‘Landman‘ Stumbles with One-dimensional Female Characters, Critics Say
HOUSTON, TEXAS – Taylor Sheridan’s new Paramount+ series Landman is drawing criticism for its portrayal of women, specifically the character of Ainsley Norris, described by one Slate reviewer as a “piece of cardboard, unchangeable, annoying, unable to grow.” The critique highlights a recurring issue in Sheridan’s work – a tendency towards underdeveloped female characters – and suggests this pattern is notably jarring within the context of the show’s exploration of class and gender dynamics.
The criticism centers on a scene where Ainsley, portrayed as perpetually carefree and gorgeous, is juxtaposed with a visibly exhausted and demoralized crew member returning from a hazardous work site. This contrast, the reviewer argues, is intended to convey a deeper message about the economic realities supporting Ainsley’s lifestyle, but falls flat due to her lack of depth. Unlike other female characters in Landman – such as Cooper’s girlfriend, Ariana, and cami Miller, a widow grappling with financial hardship – Ainsley appears to serve primarily as a symbol, lacking the nuance and complexity afforded to her male counterparts.
the slate piece notes Sheridan can create compelling female characters, citing Ariana and Cami as examples, and suggests the Norris women feel like an unsuccessful attempt at humor, with misogyny as an unintended consequence.The show’s reliance on stereotypical portrayals, critics say, undermines its potential to offer a truly insightful commentary on the world of oil and the people who inhabit it.
