Landman season 2, episode 5 saw Tommy finally catch up, and grow increasingly alarmed, with the growing problems facing M-Tex. Tommy was distracted by his mother’s funeral, but once back at work, M-Tex’s President learned about the fatal H2S gas leak in Midland, and that Gallino (Andy Garcia) cut a financing deal with Cami Miller (Demi Moore).

Tommy’s headaches continue when he meets with his prodigal son, Cooper Norris (Jacob Lofland), about his business dealings with Gallino, only to learn that Cooper intends to marry Ariana Medina (Paulina Chavez). Unexpectedly, it’s Tommy’s ex-wife, Angela (Ali Larter), who provides him with the kind of joyful moment that was never possible on Yellowstone.

Landman Broke Yellowstone’s Dinner Curse

Landman season 2, episode 5 not only ends with a Pirate Dinner, but it was surprisingly successful in a way that Yellowstone could never achieve. To make Tommy’s father, T.L. Norris (Sam Elliott), feel at home in their shared rented house, Angela and Ainsley (Michelle Randolph) plan an elaborate pirate-themed seafood feast.

Thus far, every attempt by Angela to host a family dinner has erupted in anger, chaos, and even destruction, as she painted the walls with the meal she prepared. Angela’s eruptions were usually caused by Tommy’s smart mouth and insensitivity. But Landman’s Pirate Dinner broke their dinner curse – and Yellowstone‘s curse, as well.

It’s impossible to imagine Yellowstone‘s Dutton family having a peaceful dinner together without Beth Dutton (Kelly Reilly) flying off the handle and leaving. Yellowstone’s disastrous dinner scenes were a running gag that Taylor Sheridan emulated in Landman. However, the precedent has been set that the extended Norris clan can have an enjoyable meal together.

The Best Thing About Landman’s Family Is They’re Not The Duttons

The Norris family in Landman may be dysfunctional, but they are, thankfully, a far cry from the Duttons. When John Dutton III (Kevin Costner) was alive, he rarely had the luxury of a peaceful gathering of his children, Beth, Kayce (Luke Grimes), and Jamie Dutton (Wes Bentley), that didn’t degenerate into hostility from lingering grudges and resentment.

Even Tommy’s live-in friends and employees, Nate (Colm Feore) and Dale Bradley (James Jordan), respect Norris so much that they attended his mother’s funeral as a show of support. Dale and Nate also hold their tongues as Angela and Ainsley take over their home, and even added Tommy’s elderly father to their very full house.

Potentially, Tommy and Angela may gain a new daughter-in-law if Cooper and Ariana have their way. Unlike Yellowstone‘s Duttons, who were devastated by tragedy, dwindled, and broke apart, the Norris family just keeps growing in Landman, for the better.