Season 2, Episode 7 of Landman, titled “Forever Is an Instant,” which premiered on Paramount+ on December 28, has quickly earned a reputation as the most outrageous, chaotic, and sexually charged episode of the series so far. While the hour ultimately closes on a surprisingly tender romantic proposal, the path it takes to get there is anything but conventional. From shocking visual gags to wildly unfiltered dialogue, this episode leans fully into excess, pushing the boundaries of what viewers might have expected even from a show already known for its bold tone.
The episode opens in a way that immediately sets the mood, and not subtly. Tommy, played by Billy Bob Thornton, wakes up in a hotel room in a state that can only be described as aggressively unguarded. What follows is a jaw-dropping opening scene that includes bodily noises, an unblurred full-frontal shot, and a deeply uncomfortable interaction with a room service waitress, portrayed by Ana Ming Bostwick-Singer. The moment is deliberately chaotic, clearly designed to shock, and it succeeds. Tommy appears entirely unaware of the psychological damage he is inflicting on the poor employee, who understandably looks as though she might flee at any second.
The humor in the scene comes from its sheer audacity. Tommy makes no effort to roll over, cover himself, or otherwise make the situation less horrifying. Instead, he carries on the conversation as if nothing unusual is happening, leaving the audience oscillating between disbelief and laughter. His now-infamous line about not wanting his omelet messed with feels so surreal in context that it almost seems hallucinatory. The scene concludes with yet another lingering visual that leaves no doubt this episode is intent on leaning hard into its most provocative impulses.
From there, the episode maintains its aggressively horny energy. The tone barely settles before moving on to Rebecca, played by Kayla Wallace, who is visibly and unapologetically smitten with Charlie, portrayed by Guy Burnet. Rebecca’s usual guarded demeanor melts away, replaced by wide-eyed affection and overt romantic enthusiasm. Her expressions alone signal just how deep she’s fallen, and it’s genuinely surprising to see this side of her so fully exposed.
Charlie, for his part, launches into a lengthy monologue about geology and oil exploration, specifically the concept of “wildcatting.” While the subject matter could easily come across as dry, the writing elevates it into something almost poetic. Taylor Sheridan’s dialogue gives the speech a rhythm and weight that make it engaging, especially paired with Burnet’s confident delivery. The metaphor practically announces itself: just as Rebecca is taking risks drilling for oil, she’s also taking emotional risks by opening her heart to Charlie.
The episode circles back to Tommy with another revelation that’s equal parts absurd and disturbing. It’s implied that he deliberately had sex with an omelet purely to provoke Angela, played by Ali Larter. The sheer pettiness and commitment to chaos in this revelation is almost impressive, if deeply unsettling. It reinforces Tommy’s tendency to weaponize discomfort as a form of emotional expression.
Meanwhile, Dale, portrayed by James Jordan, unexpectedly reveals himself to be an exceptionally smooth talker. This side of his character feels like a surprise, adding another layer to the ensemble dynamics. His interactions provide a brief respite from the episode’s more extreme moments, though they still fit squarely within its heightened tone.
A more ominous thread emerges when Boss, played by Mustafa Speaks, begins talking about retirement. The conversation carries an unmistakable sense of foreshadowing, raising immediate concerns that something tragic may be on the horizon for his character. In a show that rarely shies away from sudden violence or loss, the implication hangs heavy in the air.
Adding to the episode’s unpredictability, T.L., portrayed by Sam Elliott, is shown urinating on a snake. The moment is treated casually, almost as a matter-of-fact survival tactic, and perfectly encapsulates the show’s willingness to veer into the bizarre without explanation. Later, T.L. offers Tommy some surprisingly heartfelt advice over lunch, encouraging him to slow down and appreciate life instead of remaining perpetually irritated. Given Tommy’s default state of annoyance, the advice feels both timely and quietly poignant.
Elsewhere, Angela and Ainsley, played by Ali Larter and Michelle Randolph respectively, seem to be engaged in a strange campaign against Cooper, portrayed by Jacob Lofland. They repeatedly insist that he smells bad, to the point that it begins to feel intentional and manipulative. The frequency and confidence with which they make the claim suggests there’s something more going on than simple concern for hygiene, leaving viewers to wonder whether Cooper is being subtly gaslit.
Nate, played by Colm Feore, demonstrates an almost supernatural level of intuition when he accurately deduces that Rebecca and Charlie are involved romantically. His reasoning appears flimsy at best, based largely on a naming convention, yet his conclusion is spot-on. The moment plays as both humorous and slightly uncanny, raising questions about whether Nate possesses an unexplained sixth sense.
Tension spikes during a car trip involving T.L., when for a brief moment it genuinely appears as though something terrible might happen to him. The scene is shot and paced in a way that invites fear, reminding viewers that even amid all the humor and absurdity, the show can pivot into danger without warning.
Back at the man camps, the episode takes another sharp turn into deeply uncomfortable territory. The environment is portrayed as chaotic, unsanitary, and morally questionable, prompting Tommy to remark that the entire place seems like a workplace violation waiting to happen. His assessment feels accurate, if understated. The behavior on display reinforces the sense that these camps operate under a different set of rules entirely.
Angela delivers one of the episode’s most memorably unhinged lines with her blunt declaration that someone can “eat it or fuck it,” expressing complete indifference either way. The line perfectly encapsulates her character’s unapologetic, no-filter personality and lands as both shocking and darkly funny.
Amid all the chaos, the episode does manage to carve out a few genuinely sweet moments. Tommy appears to take T.L.’s advice to heart, pausing to appreciate his family and the life he’s built. It’s a subtle shift, but one that feels earned after such an intense series of events. The contrast between Tommy’s earlier vulgarity and his later introspection adds depth to his character.
The episode builds toward its final act with Cooper’s elaborate romantic proposal. The logistics alone raise questions, particularly the seemingly endless supply of candles he uses to set the scene. The sheer number of open flames turns what should be a romantic gesture into a potential fire hazard, adding a layer of unintended tension. Still, despite the absurdity, the proposal itself is heartfelt and sincere.
When all is said and done, the proposal lands as genuinely sweet, offering a moment of emotional payoff after an hour of relentless provocation. Cooper’s effort and vulnerability shine through, providing a reminder that even in a show defined by excess, tenderness still has a place.
Overall, “Forever Is an Instant” stands out as one of Landman’s most unforgettable episodes. It’s unapologetically messy, frequently shocking, and often hilarious, blending crude humor with moments of genuine character development. Whether viewers loved or loathed its extremes, there’s no denying that the episode leaves a strong impression, cementing its place as the wildest chapter of the series to date.
