The Sheridan Effect: How ‘Landman’s’ Subtle Jab at ‘The View’ Signals a New Era of TV Commentary
Taylor Sheridan isn’t just building a modern Western empire; he’s subtly reshaping how television engages with – and critiques – the cultural landscape. A recent scene in Landman, featuring a conversation between Tommy (Billy Bob Thornton) and T.L. (Sam Elliott), wasn’t about oil rights or land disputes. It was about daytime television, specifically, The View. And that seemingly minor exchange could be a harbinger of a significant shift in how creators use their platforms to voice opinions, potentially sparking a new wave of on-screen cultural commentary.
Beyond Subtext: Sheridan’s Direct Voice
Sheridan is known for embedding his perspectives into his characters and narratives. Unlike many showrunners who maintain distance, he uniquely holds sole writing credit across his series – Yellowstone, 1883, 1923, and now Landman. This allows for a remarkably consistent and direct expression of his viewpoints. While not unprecedented, it’s rare in modern television. The scene in “The Pirate Dinner” exemplifies this, with Tommy dismissing The View as “a bunch of pissed-off millionaires bitching about how much they hate millionaires.” It’s a pointed, if somewhat cynical, observation.
Why Daytime TV? The Unexpected Target
The choice of The View as the target is particularly interesting. Pop culture critiques aren’t common amongst the blue-collar characters typically featured in Sheridan’s work. The show, a staple of daytime television since 1997, represents a specific segment of the media landscape – one often focused on political and social commentary. Tommy’s father, T.L.,’s ignorance of the show highlights a cultural divide, suggesting a disconnect between those immersed in the world of hard work and those engaged in the often-heated debates of daytime talk.
The Ripple Effect: Media Grudges and Competitive Landscapes
The timing of this on-screen critique isn’t accidental. The media world itself is rife with internal dynamics. Bari Weiss, the new head of CBS News, reportedly holds a long-standing grudge against The View after being passed over for a hosting role years ago. Rumors suggest she’s planning a competing daytime show for CBS. While Sheridan’s writing likely predates any direct influence from these developments, the context adds another layer of intrigue. It suggests a broader trend of media personalities and creators using their platforms to settle scores or stake out new territory.
The Future of On-Screen Commentary: A New Normal?
This isn’t simply about a TV show referencing another. It’s about a creator deliberately inserting a pointed opinion into his narrative. This approach could become more common as creators seek to connect with audiences on a deeper level, offering not just entertainment but also a reflection of their own values and beliefs. We may see more shows directly addressing current events, political figures, or other media personalities. The line between entertainment and commentary is already blurring, and Landman’s subtle jab at The View could be an early sign of this trend accelerating.
The Potential for Backlash and Response
The question now is whether The View will respond. Billy Bob Thornton’s previous appearance on the show to promote Landman provides a pre-existing connection. A playful exchange could generate publicity for both programs. However, given the often-polarized nature of the topics discussed on The View, a more pointed response is also possible. The situation highlights the risks and rewards of injecting personal opinions into creative work.
Beyond ‘The View’: What’s Next for Sheridan’s Commentary?
Will Sheridan continue to use Landman as a platform for cultural critique? Will he target other daytime staples like The Kitchen or The Price Is Right? The show’s confirmed Season 3 suggests ample opportunity for further exploration. The success of this approach will likely depend on how skillfully Sheridan balances entertainment with commentary, avoiding heavy-handedness and maintaining the authenticity that has defined his work. The key will be to continue offering insightful observations without alienating his audience.
As streaming services continue to compete for viewers, expect more creators to take risks and push boundaries. The Sheridan effect – the deliberate and direct expression of personal viewpoints through character dialogue and narrative – could become a defining characteristic of the next generation of television. What are your predictions for how this trend will evolve? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
