The popular Paramount+ drama series Landman has stirred significant attention and online debate after its latest episode included a pointed satire of the long-running ABC daytime talk show The View. The scene, featuring lead actors Billy Bob Thornton and Sam Elliott, offers a blunt critique of the program, blending the show's signature Texas oil drama with sharp cultural commentary.
The Controversial Exchange in "The Pirate Dinner"
In the second-season episode titled "The Pirate Dinner," a conversation unfolds between Tommy Norris, played by Billy Bob Thornton, and his father T.L., portrayed by veteran actor Sam Elliott. Tommy suggests his father watch The View to pass the time. When T.L. inquires about the nature of the show, Tommy delivers the now-viral description.
He characterizes it as "A bunch of pissed-off millionaires b----ing about how much they hate millionaires and Trump and men and you and me and everybody else they got a bee up their a-- about." Tommy adds that he finds it "pretty funny." When his father questions the humor, Tommy clarifies that the comedy is akin to "'fart in church' funny," ultimately dependent on one's personal perspective.
Background and Previous Controversies
Landman is created by Taylor Sheridan and Christian Wallace. The series chronicles the powerful Norris family as they maneuver through the high-stakes world of the oil rig industry and complex power dynamics in rural West Texas. This is not the first time the show has generated viral buzz for its contentious takes.
Back in 2024, a clip from the show went viral where Tommy Norris, Thornton's character, criticized renewable energy projects like wind and solar. He emphasized the substantial carbon footprint associated with their construction and materials, sparking conversations about energy policy.
Interestingly, Billy Bob Thornton himself appeared on The View to promote the show ahead of its premiere in 2024. Fox News Digital has contacted both ABC and The View for their comments regarding the episode's portrayal, but responses are still awaited.
Online Reaction and Cultural Impact
The scene has rapidly spread across social media platforms, particularly on X (formerly Twitter), where users are dissecting the exchange. One user, Brandon Collins, posted the clip with the caption suggesting the mockery was "well deserved" and that it was refreshing to see a show mock the media instead of catering to it. The post also speculated on Sam Elliott's potential discomfort while delivering the lines, referencing "TDS" (Trump Derangement Syndrome), a term often used in polarized political discourse.
This latest episode underscores Landman's continued engagement with political and cultural satire. By depicting The View as a platform where wealthy commentators critique society and politics, the show taps into ongoing debates about media, elitism, and public discourse. It highlights the series' provocative approach, using its dramatic narrative as a vehicle for social commentary, which continues to resonate with and challenge its audience.
