Landman proves it's a better show without the more controversial scenes

Taylor Sheridan Landman is at its best when it leaves out its most controversial scenes, and two recent episodes prove that. However Landman is based on the true story of oil field workers in the Permian Basin of West Texas, and also features stories from several other walks of life. From Cooper's (Jacob Lofland) working-class perspective to Monty's (Jon Hamm) elite business perspective, Landman provides a comprehensive view of the oil industry and the people who are part of it. Unfortunately, not every part of this comprehensive vision was the best.

Since it began, much of the controversy Landman received centered around two of the LandmanCharacters: Angela (Ali Larter) and Ainsley (Michelle Randolph). The mother-daughter duo are more concerned with partying and finding rich men to marry than anything else, and can often be seen parading around in bikinis or similarly skimpy outfits. Several viewers questioned how Landman sexualizes Ainsley, who is 17 years old. A big reason why these scenes are so controversial is because they're not entirely necessary to the show's narrative, a fact that Landman episode 6 has already been proven.

Landman Episode 6 Is Better Without Controversial Ainsley and Angela Scenes

Landman episode 6 was much more dramatic and intense without the distraction of Ainsley and Angela's controversial scenes

Landman episode 6 was arguably the best of the season so far, and actually proves that the show doesn't need to put Angela and Ainsley in bikinis. In addition to some side stories about Tommy meeting Monty and Angela dealing with her husband, Landman Episode 6 mainly deals with the aftermath of the attack on Cooper's life in the previous episode. As such, there is no room for Ainsley or Angela to wear bikinis, and Landman episode 6 was better for that. It felt much more focused than other episodes of Landmanand his drama was much deeper.

One of the biggest reasons Landman Episode 6 felt like the best episode of the season because it really gave Angela and Ainsley something to do. Instead of wandering around and causing mischief for Tommy, the two had a chance to connect with Cooper and express their concerns and fears.. Angela even had a somewhat triumphant moment when she left her husband, and Ainsley started butting heads with Cooper even more. Landman Episode 7 brought back the skimpy outfits for Angela and Ainsley during gym class, but it also followed suit from Episode 6 and gave them some character development in the nursing home.

Landman's Norris family drama is the heart of Taylor Sheridan's show

Landman could easily focus more on the Norris family dynamics than Angela and Ainsley's sexuality

While it may use the oil industry as its main source of action and West Texas as its backdrop, Landman is actually a story about the Norris family. The story of Tommy trying to keep Cooper from becoming him while juggling Ainsley's transition into adulthood is the most universal part of the entire show.. Likewise, Angela's attempts to restart her family and right the wrongs that tore them apart are as tragic as any of the deaths that have occurred thus far. The Norris family is the heart and soul of Landmanand diving deeper into its dynamics is clearly a recipe for success.

The Norris family dynamic is the most important part Landmanbut failing to show different sides of Angela and Ainsley also helped the recent episodes succeed. In just two episodes, they went from one-dimensional sex objects to characters with realistic and compelling desires, motivations, and fears. It was much easier to become interested in Angela and Ainsley's story in Landman episode 7 than episode 5, and it's because they did more than sunbathe and get drunk. If Landman continues to expand Angela and Ainsley's characters, it may leave their most controversial trait behind entirely.