Sam Elliott’s TL Norris Character in Landman Season 2 Explained

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Be warned, this article contains spoilers for the first episode of Landman season 2. The new season kicked off by introducing veteran Western actor Sam Elliott as a character named TL Norris, though his role and intentions remain unclear. Elliott joins a star-studded cast that already includes Billy Bob Thornton, Jon Hamm, Demi Moore, and Andy Garcia. While we met TL in the season 2 premiere, much about him is still a mystery.

In season 2, episode 1 of Landman, we meet TL, an older man living in a retirement home. He walked with a limp, probably from years of physical labor, and had a gruff personality. He was often rude to the nurses if they disturbed him while he was watching the sunset, which he clearly loved. The episode leaves viewers wondering about TL’s true identity and his connection to Tommy.

TL Norris In Landman Season 2 Explained

In season 2 of Landman, Sam Elliott plays TL Norris, who is revealed to be Tommy’s father. This is confirmed both by a trailer showing Tommy calling him “pop,” and by events in the season premiere. We learn that TL’s wife, Dorothy, has passed away while living in a memory care facility in Amarillo.

Later in the episode, around the same time as that beautiful sunset scene, Tommy received the devastating news that his mother had died. Since Dorothy was the only one who passed away in the first episode, it seems pretty clear she was Tommy’s mother, which would make TL his father. It’s interesting, though—it didn’t seem like either of them had a very good relationship with her.

It’s less certain that TL and Tommy are related, but there are some similarities. Both have a similar sense of humor – dry, sarcastic, and sometimes unkind, like when TL spoke dismissively to the nurse. They also share a love for nature; TL enjoys sunsets, and Tommy often talks to coyotes. Additionally, they look a little alike, and their ages could fit a family connection.

We don’t have much information about TL right now. He’s older than Tommy, both because he’s his father and because he lived in a retirement home. His walk and posture suggest he probably did physical work when he was younger. While it’s possible he used to work as a landman for an oil company, we can’t confirm that based on just one episode of Landman season 2.

How TL Norris Will Impact Tommy In Landman Season 2

We know TL Norris will play a significant role in season 2 of Landman. Both Tommy and TL are grieving the loss of Tommy’s mother, and this shared loss could bring them closer together. It’s likely TL will also get to know Tommy’s family, who have recently reunited, as they all cope with Dorothy’s death. It seems TL will be back in Tommy’s life as they navigate this difficult time.

As a huge fan of Landman, I’m so excited about TL and Tommy being back together! It feels like TL is going to be a lot like Tommy, and I think that’s going to really shake things up with the Norris family – in a good way! I’m already picturing all the hilarious arguments he’ll have with Angela, just like Tommy did. But honestly, I also think TL could be a really great mentor to Cooper as he’s building his oil empire. He might have some surprisingly good advice!

Landman Season 2 Release Schedule
Episode Title Release Date (Sundays @ Midnight PT)
Death and a Sunset November 16
Sins of the Father November 23
Almost a Home November 30
Dancing Rainbows December 7
The Pirate Dinner December 14
Dark Night of the Soul December 21
Forever is an Instant December 28
Handsome Touched Me January 4
Plans, Tears, and Sirens January 11
Tragedy and Flies January 18

Because TL used to work as a landman, he could offer Tommy more hands-on help. Right now, Tommy is the only one at M-Tex who understands how to run an oil company. If TL shares his insights, Tommy might start turning to his father for advice. It looks like TL Norris will mainly be a mentor – and potentially another source of worry – for Tommy and his family in season 2 of Landman.

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2025-11-18 23:30