“Importance of Family Bonds”
Warning: SPOILERS ahead for Landman episodes 1 & 2!Landman star Mark Collie elaborates on the evolving role of Sheriff Walt Joeburg, particularly after the explosive opening scene of episode 1. The gripping Taylor Sheridan-created series kicks off with oil crisis executive Tommy Norris (Billy Bob Thornton) witnessing a plane from his oil company, hijacked by a drug cartel, crash-landing on their private roads, igniting a tractor-trailer in flames. Joeburg (Collie) arrives at the chaotic scene, indicating that this incident will necessitate increased scrutiny from law enforcement regarding the company’s operations moving forward. This presents significant challenges for Tommy, who has previously neglected reports of stolen equipment within the business.
In a conversation with Screen Rant, Collie shared insights about how Sheriff Joeburg maintains a close relationship with Tommy, which motivates him to assist despite the intense start of Landman. However, he hints at escalating complications that will layer upon each other, leading to even more thrilling and dangerous scenarios as the series unfolds. Collie expressed his eagerness to continue the storyline into a potential season 2, hinting at the magnitude of some forthcoming events. Below are Collie’s thoughts on the unfolding drama:
“Well, anytime something blows up, or somebody finds a body, they call Walt. [Laughs] But ultimately, the character is important to the family. He and Tommy, obviously, you could probably garner that they’re close. They’re closer than most businessmen and Sheriff departments, you know, and Walt tries to be as accommodating, and he tries to cover Tommy’s a when he has to. But the thing of it is that’s going to grow, and it’s going to get more exciting and more dangerous. I’d love to tell you all about it, but then I’d probably get fired. I want to make season 2, so I’m just going to leave it at that, stay tuned. [Laughs]
Understanding the Impact of Collie’s Insight on Sheriff Joeburg in Landman
Escalating Incidents Will Necessitate Joeburg’s Involvement
The dramatic plane crash isn’t the sole explosive incident occurring in the initial episodes; episode 1 culminates in a catastrophic oil rig explosion that tragically claims the lives of Tommy’s entire crew, apart from his son, Cooper (Jacob Lofland). As episode 2 unfolds, the protagonist comes to grips with the impending legal ramifications stemming from both incidents, despite having previously confided in Joeburg about the frequent disappearance of equipment. Their camaraderie is apparent, but with two deadly events occurring almost simultaneously, Tommy will find himself under unavoidable scrutiny from law enforcement.
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Among all the characters in Landman, Joeburg emerges as a critical ally for Tommy; however, his role also demands that he holds individuals accountable for potential criminal activities. Given that the crisis executive was expected to report stolen equipment consistently, the extensive legal consequences arising from these events may exceed the Sheriff’s ability to shield him. The situation is further complicated by the tragic oil rig explosion, which places both Tommy and others in Texas’ oil sector, including Monty Miller (Jon Hamm), under intense scrutiny and investigation.
Analyzing Sheriff Joeburg’s Future Role in Landman’s Narrative
Anticipating Increased Law Enforcement Involvement
Despite Joeburg’s ongoing support for Tommy in light of the tragic incidents, his willingness to cover for him regarding the missing equipment and the resulting damages puts him at significant risk. With other legal entities now interested in pursuing the matter due to the oil rig explosion, the Sheriff may find his capacity to remain involved limited, potentially forcing him into a position where he must take legal action against a friend. Given that Landman still has eight more episodes to air, we can expect a plethora of unexpected events that will escalate the tension between the two characters.
New episodes of
Landman
are released every Sunday on Paramount+.
