Warning: MAJOR SPOILERS lie ahead for the first eight episodes of Landman!Ariana's life is getting even more complicated, even as she starts to find some positive changes, like Landman season 1 is coming to an end. Portrayed by Paulina Chávez, Ariana was introduced in episode 2 of the show co-created by Taylor Sheridan, being the widow of Elvio and mourning the loss of her husband and her family in episode 1 of the oil rig explosion that Jacob Lofland's Cooper was on. the only survivor. While the rest of Elvio's family came to blame Cooper for the accident, Ariana proved to be the exception, acknowledging his desire to help and sharing the trauma over the incident.
Recent episodes of Landman we saw Cooper and Ariana's relationship evolve further, starting with episode 6, in which the former was hospitalized after being beaten and left for dead by the latter's cousins. Episode 7 saw Ariana bring Cooper into her home while he recovered from his injuries, though it also showed them finally expressing their feelings for each other, while also acknowledging the trial and challenges that would come with it. Episodes 7 and 8 also saw Ariana confronted by Kayla Wallace's Rebecca Savage about the oil company's settlement offer, which Cooper successfully responded to and got more money for the three families.
Alongside Chávez, Lofland and Wallace, the group Landman The cast includes Billy Bob Thornton, Michelle Randolph, Ali Larter, James Jordan, Demi Moore, Jon Hamm, Colm Feore and Mustafa Speaks. With the stakes rising and character arcs becoming even more dramatic, Sheridan and co-creator Christian Wallace's oil industry drama is heading toward a thrilling season finale.
With only a few episodes left until the show's season finale, TelaRant interviewed Paulina Chávez to discuss Landmanhow Ariana feels about Cooper's hospitalization and her in-laws handing over Tommy, the emotional conversations she and Tommy had in episodes 6 and 8, the evolution of Ariana and Cooper's relationship and what the future holds for them, the clashes according to Rebecca and a potential second season.
Ariana had some major reasons for turning her in-laws over to Tommy
"I think the first thought was just anger."
ScreenRant: It's great to see you again, Paulina, and talk more about Landman. The show remains excellent. First of all, I'd love to talk about Ariana and Cooper's episode 5 and 6 journey, in terms of him being in the hospital for her in-laws and her turning them in. , given that she really is in a tug of war between her family and Cooper?
Paulina Chávez: Obviously, what they did was wrong and it's toxic, just very toxic, the way they approached the issue. I feel like she said this in episode 5, like, “Why do you choose who I get help from and who doesn’t help me?” It's a thing where you have so many people in your life who always say, "Oh, I'll help you. Whatever you need, I'm here." And then, after the week mark passes, where are they?
I think Cooper and Ariana have this beautiful bond in the face of grief, so they're both there, and I think human interactions, human connections, are what help you get through these difficult times. So he was obviously there to help her with things that she'd never had to deal with in her life, like paying bills, and he mowed the lawn and all that stuff. I think it's a return to, “You're there for me, I'll be there for you, because that's what friends do.”
What do you think went through Ariana's mind when she walked into that hospital room and saw Cooper in the bed?
Paulina Chávez: I think the first thought was just anger. Anger at Manuel and the people who did this to him, but I also believe that she truly believes it was her fault. She was the one who kissed him, and it probably wasn't the right choice, but it was to prove that: "You're not going to tell me what I can and can't do." And to see Jacob covered in bruises, I mean, the way it looks on camera, the way you see it, it looked so bad, he looked horrible.
And it's kind of scary to see that and know, like, "Wow, my late husband's cousins did this to this poor guy who, like, my husband loved." He and Cooper had a bond, they were great. It was fun. Obviously, they talked about being The Worm on the team, so, yeah, it was like, “Wow, I can't believe they did that to him.”
Chavez has a unique perspective on Tommy and Ariana's Episode 6 conversation
"I think that scene, although very brief..."
So when talking about this episode, another thing I wanted to highlight was that scene between Ariana and Tommy, because we talk about the human connection that happens in this show, and I love how he says, “No, I don't know how you feel. You need to tell me.“What was it like going into that scene, as there are so many emotions going through it, and they're finally connecting, for real, for the first time?
Paulina Chávez: My God, I think I obviously know what I know as an actress, which is that Ariana is a widow and has a son and all the emotions that come with that, and just throw it all away and be in the moment. I also think it's because she's a mother and has a son. Imagine a mother’s fear: “Oh my God, my son is going to grow up, what if this happens to him?” I would be terrified.
So, I think there's this bond that Tommy and Ariana have. This realization, as a new mother and now a widow, that, yes, life is very short and you never know what's going to happen. I think this scene, although very brief, shows all the emotions needed to see what Ariana is going through and how Tommy sympathizes with her.
Chavez and Lofland took great care in telling Cooper and Ariana's story."Correctly and authentically"
"...it was an interesting trip..."
So, as we see in episodes 7 and 8, Cooper is now living with you while he recovers, and that kiss has now turned into 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 correctly. 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're 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?"
Rebecca and Ariana's pointed scenes have an underlying layer of respect between them
She also teases how the settlement money will affect her and Cooper
So the other thing that's been with Cooper in the last few episodes is the arrival of Rebecca and the real tension between the two of you. It wasn't obvious at all when I interviewed you two before, but you play it off really well in your scenes together. What do you think is going through Ariana's head when Rebecca is just emphasizing legality and that there are few options for you in this situation?
Paulina Chávez: Oh, my God, doing that scene, I feel like I was just watching everyone during that scene, especially Kayla, who plays Rebecca. She's amazing, and definitely everything that came out of her mouth, I was like, "Oh my God, what's going on? Guys!" So yeah, there's definitely that tension, I feel like from day one, from episode 6 onwards, when they meet Ariana for the first time, it's like, “Who is this person that's trying to get us to sign these papers without actually no information?”
If you've ever read a contract, there are a lot of things that don't make sense in contracts. Every time I sign a contract, I think, "What does this mean" and "What does this mean?" and, like, "What's the gap in this?" But, yeah, I think it's a really interesting thing about the power dynamic that she's trying to use against Ariana, because she obviously doesn't know anything about the legal system. It was a fun scene to film, especially watching Kayla. She is incredible, incredible. I feel like in Ariana's mind, though, there's a part of her that is absolutely in awe of this young woman who is so powerful and knows what she's talking about. There's just a little bit of how bad it is, like, 'Dn, she's a badass--.'
So Cooper responded to the deal, and things are now settled on that front. What can you tell me about how this will affect Ariana and her family, as well as Ariana and Cooper, in the future?
Paulina Chávez: You'll just have to wait and watch the show to see. [Laughs] Obviously, $1 million is a lot of money, life-changing money, so it's exciting to see how it helps the characters and how they end up thriving because of it.
Chavez didn't hear anything Season 2 updates yet (but it's "Optimistic")
Keeping the show's secrets during interviews has been a challenge for the star
What has it been like for you doing these interviews and events, having to hide so many of this show's big secrets, as it continues to bring twists and revelations one after another?
Paulina Chávez: It's so difficult. [Laughs] I just want to tell everyone everything that happens and what Ariana is thinking through it all. It's very interesting, I've never had a series that came out one episode a week, so I can't wait for everyone to watch it all. And for people who haven't watched it yet, who are waiting for all the episodes to come out to watch, it's a big journey to take on in one sitting.
I see I have time for one last question. I'm asking everyone I can, have you heard any updates on Landman Season 2 yet? Because I want more of this show in the future.
Paulina Chávez: My God, I haven't heard anything, but I want to remain optimistic. Billy Bob Thornton was nominated for a Golden Globe for the show, so, I mean, I don't know, fingers crossed.
On Landman
Set in the proverbial boomtowns of West Texas, Landman is a modern story of seeking your fortune in the world of oil rigs. Based on the remarkable 11-part podcast “Boomtown,” the series is a top-down story of bullies and savage billionaires fueling a boom so massive it’s reshaping our climate, our economy and our geopolitics.
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