Taylor Sheridan has carved out an undeniable niche in the modern television landscape, a powerhouse writer and director renowned for crafting gritty, visceral dramas often steeped in the raw realities of the American West. From the sprawling sagas of Yellowstone and its prequels (1883, 1923) to the intense narratives of Sicario, Wind River, and Hell or High Water, his work is characterized by strong, often stoic male protagonists, morally ambiguous landscapes, and unflinching violence. However, as his empire expands with new ventures like Landman, a recurring critique has emerged regarding his portrayal and development of female characters. This simmering debate has been reignited by actress Ali Larter’s staunch defense of Sheridan, particularly in light of the perceived “messy fate” of Kelly Reilly’s fan-favorite character, Beth Dutton, in Yellowstone.

Larter, who has taken on the pivotal role of Angela Norris in Sheridan’s latest series, Landman, finds herself directly addressing concerns that her character might succumb to similar narrative pitfalls. While her loyalty to Sheridan might appear admirable at first glance, it has undoubtedly raised eyebrows among fans and critics who have closely observed the trajectory of female roles within the “Sheridan-verse.” Larter, however, remains unfazed by the backlash, confidently stating that the criticism “doesn’t bother” her. Yet, for many, such unwavering faith appears precarious given Sheridan’s track record, particularly with Beth Dutton’s journey, which has become a lightning rod for discussions about his writing of complex women.

Beth Dutton, introduced as a sharp-tongued, fiercely intelligent, and emotionally scarred businesswoman, quickly became one of Yellowstone’s most compelling figures. Her early seasons showcased her ruthless corporate prowess, her biting wit, and a deeply layered vulnerability stemming from childhood trauma. She was a force of nature, an anti-heroine whose actions, however brutal, often felt justified by her unwavering loyalty to her family and land. Yet, as Yellowstone progressed, a segment of the audience began to feel that Beth’s arc became somewhat stagnant, or, as some critics articulated, “brutally sidelined.” Her narrative focus seemed to narrow, often revolving solely around her relationship with Rip Wheeler, her relentless vendetta against Jamie Dutton, or her role as a reactive force within her father’s political machinations. The complexity and independent agency that initially defined her appeared to wane, leaving some to question if Sheridan, celebrated for his male anti-heroes, struggled to maintain the intricate development of his female counterparts beyond a certain point. Was her character becoming less central to the intricate plot developments and more of a plot device to propel other characters’ stories or merely react to external threats? This perceived reduction, whether intentional or not, fueled the ongoing discussion about Sheridan’s approach to female roles.

Now, as Ali Larter steps into Landman under Sheridan’s creative direction, viewers are naturally apprehensive. The question on many minds is whether Angela Norris will follow a similar path, her promising character arc potentially fizzling out or getting “steamrolled by Sheridan’s macho storytelling priorities.” Larter’s portrayal of Angela Norris as “loud, glam, high-octane” has already drawn calls for a more subdued approach from some critics. However, Larter insists this is precisely Sheridan’s script and, in her own words, precisely the point: “She wants to be flashy in a bikini and be all hot, and then you see her crumbling trying to keep her family together… It’s very multi-dimensional, and that’s why it doesn’t bother me.”

Larter’s defense hinges on the idea of intentional duality. She argues that Angela’s flamboyant exterior is a deliberate façade, a shell that conceals a deeply struggling woman striving to hold her family together. The “Sicario writer’s chaos,” as Larter describes Angela, was built into the character from day one – a bold, wild, and emotionally charged presence designed to tear through a room like a storm. The opening FaceTime drama, the flashy outfits, and the loud energy were all envisioned by Sheridan. But beneath this surface-level spectacle, Larter contends, lies a profound depth. Angela’s glamorous front is meticulously balanced by the raw vulnerability of a woman desperately trying to prevent her family from fracturing.

This argument attempts to counter the critique of one-dimensionality by highlighting the deliberate contrast between presentation and internal struggle. Larter believes this intentional layering sets Angela apart and prevents her from becoming merely a caricature. She further emphasizes that her dynamic with co-star Billy Bob Thornton, who plays Tommy, provides crucial emotional ballast. Their relationship, she explains, gives Angela a richer, more colorful arc. Larter and Thornton acknowledge that their characters’ bond is a messy, real love, one that acts as an anchor amidst the chaos of their oil-soaked world. On stage at the Newport Beach TV Fest, Thornton succinctly encapsulated their relationship, simply stating, “I love you,” underscoring that even in Sheridan’s often brutal narratives, genuine human connection and affection remain king.

Angela storms back into Tommy’s life in Landman with the explicit aim of mending their fractured family and, perhaps, their marriage. Larter praised having all ten scripts upfront, which allowed her and Thornton to meticulously chart the emotional wreckage of their characters’ lives without repeating beats or relying on stale drama. This collaborative, in-depth preparation enabled them to dig deep into real-life emotions and cultivate a genuine on-screen chemistry. Even when Angela is causing a scene or Tommy is emotionally checked out, a palpable spark endures. That messy, honest dynamic, they argue, works because Larter and Thornton ensure that every fight, every flirtation, ultimately circles back to a foundational truth: they truly understand each other.

As Season 2 of Landman is currently underway, being filmed in Fort Worth, Texas, the spotlight on Larter’s character remains intense. While she remains resolute in her commitment to Sheridan’s vision, viewers are watching closely. The hope is that Angela, the “tornado” of a character, maintains her complex, multi-dimensional presence and doesn’t devolve into just another storm that ultimately fizzles out. The ongoing scrutiny of Taylor Sheridan’s female characters persists, and Landman, with Ali Larter at its helm, stands as the latest test case in this evolving narrative about powerful storytelling and the nuances of gender representation within his critically acclaimed universe. Whether Larter’s loyalty proves to be a testament to Sheridan’s evolving craft or a cautionary tale remains to be seen, but the conversation it ignites is vital for the future of his compelling, yet sometimes controversial, dramatic empire.