s a poster child for how to live one’s life, distancing oneself from shame, self-doubt, and second-guessing.

And we get to see his ongoing journey of unlearning these habits along the way.

Watch Brilliant Minds Online

Beth Dutton – Yellowstone

Beth Dutton has a sharp tongue, quick wit, and the ability to destroy everything in her path, which is one of many reasons she’s one of Yellowstone‘s greatest characters.

She’s a deeply flawed woman hardened by many hurts and betrayals, turning her grief, pain, and previous trauma into a thick armor that makes her nearly indestructible.

She’s fearless, ruthless, intelligent, cunning, unafraid, and unapologetic about doing whatever it takes to get what she desires or handle something. Still, she’s fiercely loyal to most of her family and deceptively soft and vulnerable, particularly when she gets to bury herself in Rip’s arms.

Beth is a host of contradictions, a viper unafraid to strike first, hard, and fast if need be. She is most assuredly an acquired taste to many, but that makes her one of the most genuinely refreshing characters on the air and as real as it gets, baby.

Watch Yellowstone Online

BoJack Horseman – Bojack Horseman

There’s a reason why this character tends to resonate with many viewers when they tune in.

Bojack Horseman is painfully himself throughout the series. He’s selfish, cynical, and totally self-destructive at almost all times. He’s one of the most toxic characters you’ll see, especially to those around him.

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But in knowing that, and how openly he addresses his mental illnesses, addiction issues, and all the ways in which he fails in life, that raw honesty is endearing and refreshing, and in some ways, maybe even deeply inspiring.

He tries to improve, but not so earnestly and consistently that it feels inauthentic and forced. There are no delusions about him.

Watch Bojack Horseman Online

Samantha Jones – SATC

Samantha Jones is a feminist icon of a television character for a reason.

She is sexually liberated in a way that we hadn’t seen, unapologetic about her sexual appetite and desires, brash, bold, and progressive in a way that challenges those around her.

Samantha rarely has a filter. She is blunt to a fault, incredibly vain, and materialistic.

But she is fiercely loyal, protective, and open-minded, and through her relationships, she learns how to be vulnerable, intimate, and committed.

Watch Sex and the City Online

Robert Spearing – Industry

Oh, Robert, the sweet and, at times, pathetic soul that he is, it’s hard not to love every bit of him.

Robert is one of Industry‘s most flawed characters, which speaks volumes for a series that is essentially all about flaws. He’s often out of his depth, someone who tends to lack confidence, fumbles through the basics of his job and is gullible and easily manipulated.

The thing about Robert is that in the world Industry cultivates, he’s mostly a genuinely good person, but because he lacks the ambition, ruthlessness, and arrogance of the other characters, he tends to fall short and stand out.

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But he offers a nice, albeit sad, at times, counterbalance to the other characters, and despite his hopeless love for a woman who’ll never properly love him back or his aspirations to climb up the social class ranks to no avail, you genuinely root for him.

And he holds fast in trying to navigate a world where he’s a guppy in shark-infested waters without sacrificing too much of what makes him. It’s quietly defiant.

Watch Industry Online

Ted Lasso – Ted Lasso

Truthfully, Ted Lasso is so aggressively positive, nice, and kind that it feels surreal and should be one of the most offputting things ever.

It’s a clear facade to some degree, masking deep pain and Ted’s depression, but how he pours himself into being a good person despite how awful he often feels aside is part of what makes the character so great.

Ted Lasso proves that you don’t have to be an asshole just because you’re hurting, and he inspires and often pulls out the best in those around him despite his shortcomings and how he behaves because of them.

Watch Ted Lasso Online

Gregory House – House M.D.

House is an arrogant doctor who completely disregards the feelings of those around him.

And yes, this disregard extends to a mostly abhorrent bedside manner that typically involves him offending everyone in the room.

He’s outspoken, snarky, blunt, and rude, and most of the time, he seems to get off on making people miserable. He also has a pretty bad painkiller addiction that only brings out the worst of his traits when he gets agitated.

But you can never accuse House of not keeping 100 at all times, and there’s something commendable about his willingness to embrace his worst traits without a second thought.

Watch House Online

Rose Nylund – The Golden Girls

How does the saying go? Oh, right, Rose Nylund is as dumb as a bag of rocks.

Her naivete and intellectual challenges make her a flawed character, but her innocence and moments of purity and clarity make up for it.

What’s great about Rose is that she’s conscious of how dumb she sounds often but is also not ashamed of what she doesn’t know.

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She’s always open to learning more and growing and wholly accepts and embraces her shortcomings, even putting up with the ribbing and jokes in the interim.

Most people are too self-conscious to admit when they’re out of their depth, so there’s a bravery to Rose’s authenticity.

Watch The Golden Girls Online

Emily Cooper – Emily in Paris

Emily is easily one of the most annoying characters on the air, and yet, like a bad rash, Emily in Paris persists.

But that’s also what begrudgingly makes us appreciate the character so much. She’s often a walking, talking stereotype of American ignorance, brashness, and entitlement wrapped up in a bubbly package. But she knows who and what she is and how she affects people, and she carries on anyway.

If she can win a person over, she’ll find a way to do so, and her plucky persona and inability to stay down and out even when she should sit down, zip it, take things in, and assess are what make the series so interesting.

She’s bold and smiles in the face of Parisian snobbery, never even considering being anything other than herself.

Watch Emily in Paris Online

Michael Scott – The Office

On The Office, Michael is selfish, self-absorbed, and lacks social and self-awareness.

He’s often narcissistic, and no one sticks his foot in his mouth better. He spends much of the series struggling with these traits and trying to get outside them.

But he cares enough about his colleagues and makes some effort to right things, so his flaws, political incorrectness, and insensitivity work out.

Watch The Office Online

Maggie Bell – FBI

Maggie always takes risks and takes a walk on the dark side of things on FBI.

But she’s so incredibly stubborn that it often gets frustrating.

She always sticks her ground, is opinionated, rarely holds back, and is reckless, making her a genuinely stressful person to watch on cases.

But so many of Maggie’s most frustrating traits make her a great agent, loyal partner, and solid friend, and leaning into these traits rather than straying away from them works for the character.

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Parker – Leverage/Leverage Redemption

There are very few characters like Parker, especially women, making her Leverage‘s breath of fresh air.

Parker has nothing that resembles a filter. She is brutally honest and always speaks her mind while simultaneously displaying a whimsical and childlike innocence.

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She’s whipsmart in an untraditional way, fierce, loyal, and badass. In two different series, she learned how to come to grips with who she is as a person and truly thrive within that.

Parker’s journey towards embracing who and what she is and making everyone around her and the world a better place is one of Leverage’s most lasting impacts.

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Quigley Smitty – The Rookie

Smitty is such a staple on The Rookie that it would be difficult to envision the series without him.

He’s an opportunistic and supremely lazy officer who doesn’t do much unless it’s self-serving and seemingly is riding out the gig until he can retire. On paper, he should be a truly loathsome character as he rarely lifts a finger.

But when he does, he’s shockingly badass and possesses a self-awareness that makes you appreciate rather than resent him. With Smitty, you almost always know who and what you’ll get; something is comforting about that.

He doesn’t mince any words about what he will and won’t do, and he doesn’t feel he has anything to prove, and you have to respect that!

Watch The Rookie Online

Will Trent – Will Trent

Will is constantly evolving as a character.

He battles various issues, from his dyslexia and OCD to his lack of social awareness and inability to get along with others easily.

He seems stuck in his ways, but with time and effort, he comes to grips with who he is and accepts it while making meaningful improvements along the way that enhance his life and those around him.

Of all the characters in Will Trent, he’s one of the most real, grounded, and unapologetic, and also one of the most inspiring.

Watch Will Trent Online

Kitty Song Covey – XO, Kitty

Kitty is such an endearing character, which is one of many reasons Netflix created XO, Kitty for her after the success of the To All the Boys movie franchise.

But Kitty is certainly a character with her fair share of issues, many of which are the catalyst behind her landing in South Korea in the first place.

Kitty is incredibly impulsive, in case moving halfway across the world didn’t already reach that natural conclusion. She is also naive about love and what her true love story should be like possessing some childlike, fairytale idealism far from reality.

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Like many young people coming into their own, she’s often selfish and absorbed, at times lacking insight and awareness about those around her.

But even with all of these flaws, she’s an endearing enough character because she’s genuine about working her way through them and becoming a better person, as well as genuinely figuring out who she is and what she wants out of life.

Watch XO, Kitty Online

Louis Litt – Suits

By now, we all know that Suits has a treasure trove of fascinating and flawed characters who stayed true to themselves and stood in all they were.

But one of the most unexpectedly compelling from the bunch was Louis Litt. He was quick to anger, jealous, often whiny, lacked self-confidence, and desperate.

Louis was also devoted and loyal to those who mattered, smart, and adaptable. He wore his flaws on his sleeve, and despite the occasional moment of being treated like more antagonist and nuisance than ally at various points in the series, his multifaceted portrayal makes him such a great character.

Watch XO, Kitty Online

Somehow, falling somewhere between being an outcast and a mascot.

There are some of our favorite television characters who embrace their flaws, and now, we want to hear about some of yours.

Who would you place on this list? Sound off below!

The post Unapologetically Real: TV Characters Who Embrace Their Flaws appeared first on TV Fanatic.

Landman Season 1 Episode 4, “The Sting of Second Chances,” keeps leaning into that chaos, and I’m eating it up. 

Sure, the oil industry is the backdrop, but this show is all about the people — flawed, funny, frustrating, and somehow relatable even when they’re making terrible decisions.

Let’s start with Angela and Ainsley, who open the episode doing aerobics in their underwear in Nate’s living room. 

Poor Nate. Imagine trying to do lawyer things with two human hurricanes turning your house into a liability waiting to happen. 

Angela’s the kind of person who thrives on chaos, and Ainsley is her perfect sidekick. They’re loud, bold, and not the least bit sorry about it — and I respect the hell out of that. 

Critics might call it ridiculous, but let’s be honest: real people are ridiculous. That’s what makes them fun.

Angela and Ainsley aren’t the kind of characters you see every day, and maybe that’s why they’ve ruffled some feathers. 

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Angela is unapologetically brash, while Ainsley — her mini-me — is figuring out how to channel her mother’s boldness. They don’t fit into a neat mold, and why should they? 

Not everyone is built for quiet reflection and soft-spoken moments.

Angela may be loud, and Ainsley may be a handful, but together, they bring humor, energy, and, let’s be real, a little chaos to a world that’s otherwise rough and cold.

But Angela isn’t just here for laughs. Her tearful story about losing everything after the oil market crash is a gut punch, and it reminds us that the characters on Landman are grappling with very real stakes.

She might be dramatic, but there’s depth under all that bravado. 

And her complicated relationship with Tommy?

That’s the kind of messy love we don’t talk about much anymore — the kind where passion and dysfunction walk hand in hand. Sure, it’s flawed, but it’s real. People like Angela and Tommy don’t make sense on paper, but they make sense to each other.

Tommy’s relationship with Ainsley, on the other hand, strikes a different chord. Some critics have gone so far as to call it inappropriate, which frankly feels like they’re missing the point. 

This isn’t some shadowy, sinister dynamic; it’s a father and daughter trying to find their way back to each other. Ainsley idolizes Tommy, even if she’s still figuring out what that means. 

And Tommy? He’s trying, in his gruff, awkward way, to be the dad she needs. He’s not perfect — he’s far from it — but his love for her is clear. 

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They’re both navigating uncharted waters, and the honesty of that struggle is what makes their relationship compelling.

And then there’s Rebecca, who’s coming into her own as a character. Watching her dismantle those attorneys in the deposition was immensely satisfying, and her dynamic with Tommy continues to evolve in unexpected ways. 

You can almost see her reassessing him after meeting Angela and Ainsley — maybe realizing that the grumpy, chain-smoking oilman has more layers than she thought. 

Rebecca may still cling to her idealism, but you can tell she’s starting to understand that life — and people — are a lot more complicated than she’d like to believe.

Meanwhile, Cooper’s arc continues to shine in the background. His transition from greenhorn to capable worker is unfolding in a way that feels earned. 

The rig scenes this hour, with their intense focus on the physicality and danger of the job, are classic Taylor Sheridan. They don’t just look cool — they make you feel the weight of the work. 

When a coworker’s arm is mangled, Cooper steps up without hesitation. It’s a big moment for him, not just as a worker but as someone proving his worth in a brutal environment.

Monty’s backstory adds another layer to the episode, showing us why he’s so good at thriving in chaos. His ability to make a fortune in busts rather than booms mirrors the resilience we see in characters like Tommy and Cooper. 

Their conversation about the revamped well producing 250 barrels a day is a small but significant moment, a reminder that, in this world, survival often depends on finding success in the darkest times.

But let’s get back to what makes Landman stand out: its unapologetically messy portrayal of love and family. 

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Angela, Ainsley, and Tommy don’t fit into anyone’s idealized vision of how families should behave, and that’s okay. 

Angela’s wild, Ainsley’s headstrong, and Tommy’s just trying to hold it all together. It’s not perfect — it’s not even close — but it’s theirs. 

The critics who see something darker or more insidious in Tommy and Ainsley’s relationship seem to have forgotten what real family love looks like. It’s imperfect, awkward, and full of missteps, but it’s genuine. 

Maybe it’s easier to critique than to admit that not all bonds fit into neat, shiny packages.

“The Sting of Second Chances” is Landman at its best — messy, complicated, and deeply human. 

The characters aren’t perfect, and their choices won’t always make you cheer, but that’s what makes them feel real. 

Whether it’s Tommy navigating his personal chaos, Cooper proving himself in the field, or Rebecca learning to roll with the punches, this show thrives on the humanity of its characters. 

Life is messy. Love is messy. And that’s what keeps Landman so compelling.

Watch Landman Online

The post Landman Season 1 Episode 4 Proves That Messy Lives Tell the Best Stories appeared first on TV Fanatic.

The answer: an upcoming Paramount+ with Showtime series that will keep us breathlessly anticipating each episode.

The untitled Guy Ritchie project, currently titled New Guy Ritchie Project in the context of the below press release, is a global organized crime series centering around two warring families and the loyal fixer charged with protecting them at any cost.

With Ritchie at the helm and Hardy, Brosnan, and Mirren leading the charge, how can this possibly go wrong?

Here’s what we know so far.

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Production is currently underway in London on Ritchie’s new global crime series with Tom Hardy (Venom: The Last Dance) set to star alongside Pierce Brosnan (Die Another Day) and Helen Mirren (1923) as series regulars.

New Guy Ritchie Project is produced in association with Showtime/MTV Entertainment Studios and 101 Studios.

The series will debut globally in 2025 on Paramount+ and the Paramount+ with Showtime Plan in the U.S.

Hardy will play “Harry Da Souza,” a professional conciliator on behalf of the Harrigan family, while Brosnan will play “Conrad Harrigan,” the head of a very successful Irish crime family based out of London for whom Harry works.

Mirren will play “Maeve Harrigan,” Conrad’s wife and the Harrigan family matriarch.  

“Tom Hardy, Pierce Brosnan, and Helen Mirren are masters at their craft, and we are honored to have them lead the cast for Guy Richie’s new global, original series,” said Chris McCarthy, Paramount Global Co-CEO and President/CEO of SHOWTIME/MTV Entertainment Studios.

“Guy, Jez Butterworth, and Ronan Bennett’s creative prowess, coupled with these gifted actors, is the perfect recipe for what we believe will be the next brand-defining series for Showtime on Paramount+”

“The firepower on and off the screen in this new Guy Ritchie crime series will deliver exactly what audiences expect from Paramount + with Showtime: high-caliber acting, high-impact storylines, and high-level production from some of the best in the business,” said Jeff Grossman, Executive Vice President of programming for Paramount+.

For those of us who caught Kin when it aired in the US and have been desperately awaiting word on seasons two and beyond making their way here, this is fantastic news.

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While we don’t know if this will be a present-day endeavor or something from Ireland’s vast history of warring crime families (sorry, Ireland, but we love you!), we have high hopes for the project.

One of my all-time favorite series was Love/Hate out of Ireland. There are so many good storylines to be mined here, and Ritchie is the perfect person to dig into them.

The series is executive produced by Keith Cox, Nina L. Diaz, David C. Glasser, Guy Ritchie, Jez Butterworth, Ronan Bennett, Kris Thykier, Ivan Atkinson, Tom Hardy, Dean Baker, Ron Burkle, David Hutkin, and Bob Yari. 

And for those of you who remain confused about the branding, we’re still confused, too.

We’re pretty sure this will be on Showtime cable as well as Paramount+ with Showtime. In other words, if you have Paramount+ without the Showtime addition, you’ll have to watch on cable. If that changes, we’ll let you know!

So, will this be another hit for Paramount+ with Showtime? Shoot us a comment below with your thoughts!

The post Guy Ritchie Brings Tom Hardy, Pierce Brosnan & Helen Mirren to Showtime for Global Organized Crime Saga appeared first on TV Fanatic.

It dives deep into the oil industry’s inner workings and our complicated relationship with clean energy, continuing with the personal toll this world takes on everyone connected to it.

In many ways, it’s laying down some real talk about just how reliant we are on petroleum — and the fact that even those pushing for a cleaner future don’t fully grasp what that transition would demand.

Tommy’s conversation with Rebecca sums this up perfectly.

Tommy doesn’t sugarcoat his take on green energy. He lays out the uncomfortable truth: those 400-foot wind turbines may look like the future, but they’re embedded in the same system they’re meant to replace.

To build, maintain, and eventually dispose of them, you need a lot of diesel and oil, not to mention resources like lithium for batteries, which have their own environmental baggage.

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It’s like a checklist of all the ways clean energy isn’t actually so clean once you peek behind the curtain.

And when Tommy starts listing everyday items made with petroleum — from lipstick to tennis rackets to cell phones — it hits home. You can’t just flip a switch on petroleum; it’s embedded in modern life in ways most of us don’t even realize.

This isn’t a discussion that negates the need for alternative energy; it’s about not getting complacent about thinking we’ve already found it when we haven’t.

Right from their first exchange, you can tell Rebecca’s mindset is miles away from Tommy’s.

She’s all about questioning gender roles and spotting every sign of age discrimination, which seems out of place in the harsh reality of the oil fields. And, whether intended or not, it’s very funny.

When she scolds Tommy for merely asking her age, Tommy’s blunt reply highlights the absurdity of her complaints in an industry that doesn’t have much room for “woke” conversations.

And her squeamishness when faced with a rattlesnake? That scene practically writes itself — Tommy’s exasperation is hilarious as he kills the snake for her, tossing its carcass back at her as if to say, “This is the real world, honey.”

Moments like these don’t shy away from poking fun at the clash between urban ideals and the brutal reality of field work, something that often gets lost in other on-screen conversations.

While Rebecca’s idealism feels out of place, her presence adds a layer of irony to the whole situation.

Here’s a young lawyer trying to bring accountability into a world that thrives on looking the other way, and her attempts to fit her ideals into this rugged landscape just don’t hold up.

Her naïveté contrasts sharply with Tommy’s hard truths about the industry, particularly when he explains just how deeply petroleum runs through everything we depend on.

Tommy’s truthful talk hits her over the head with a reality check: you can’t just take oil out of the equation without pulling the rug out from under modern life.

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And her silence says it all — there’s no comeback, no idealistic rebuttal, just the harsh reality she’s only beginning to grasp.

You really have to laugh at how far apart they seem on the issue, especially when you can see that sharing their ideas would not only be worthwhile but enjoyable.

And unless I’m losing my touch, there is something simmering just under the surface of her annoyance that looks like attraction. Informed opposition can be an intellectual turn-on.

But Rebecca isn’t just here to clash with Tommy. She’s been brought in by TTP to shift the blame onto him for an OSHA violation, even though Monty, Tommy’s boss, isn’t thrilled about it.

Monty’s in a tough spot — he recognizes that Tommy’s not exactly following the rulebook, but he also knows Tommy is the kind of guy who gets things done. Hell, he’d probably print Tommy’s rulebook if he could.

When Monty meets with another executive (played by one of my favorite people, Kristoffer Polaha) to discuss what happened, it’s clear he’s weighing the cost of pinning everything on Tommy against the bigger picture of keeping operations running smoothly.

Monty’s balancing act will likely recur on Landman, where the pressure to maintain profit clashes with the personal responsibility of keeping their people safe.

You can feel his reluctance, especially when he’s told that if he doesn’t hold Tommy accountable, it’ll be Monty’s head on the line next time.

This episode also retains the human side of the story, particularly with Cooper, who’s trying to make peace with the families of those lost in the premiere.

His visit to the widows is awkward and oddly endearing. Young widow Ariana feels it, too, and they find odd solace together in his presence. You can feel Cooper’s discomfort and respect, as well as Ariana’s attempt to distract herself, if only for a moment.

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Cooper may not be family, but in that living room, sharing a meal and a quiet moment, he’s showing up in a way that feels deeply human and unlike anything Ariana has experienced before.

And in typical soap opera fashion, the encounter sets up more trouble for Cooper, as the air between him and Ariana crackles with electricity. I suspect he won’t be able to stay away from her, and she won’t want him to.

Hopefully, the beatdown he took won’t be an episodic thing and the tide will turn for him. The fact he keeps standing when the others want him to disappear speaks volumes.

Then there’s Angela, waltzing into Tommy’s life again with what we already know is her signature drama. She’s a tornado, pulling in her daughter Ainsley, who’s caught between her parents’ messy past and complicated present.

Angela disrupting Tommy’s routine with her sexy flirtations and reminiscing is quite entertaining for us, but that kind of on-again-off-again emotion must be exhausting.

She balances being destructive and undeniably charming, which makes it easy to understand why Tommy can’t let her go. She’s a lot like the oil business — the highs are mesmerizing, and the lows can crush your soul.

If she’s hoping her mere presence will be the lynchpin of their getting together again, she might be right. She’s needy and intoxicating and uses her sexual confidence as a weapon in battles she almost always wins.

Angela’s chaotic presence and Cooper’s need to still his pained heart by reaching out to the family of those he feels responsible for killing give Landman unexpected range.

But for me, the clash of ideologies between Tommy and Rebecca really gets at the heart of Landman. When you pull away from its soapiness, there is a conversation we really need to have.

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It’s not just a show about oil rigs and corporate battles; it’s about the real-world consequences of our demand for resources, the toll it takes on everyone involved, and the uncomfortable truths that don’t fit neatly into an “alternative energy” narrative.

This kind of moral complexity gets me every time.

It’s what I keep hoping will seep into our real-world discussions, but it is always just beyond our reach. Confronting our limitations and choices we’ve made and need to make is tough but necessary.

The combination of these elements — the industry critique, the human fallout, and the messy personal relationships — is why I’ve already fallen in love with Landman.

The story doesn’t just focus on the dangers of drilling oil but digs into the psychology and daily lives of those who keep this machine running.

Tommy’s no saint, but he’s a straight shooter.

He may be earning a paycheck from a highly contested industry, but he also sees the bigger picture and isn’t afraid to talk about it.

Notes from The Patch:

• When Calls the Heart star Kayla Wallace works hard to show her edge in this new role with great success. Fiona who?
• Cooper’s physical prowess surprised me almost as much as the cousins who wanted his head on a platter.
• After Demi Moore’s amazing comeback recently, especially with The Substance, it’s hard to watch her as an ornamental wife. Hopefully, she’ll have more to do in future episodes.
• Meanwhile, Ali Larter is showing off her incredible talent and body, proving that being middle-aged isn’t the end of the world. I dare any of today’s ingenues to compete with that powerful force on screen.
• People are always questioning Taylor Sheridan’s politics, and these frank conversations about alternative energy will only fuel the fire. Independent thinkers for the win!

Landman doesn’t offer easy answers, which makes it so compelling. We’re reminded that every solution has a cost, and sometimes, the people trying to bring accountability to the table — like Rebecca — find themselves in way over their heads.

It kind of leaves you with a lingering sense of dread, as though it’s all leading up to something inevitable. I can’t wait to see where this tangled web of alliances, grudges, and harsh realities takes us next.

If you’re digging Landman, let me know in the comments below. I’m especially interested in what you think of Hurricane Angela and the frank conversation about green energy!

Watch Landman Online

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