Landman co-creator Christian Wallace has weighed in on Tommy’s new role after season 1’s finale shocker may have changed the course of his career. Landman season 1 ended with Tommy (Billy Bob Thornton) being promoted to President of the oil company following Monty’s (Jon Hamm) heart attack complications. The episode finished with the shocking revelation that Monty is dead, meaning the protagonist has now become the head of the oil company. This has important implications for the series’ future, and where its story could go in a possible season 2.

Speaking with TV Insider, Wallace explained how the differences between Tommy and Monty mean Landman could see him approaching the job in a different way. The co-creator explained how it’s a “fascinating space” for the main character to venture into, saying that a lack of seeing him in Monty’s element means there’s no way of knowing how he’ll handle himself. Even so, it will provide an interesting continuation to see him adjusting to the new role. Check out what Wallace had to say below:

I think that that is to be seen. He’s very good at being this managerial person and kind of a mid-level tier out in the field working closely with the rig hands and the roustabouts and the guys in the patch. We haven’t really seen him in the boardroom that much and at the fancy dinners. There is a difference between Monty and Tommy. And so that is, again, a fascinating space for Tommy to have to navigate, especially since he’s been out kind of scraping by Midland and Odessa for the last decade-plus.

What Wallace’s Statement Means For Tommy’s Future In Landman
He’s Going To Have His Work Cut Out For Him

Out of all the major characters in Landman working with the oil company, Tommy has been the one who’s spent the most time on the field, dealing with tangible issues on the oilfield. It’s a far cry from the scenes featuring Monty, which include land deals and fancy dinners, navigating the business landscape in a very different way. The main character’s no-nonsense attitude and hands-on approach is very different from that world, something that will make his approach very different as he takes on his new position.

Depending on how he goes about fitting into his new presidential role, he could end up feeling out of place as leader of the company. Tommy’s also now connected to cartel member Galino (Andy García), who wants to keep the peace between both parties. It’s unclear if he’ll be able to do that if he becomes President, leaving someone else as landman, the change in leadership possibly leading to renewed tensions. Since Landman season 2 hasn’t been confirmed yet, though, it’s unclear if he’ll even accept a leadership position in the first place.

Our Take On Tommy Becoming The Oil Company’s President
Landman Can Explore A More Fish-Out-Of-Water Story

Since Tommy’s so used to his hands-on role in the company, it only makes sense for Landman season 2 to explore how difficult he finds a more business-oriented approach to his work. While he’s demonstrated his business intelligence throughout season 1, his attitude and comfort with the new role will define just how well he’s able to fill Monty’s shoes. A follow-up could prove interesting as he tries to adjust, perhaps revealing where his place in the business has really been this whole time.