In the oil-soaked plains of West Texas, the Norris family's saga continues to unfold in Landman's seventh episode, "All Roads Lead To A Hole." This installment delves deeper into the high-stakes world of oil drilling, where fortunes are made and lost, and the line between loyalty and betrayal blurs. As Monty Miller's ambitions expand, the risks escalate, and the Norris family finds itself at the center of a dangerous game.
The episode's main highlight is Monty Miller's (Jon Hamm) ambitious plan to drill more wells along the Val Verde Basin, a move that would require a significant personal investment. Monty's industrialist friend, Danny Blanton, offers a deal that promises a 40% return on investment, but the banks' reluctance to fund the refineries casts a shadow over the venture. Despite Tommy Norris' (Billy Bob Thornton) warnings about the valley's risks and the smugglers that plague the area, Monty decides to invest $300 million of his own money into the project. His revised terms, which include retaining 100% of the production until he recovers his costs and 70% for 12 months thereafter, leave Danny with little choice but to accept. This bold move by Monty sets the stage for a potential financial windfall or a catastrophic loss.
Amidst the family's turmoil, Ainsley Norris (Leslie Bibb) finds a brief respite in the form of Ryder Sampson, a quarterback she meets at a night party. Their budding romance is cut short when Angela (Fernanda Andrade), using a tracker on Ainsley's phone, sends Tommy to bring their daughter home. This intervention not only thwarts Ainsley's plans for the night but also foreshadows the cartel's growing interest in the Norris family. The cartel's threat to disrupt Tommy's business unless they are compensated for their losses in the stolen airplane accident adds a layer of danger to Ainsley's life, hinting at a possible abduction scenario reminiscent of Tommy's own experience in the series premiere.
Rebecca Medina's (Gabrielle Rose) quest for justice for her husband's death takes a complex turn as she seeks to convince Ariana (Paulina Chavez) to sign M-Tex's bereavement offer. Ariana's decision to bring Cooper (Jacob Lofland) to her home, both as atonement and for companionship, places her in a precarious position. Rebecca's suspicion that Cooper is Tommy's son and his presence during the accident that claimed the lives of the Medina men could force Ariana's hand. Rebecca's plan to use Cooper as leverage against Ariana is a masterstroke in a game where the stakes are life and death.
The cartel's presence looms large over the episode, with their threat to disrupt Tommy's operations unless they are compensated for their losses. The arrival of more cartel members at the oil well and their demand for payment before M-Tex drills another hole in the land is a clear indication that they are watching Tommy closely. The addition of armed security to the team is a temporary measure, but it is clear that the cartel's patience is wearing thin. The potential abduction of Ainsley and the cartel's relentless pursuit of Tommy underscore the ever-present danger that the Norris family faces.
"All Roads Lead To A Hole" is a gripping episode that pulls back the curtain on the ruthless world of oil drilling and the personal sacrifices made in the name of profit. As the Norris family navigates the treacherous landscape of the oil patch, they must confront the harsh realities of a world where loyalty is a luxury and survival is the only currency that matters. With each character's fate hanging in the balance, the stage is set for a thrilling conclusion to this season's narrative.