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Warning: SPOILERS ahead for episode 8 of Landman!Paulina Chávez addressed the status of Ariana and Cooper's relationship in Landman episode 7 and beyond, revealing how both will evolve in the following episodes. Ariana (Chávez) and Cooper (Jacob Lofland) have grown closer since he began helping her after her husband, Elvio, died in a tragic accident in episode 1. This culminated in Landman episode 8, when Cooper arranged for her and the other grieving families to have $1 million each in settlement money. Since then, it seems like their relationship is starting to blossom into a genuine romantic connection.
Talking to TelaRant, Chavez explained how she and Lofland worked together to create a compelling progression in Ariana and Cooper's relationship in Landmanunder the guidance of series creator Taylor Sheridan. She also revealed how genuine the couple's romantic connection is, especially when it comes to how Ariana is still grieving Elvio. This is made more complex because of Cooper's clear love for her and how he treated her in a way no one else did. Check out what Chavez said below:
So, as we see in episodes 7 and 8, Cooper is now living with you while he recovers, and that kiss has now become more. I'm curious what it was like to see that relationship evolve, but also build it with Jacob as filming progressed.
Paulina Chávez: Yes, definitely, when we got all the scripts, we all talked to Taylor about how our characters develop in our arcs and stories. Taylor Sheridan wanted to tell Cooper and Ariana's story accurately and authentically, and I believe it's a beautiful flowering, whatever that may be. Relationship, friendship, I think any good relationship starts with a foundation of friendship, and that's what Ariana and Cooper have. On set, Jacob and I were very, very cautious about wanting to tell the story, right. So we were always having discussions like, "Okay, is this happening the way we want it to?" So, it was very interesting. We were always staying calm between takes, but we were like, “Oh my God, are we doing our job?” I think the first few days of filming our scenes, we didn't hear any feedback and it was like, “Okay, I think we're doing a good job.” And then some producers said, “We saw some scenes, they’re great.” We thought, "Okay, we're doing this." But yeah, it was an interesting journey, but we wanted to tell the story right, so we were all very cautious with that, but also letting the characters explore what they needed to explore when the cameras were on.
So when talking about the uncertainty of what their relationship will look like going forward, I love Ariana attacking Tommy at the dinner table and acknowledging it. She's clearly mature enough to recognize that there's so much uncertainty, but do you think she knows what she wants at this point?
Paulina Chávez: I think she's open to exploring what that could be. You've seen the scene, she's never experienced anything like it. Taylor mentioned that she thought Elvio was the love of her life. And when you are with that person, you believe that this is the love of your life. And then someone comes along - albeit in unfortunate circumstances - showing you, "Oh, maybe that wasn't the love of my life. What we had was beautiful, but it's nothing compared to what this is, and it's very interesting. " So I don't think she knows what it is, but she's curious because no one has ever treated her the way Cooper treated her. There's also the feeling of, "Oh my God, Elvio's family is going to judge me. So many people are going to judge me. But is this something that should stop me from exploring that authentic human connection?"
What Ariana and Cooper's relationship status means for the rest of Landman
More answers about their decision will likely come soon
The end of Landman Episode 8 saw Tommy (Billy Bob Thornton) arrive at Ariana's house, stopping to assess how genuine their relationship is after learning about the financial conflict of the arrangement. While there, he makes a sarcastic comment, which raises the widow's ire. she ends up confessing no one looked at her like Cooper, not even Elvioand that she will decide if she really wants a future with him. However, the pair have yet to make a definitive decision on whether they will try to make their romance last.
Due to how quickly the relationship blossomed between the two, other characters from Landman They are understandably worried that they are not making a well-informed decision about being together. However, Cooper clearly wants to take care of herfrom mowing the lawn to clashing with Rebecca (Kayla Wallace) to get more money from the deal. The final two episodes of the first season will likely clarify just how deep their feelings run, or whether it's an elaborate facade they're both putting on because of a mix of guilt and sadness.
Our Take on Ariana and Cooper's Relationship Status in Landman Season 1
Breaking up the pair would be very tragic now
Although the status of their relationship is unclear, Cooper and Ariana's interactions provide a contrasting light. Landmanthe main conflicts around Tommy and the oil fields. Breaking them up could be very tragic right now, especially when it looks like Sheridan has big plans for how their relationship will develop in the coming episodes. It seems unlikely that the pair will split, as episodes 7 and 8 proved how much they truly care for each other.
Next episode of Landman |
Release date |
Episode 9: WolfCamp |
01-05-2025 |
Episode 10: The Crumbs of Hope |
01/12/2025 |