Landman Season 3: Who Survives the Oil Patch and Who Got Pumped Out?

Well, folks, Taylor Sheridan has done it again. Just when you think you’ve figured out the West Texas oil game, he throws a barrel of crude right in your face. If you’ve been glued to Landman like the rest of us, you know that the Season 2 finale left us battered, bruised, and begging for answers.

Paramount+ didn’t waste any time, bless their hearts. They renewed the show before the dust even settled on that explosive second season. But here’s the rub: in Sheridan’s world, job security is about as reliable as a handshake deal in a dusty saloon. With power shifts, cartel threats, and family drama that makes Succession look like Sesame Street, not everyone is punching their time card for Season 3.

Let’s break down who’s coming back to the Permian Basin, who’s packed their bags, and who’s still stuck in limbo.

Billy Bob Thornton: The Unshakeable Tommy Norris

Let’s be real—there is no Landman without Billy Bob Thornton. His portrayal of Tommy Norris is the greasy, beating heart of this series. The man is a crisis executive, which is just a fancy way of saying he cleans up messes that would make most people vomit.

Thankfully, Thornton isn’t going anywhere. He’s gone on record saying he’s in this for the long haul, or at least “until the story runs out.” Considering Tommy just got promoted to President of M-Tex (yay!) and then immediately kidnapped and beaten to a pulp by a cartel (yikes!), his story is far from over. He’s battered, he’s compromised, and now he’s got drug lords pulling his strings. It’s going to be a messy season, and frankly, I can’t wait to watch him squirm his way out of this one.

Jon Hamm: It’s Hard to Return When You’re Dead

Pour one out for Monty Miller. Jon Hamm brought that slick, oil tycoon energy we all love to hate, but alas, his time in the patch has come to a permanent end. If you were holding out hope for a miraculous recovery or a “it was all a dream” sequence, stop. This is Taylor Sheridan we’re talking about; dead means dead.

His demise was the catalyst for the entire shift in power that we’re seeing now. Without Monty calling the shots, the shield protecting the M-Tex empire—and his family—is gone. It’s tragic, sure, but in terms of narrative friction? It’s pure gold.

Demi Moore: Cami Steps Out of the Shadows

This is where things get interesting. For a while, Demi Moore’s Cami felt a bit like window dressing—the supportive wife standing by while the men did the dirty work. But Monty’s death has blown the doors wide open for her.

Creator Christian Wallace has hinted that it’s finally Cami’s time to shine. She’s no longer playing second fiddle to her husband’s ambitions. She’s inherited a mess, and arguably, she’s the one with the most to lose. We’re expecting to see a steelier, more involved Cami in Season 3. Watching Demi Moore navigate the cutthroat politics of the oil industry? Yes, please.

The Next Generation: The Norris Kids Are Alright (Sort Of)

• Cooper (Jacob Lofland): Poor Cooper. His personal life is finally stabilizing thanks to his relationship with Ariana (Paulina Chavez), but his professional life is a ticking time bomb. The kid just can’t catch a break, and Season 3 promises more high-stakes consequences for him.
• Ainsley (Michelle Randolph): If you thought Ainsley was done, think again. Her journey is “still unfolding,” which is writer-speak for “she’s about to make some terrible decisions.”
• Rebecca (Kayla Wallace): We are all on the edge of our seats waiting to see what happens next with her character. The writers are keeping her arc close to the chest, which usually means something big is coming.

The Supporting Players: The Glue Holding It Together

You can’t have a Sheridan show without a bench of gritty, reliable character actors. Ali Larter isn’t going anywhere; Angela is too integral to the messiness of Tommy’s life. James Jordan (Dale) and Colm Feore (Nathan/Neil) are also sticking around to keep the Norris household from completely imploding.

And let’s not forget the legend himself, Sam Elliott. He signed a two-year deal initially, but with the renewal, he’s gearing up for Season 3 filming this spring. Hearing Sam Elliott grumble about oil prices is basically ASMR for dads, so we’re thrilled he’s back.

The Wild Cards: Who is Safe?

Here is the big question mark: Andy Garcia. His cartel leader character is the looming threat over everything right now. While his fate isn’t explicitly confirmed in the same way Thornton’s is, the plot practically demands his presence. You don’t beat the main character half to death and then just disappear.

So, buckle up. Season 3 is shaping up to be a brutal, bloody, and beautiful ride through the Texas dust. We’ll be watching—mostly to see how Tommy Norris talks his way out of this one.