Tensions take a backseat as the Paramount+ series moves toward heart-stopping revelations

Warning: SPOILERS ahead for Landman Season 1, Episode 7!Landman Season 1 Episode 7 pulls back a bit on the broader dramatic story, focusing on the Norris family as they get used to life together on the patch. After the end of Landman episode 6, Cooper (Jacob Lofland) has been released from the hospitalchoosing to stay at Ariana's (Paulina Chavez) house after feeling like she no longer has a place with her family. Meanwhile, Tommy (Billy Bob Thornton), Angela (Ali Larter), and Ainsley (Michelle Randolph) are getting used to their lives together, sometimes in more circuitous ways than in previous episodes.

Angela and Ainsley's stories don't feel like important parts of the plot

But they help establish their characters better

One of the most outstanding elements Landman episode 7 is the inclusion of parallel stories focused on Angela and Ainsleynone of which have a particularly important role to play in the overall story. The first occurs when the pair visit a nursing home, only to discover that the residents are nearly rotting away with no activities to do. This leads to a montage where Angela gathers alcohol and a Letters Against Humanity deck to entertain residents. Although a nurse asks them to leave, they are eventually asked to return because of the fun they brought to the residents.

The second instance happens when Ainsley finally gets the chance to go to a patch party, which she missed due to Cooper's injury in episode 6. Here, the cast of Landman expands with the introduction of Ryder Simpson (Mitchell Slaggert), a quarterback who catches his attention. Although the sequence leans into Ainsley's sometimes questionable introduction, it ends with a somewhat satisfying confrontation when Angela forces Tommy to find her daughter. He ends up hitting Ryder in the throat and separating the pair in a scene mostly played for laughs.

While these two stories are great additions in their own right, they also feel like improvised ideas that won't have much of an impact on the overall story. Taylor Sheridan's shows are often full of a stream-of-consciousness writing style that places your characters in settings that aren't necessarily important to the bigger picture. While Angela and Ainsley's stories certainly felt that way, they still helped develop additional dynamics for their characters. They felt like wholesome snapshots of what life would be like for the Norris family if Tommy's renewed relationship worked out.

Cooper and Ariana are getting dangerously close to each other

More consequences for your blossoming relationship

But all is not well for all members of the family, with Ariana caring for Tommy's son, who has yet to fully recover from his injuries. She still feels guilty about what happened, believing that asking Cooper for help was the root cause of Manuel's (JR Villarreal) attempt to kill him. These scenes are slower and darker than ever, drawing attention to the pain they both feel because of what happened. Cooper also insists that she not sleep on the couchcontinuing to show his inherently good nature despite all the physical pain he feels.

The true essence of their relationship is shown near the end of the episode when the two begin kissing while lying in bed. While It's still unclear whether their blossoming romance is a matter of convenience or a true connection.Their chemistry acts as a light in the darkness despite the unpleasant circumstances that brought them together. Their romantic connection in episode 7 may have been short-lived, but the sparks now flying between them promise the trappings of a healthy love story if they remain caring for each other.

Not everything in Landman can remain peaceful

The final moments offer a curious suspense

But, of course, not everything can remain calm in Landman. The final moments of the episode show Nathan (Colm Feore) and Rebecca (Kayla Wallace) returning to Ariana's house, once again offering her money following Elvio's (Alejandro Akara) death in episode 1. However, Cooper appears, determined to hear what they have to say. This gets Rebecca's attention, saying she's been looking for him. before the episode ends. This curious cliffhanger spells more trouble for the couple, setting the stage for a more eventful follow-up.

The episode also offered a little hint as to what could happen next for Tommy, as Monty (John Hamm) makes a deal for new oil fields despite the cartel members he is already dealing with.. As this new business opportunity emerges amid more threats surrounding the patch, it appears it will soon reach a breaking point. Monty remained mostly in the background during the first season, but his new contract could make his presence much more prominent in the final three episodes.

Although Landman Episode 7 slowed the story down with snapshots into the lives of the Norris family, its focus on character building helped lay the groundwork for the series' final episodes. The first season doesn't even feel like it's close to ending considering the number of stories and relationships between characters being developed. However, episode 7 offers a perfect introduction to more drama, promising new fights as the series moves towards explosive revelations.

New episodes of Landman arrives Sundays on Paramount+.