Landman Highlights Tradeoffs of Energy Choices

The popular TV drama explores the real-world costs and consequences of different energy sources, beyond simplistic 'green vs. dirty' narratives.

Published on Feb. 3, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

As the hit show Landman concluded its second season, it offered a nuanced look at the economic and environmental tradeoffs involved in energy production. The show's protagonist, crisis manager Tommy Norris, explains to a new lawyer that even 'clean' energy sources like wind power come with significant material, financial, and environmental costs. Landman avoids simplistic narratives, showing how every energy choice has consequences - including the fossil fuels that power much of modern society.

Why it matters

Landman provides a refreshing counterpoint to the often one-dimensional debates around energy and the environment. By highlighting the real-world tradeoffs, the show encourages viewers to think more critically about the complexities involved in transitioning to new energy systems, rather than embracing easy solutions.

The details

In one key scene, Tommy Norris explains to the company's new lawyer, Rebecca Falcone, that his oil company M-Tex powers off-grid wells using wind energy. When Falcone questions this, Tommy walks her through the various inputs and costs required to build and maintain wind turbines - including diesel, steel, concrete, transport, lubrication, and winterization. He argues that even a full transition to renewable energy would take decades due to infrastructure limitations, and that every energy choice, including oil, comes with tradeoffs and consequences.

  • Landman concluded its second season in 2026.

The players

Tommy Norris

The protagonist of Landman, a crisis manager navigating the modern oil patch in Midland, Texas.

Rebecca Falcone

The new hotshot lawyer at M-Tex Oil, Tommy Norris' company.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“They use alternative energy. There's nothing clean about this.”

— Rebecca Falcone, Lawyer (Landman)

“Getting oil out of the ground is the most dangerous job on earth. We don't do it because we like it. We do it because we run out of options.”

— Tommy Norris, Crisis Manager (Landman)

The takeaway

Landman offers a nuanced, economics-driven perspective on the tradeoffs and consequences of different energy choices, moving beyond simplistic 'green vs. dirty' narratives. The show encourages viewers to think critically about the complexities involved in transitioning to new energy systems, rather than embracing easy solutions.