Landman Season 2 Episode 6 Recap & Ending Explained

I’m really enjoying Landman Season 2 so far—it’s got that gritty Taylor Sheridan vibe with all the oil business scheming, family drama, and those wide Texas landscapes that make everything feel bigger. Episode 6 (streaming now on Paramount+) slows things down a bit for some father-son bonding and a wild pirate party hangover, but underneath it’s planting seeds for bigger trouble with Dan’s investment in M-Tex. Billy Bob Thornton as Tommy Norris is the anchor as always—that gruff, no-nonsense landman who’s seen it all—and this hour gives him some rare quiet moments with his dad Thomas (Jon Hamm having fun in the role) while Cooper’s romance heats up and the company edges closer to a risky partnership. If you’re caught up or ready for spoilers, here’s my take on what went down—it’s a character-focused one with some tense business moves brewing.

The episode kicks off with Thomas asking Tommy if he can ride along on a work day—he’s bored rattling around the house alone, missing the action from his old oil days. Tommy’s a lone wolf type, likes doing deals solo, so he brushes it off at first. But you see it hit him: Thomas isn’t really interested in landman stuff; he just wants time with his son after years apart. Thornton plays that realization perfectly—a quick pause, soft “get your boots” line. They hit the road for Fort Worth, chatting about how the landscape’s dotted with rigs like a “pincushion.” Thomas gripes about greed ruining the planet; Tommy fires back that his dad was in the same business. It’s light but pointed—classic Sheridan commentary on the industry without preaching.

Before leaving, there’s this funny family breakfast scene: Angela planning a Mexican-themed dinner, Ainsley teasing outfits, Nate chiming in. Angela wins every verbal spar, as usual—Michelle Randolph nails her sharp, loving energy. Tommy just surrenders with a grin, knowing resistance is futile.

Out on the drive, Tommy gets a call from Cooper—he’s back from Corpus after meeting Ariana’s dad, wants to talk salary for a ring. Cooper’s head over heels, planning to propose. Tommy’s practical (how much?), neither knows ring prices, so Cooper calls Angela. She’s surprisingly frugal—offers her own wedding ring to Cooper (tradition in some families), saving him from starting married life in debt like she and Tommy did. Cooper’s thrilled; Angela jokes she’ll need a new one from Tommy. Classic her—generous but still getting hers.

Tommy laughs it off with Thomas, who ribs him about being whipped. It’s nice seeing Tommy relaxed for once.

Cut to the Permian Basin International Oil Show in Odessa—Dale, Boss, Ben, and Russ checking booths. Focus lands on robotic rig workers from Forum Energy Technologies. Sales pitch: safer, efficient, no human error. But the subtext hits hard—robots replacing roughnecks, jobs vanishing. Guys look uneasy; it’s progress but at what cost? Sheridan slips in commentary on automation without hammering it—feels real for the industry.

Cooper preps to pick up the ring, but Ariana sets up a surprise: drop Miguel at her ex-mother-in-law Isabel’s. Isabel grills Cooper—wants to know if he’s serious about Ariana. He stumbles but speaks from the heart: loves her, wants to build a life. Isabel softens, invites him to cook—approval clear. Sweet moment; show’s building this romance slow and earned, making you root for them.

Rebecca pushes Nathan on the offshore rig deadline—insurance lawsuit looming if no drilling in 45 days. Suggests geologist Newsom. Turns out? Her one-night stand guy. Flirty reunion, she gives in again. Risky—infatuation could cloud judgment on this crucial hire.

Tommy and Thomas reach Fort Worth deal spot: Dan and Cami negotiating M-Tex investment. Rodeo arena setting’s perfect metaphor—Dan as rider “saving” the cow (M-Tex) when he’s the threat. Tommy calls out Dan’s money-laundering vibes; Dan deflects with tanning salon joke (hypocritical, oil’s king). Cami’s desperate, overrides Tommy for Dan’s terms. Tommy frustrated but signs— she’s boss.

Thomas picks fight with old fraud acquaintance bad-mouthing Dorothy (Tommy’s late mom). Tommy diffuses, empathizes with dad’s pain—mirrors his own buried grief.

They hit Cattlemen’s bar waiting for Angela/Ainsley. Thomas advises Tommy remarry Angela, prioritize family memories over work regret. Hits home—Tommy’s lopsided life.

Dan pulls Tommy aside at bar celebration: hints Cami doubts him post-2008 crash. Suggests Tommy prove himself or risk enemies exploiting it. Tommy and Cami exchange loaded looks—Dan sowing discord obvious.

Episode closes on tense note—Tommy seeing Dan’s game, but tied by Cami’s choice. Family time bittersweet; work poison seeping in.

Solid character episode—Tommy/Thomas bonding shines, Cooper/Ariana sweet, Rebecca’s fling risky, Dan’s manipulation brewing. Thornton’s weary wisdom carries it. That rodeo metaphor? Spot-on. Curious where Dan takes this—feels like setup for bigger fallout. Loving the slower build this season. Thoughts on Cooper’s proposal path or Tommy’s family pull?