Landman Defends Ali Larter and Michelle Randolph Against Critics of Their Bold Outfits
Taylor Sheridan’s Landman cleverly addresses prior critiques regarding the revealing outfits donned by Ali Larter and Michelle Randolph on the show.
In the episode aired on Sunday, December 21, Tommy (Billy Bob Thornton) notices his ex-wife, Angela (Larter), parading around in their shared home wearing a shirt that barely conceals her bright yellow bra.
“Could you please put on some clothes before coming downstairs?” he asked Angela, to which she responded, “Oh, does my body bother you?”
Tommy explained that it didn’t specifically “bother” him, adding, “But there are others around.” Angela then turned to Tommy’s father (portrayed by Sam Elliott) to see if he minded her outfit, which he did not.
“I give up. I love you both, and there’s nothing I can do about it,” Tommy said as their daughter Ainsley (Randolph) walked in wearing a similar ensemble. “I f***ing surrender.”
In Landman, which debuted on Paramount+ in November 2024, Thornton plays a corporate fixer for an oil magnate (Jon Hamm). The drama set in West Texas has high-stakes scenarios, but it’s Thornton’s interactions with Randolph, portraying his 17-year-old daughter, that went viral, especially moments where she discusses her dating rules while wandering around in bikinis and underwear with her father and two other young men.
“I worked with a dialect coach, a movement coach, and an acting coach, and I studied intensely. I had nearly a year to prepare for her,” Randolph, 28, shared with The Hollywood Reporter in December 2024 regarding her portrayal of Ainsley. “It was immensely helpful to immerse myself in that character. I dedicated a lot of effort to explore ways to validate her actions and create a fully fleshed-out person, even if what she says may seem unconventional for a 17-year-old. But such individuals do exist.”
Initially introduced in Sheridan’s 1923 series, Randolph remarked that Landman “needed ten times more preparation” for her role.
“I wanted to ensure Ainsley was portrayed thoughtfully. There’s a limit to what I can control, but as an actor, I also wield a lot of influence,” she explained. “Being alongside Ali [Larter], Billy [Bob Thornton], and Jacob [Lofland] in Texas really helped shape Ainsley into a complete character. She has a free-spirited nature and is wild, which I cherished every moment of.”
Randolph encouraged viewers to allow Ainsley the opportunity to grow, stating, “She’s 17 and evolving. I believe she understands more than the audience gets to witness. There are instances where she can be, not manipulative, but she knows how to play her dad and her mom. She knows how to get what she wants. She loves her family.”
She concluded: “She is discovering who she is, making new friends, and attending school. She’s not merely the spoiled young daughter; she is a person. We are only seeing a fraction of who Ainsley really is. As the show progresses, I hope we will uncover more of her character.”
Randolph recognized that Landman viewers often found her character Ainsley’s actions perplexing, but she has no regrets about her portrayal.
“It’s challenging not to notice it,” she explained. “However, I try to dissociate, and ultimately, I received the script, read it, and formed my own reactions.”
Randolph acknowledged that Ainsley’s behavior could indeed be bewildering. “Some of the lines Ainsley delivers are shocking, and there were times when I thought, ‘I’m not sure how to execute this,’” she admitted. “My goal is to present the most human version of this character, and I strive hard to achieve that.”
In spite of the online backlash, Randolph emphasized that she adhered strictly to the script.
“My role concluded when I wrapped my final day on set, and I released it. The show then premiered,” she said. “I can’t dictate how viewers interpret my character, but at least it’s igniting discussions. And I take great pride in the show we created.”
New episodes of Landman can be watched on Sundays via Paramount+
