Spoilers ahead for Season 2, Episode 7 of “Landman,” titled “Forever Is an Instant,” now streaming on Paramount+.
Episode seven of Landman leans hard into excess, opening with a deliberately shocking scene that immediately signals how far the series is willing to push its off-kilter tone. From that moment on, the hour rarely slows down, delivering a mix of crude humour, emotional pivots, and relationship shifts that make this instalment one of the show’s most unpredictable to date.
Billy Bob Thornton’s Tommy dominates the episode with his usual abrasive presence, though this week places him in situations that border on outright absurd. What begins as provocation gradually gives way to something more reflective, as conversations with T.L. (Sam Elliott) nudge Tommy toward a rare moment of self-awareness.
Elliott’s performance, understated but grounded, provides a stabilising counterweight to the episode’s more outrageous beats, particularly during their quiet exchange about ageing, work, and the importance of family.
On the romantic front, Rebecca (Kayla Wallace) and Charlie (Guy Burnet) move decisively out of flirtation and into commitment. Their scenes are filled with enthusiasm and idealism, with Charlie’s geological musings doubling as a metaphor for risk—both in drilling for oil and in opening oneself up emotionally.
Rebecca’s storyline mirrors that gamble, as she allows herself to trust in something that feels exciting but uncertain.
Elsewhere, Angela (Ali Larter) continues to weaponise sharp wit and provocation, particularly in her interactions with Tommy and Cooper (Jacob Lofland). Her dynamic with Ainsley adds to the episode’s sense of instability, blurring the line between teasing and emotional manipulation.
Meanwhile, side characters like Dale and Boss hint at larger changes ahead, with offhand remarks about the future carrying an ominous weight.
The episode ultimately pivots away from chaos toward sincerity in its final act. Cooper’s candlelit proposal brings a surprising sense of calm after an hour defined by volatility. It’s a moment that feels intentionally excessive in its own way, but it lands as heartfelt rather than ironic, offering a rare emotional anchor amid the disorder.
“Forever Is an Instant” may be remembered more for its tone than for its plot progression. It’s an episode that tests how much absurdity and provocation Landman can sustain while still delivering character growth. Love it or recoil from it, the hour makes one thing clear: the series is no longer interested in restraint, and it’s fully committed to embracing its most extreme impulses.
