“Landman” Season 2 Is Taking Heat — But That Doesn’t Scare This Star

When the second season of Landman dropped on Paramount+ in mid-November, many fans were ready to dive back in. But soon after its release, public reception turned decidedly chilly. According to a recent write-up, the show now holds a harsh 41 percent viewer rating on Rotten Tomatoes — a steep drop compared with its first season. OutKick+1

Critics haven’t exactly rallied behind it either. Some argue that despite its ambitious cast and sprawling oil-patch drama, Season 2 of Landman feels chaotic, with too many subplots, shaky pacing, and a seeming loss of the gritty cohesion that made the first season compelling. Esquire+2TVBrittanyF.com+2

But while some fans are groaning — hashtags like #LandmanIsOver have even popped up on social media — one star isn’t backing away from the spotlight. Andy Garcia, who joined Landman in Season 2 as a powerful new figure, recently addressed the backlash — and defended Sheridan’s creative sensibility. Collider+1

Andy Garcia: “Sheridan Knows What He’s Doing”

In a fresh interview, Garcia spoke frankly about the turbulence surrounding Season 2, including the so-called “Midas Touch” associated with Sheridan’s name — a reputation partly responsible for raising expectations among fans. Despite the lukewarm reaction so far, he pushed back on the notion that the show is “broken.” According to him, Sheridan “writes characters that make people respond,” and that includes provoking discomfort as well as admiration. Collider+1

Garcia didn’t sugarcoat it — he acknowledged the vocal dissatisfaction from viewers, but urged them to stay open-minded this season. After all, second seasons can often be messy before a show finds its footing, he said. He also pointed out that sometimes stories need room to breathe and evolve — something audiences only see if they hang on. Collider

In his eyes, the “Midas Touch” isn’t about playing it safe; it’s about daring — and expecting a reaction. Sheridan’s series are almost never neutral. They push, they provoke, they challenge. And for Garcia, that’s a feature, not a bug. Collider+1

Why Fans Are So Divided — And Why That Might Work for the Show

On paper, Season 2 of Landman has everything: a star-studded cast, bigger stakes, and a Western-oilgate setting that promises drama and danger. TVBrittanyF.com+2Decider+2 Billy Bob Thornton remains the linchpin as Tommy Norris, while newcomers — including Garcia — add new power dynamics and fresh conflicts. Esquire+2People.com+2

But that complexity is part of what’s turning some viewers off. Many complain that the show feels oversaturated — too many storylines vying for attention, too many themes, and not enough coherence. Some secondary characters are reportedly underused or miswritten. TVBrittanyF.com+2Esquire+2

Still, that chaotic energy could be exactly what the show needs to find its own identity. As one recent media analysis puts it: Landman remains “wildly original,” steeped in grit, moral ambiguity, and larger-than-life personalities. The New Yorker+2Decider+2

And when a hit creator like Sheridan gets bogged down by expectations, it might take a rough patch before the sharp edges settle back into focus. Andy Garcia clearly believes that’s part of the gamble — and that it’s worth seeing it through.

Could Season 2 Still Turn Around?

• Character arcs deepening — With new alliances, betrayals, and power plays, Season 2 has set the stage for messy, emotional conflicts that could pay off later.

• Bolder themes & bigger stakes — The show still aims to tackle politics, power, and the brutal realities of the oil business, which might resonate more if the pacing improves.

• Sheridan’s “provocations” may shock now — but provoke loyalty later — Sometimes the most talked-about dramas win long-term cultural traction precisely because they divide people.

If you’re curious to find out whether Landman will right its course before the season ends — or become one of those shows that future fans rediscover with fresh eyes — now’s when things could start to get interesting. As Andy Garcia seems to say: don’t judge the ride too early — the payoff might be worth the turbulence.