In the latest episode of “Landman,” titled “The Pirate Dinner,” which premiered on December 14, 2023, on Paramount+, Jacob Lofland dives deep into his character, Cooper Norris. Playing the son of Tommy Norris, who is central to the series, Lofland faces unique challenges that highlight both the character’s flaws and personal growth.
Cooper’s Journey and Personal Challenges
Cooper Norris is often portrayed as a rough character, frequently working in the oil fields. Lofland notes that while the rest of the family dresses in their best Southern attire, Cooper is sometimes described as needing a shower. This portrayal led Lofland to question if show co-creator Taylor Sheridan was sending a personal message about his hygiene. “I got self-conscious of that at some point,” he said, humorously reflecting on the feedback. “But I think it goes back to the character, and he just spends so much time out in the patch.”
This season, Cooper’s decisions come under greater scrutiny. He embarks on several ambitious ventures, some of which may be impulsively made. In a pivotal scene, Cooper sells his prized oil sites to his father’s company after a candid conversation with Tommy, who warns him about the dangers posed by his new business partner, Gallino, played by Andy Garcia. The episode also sees Cooper moving toward a hasty marriage with Ariana, portrayed by Paulina Chavez. Lofland emphasizes that these decisions, while frustrating to viewers, are essential to Cooper’s character development.
Learning from Industry Icons
For Lofland, working alongside seasoned actors like Billy Bob Thornton has been a valuable learning experience. He describes Thornton, who plays a key role in the series, as a leader whose positive attitude sets the tone for the entire production. “Billy shows up every day ready to work and excited about the job, which in turn makes everyone else excited,” Lofland explained. This dynamic is crucial in a collaborative environment such as film and television.
This season also introduces Sam Elliott as Cooper’s grandfather, providing Lofland with another veteran actor to observe and learn from. “The one thing I’ve learned is it’s never a conversation that you learn from,” he noted. “It’s just being able to be around these men and women who have done this for so long, and watch the way they carry themselves.” He admires their professionalism and willingness to collaborate when faced with challenges on set.
Lofland encourages fans to brace for unexpected developments in Cooper’s storyline as the season unfolds. “There are definitely going to be some growth, but I’ll tell you, there are a few things coming up that no one sees,” he hinted. “There are some twists and turns and surprises that I don’t think anyone’s predicted yet.” This anticipation keeps audiences engaged, eager to see how Cooper navigates the complexities of his life and career.
As “Landman” continues to air, Lofland’s insights into his character and experiences with industry veterans showcase not only the challenges of portraying a complex character but also the profound impact of collaborating with seasoned professionals in the entertainment industry.
