As Landman approaches its highly anticipated Season 2 finale, fans are increasingly speculating about the fate of one of the show’s most emotionally resonant characters: T.L., portrayed by veteran actor Sam Elliott. With the finale ominously titled “Tragedy and Flies” and scheduled to air on January 18, many viewers are wondering whether the series is preparing to kill off T.L., continuing a pattern of shocking deaths that has already defined the show’s past.

Season 2 of Landman, which premiered in November 2025, introduced T.L. as the estranged father of Tommy Norris, played by Billy Bob Thornton. When audiences first met T.L., he was living in an assisted living facility, grappling with significant health issues that had limited his mobility and independence. His reentry into Tommy’s life came after years of emotional distance, setting the stage for one of the season’s most compelling and intimate storylines.

After leaving the assisted living facility, T.L. moved into Tommy’s home, a decision that allowed viewers to spend considerably more time with him. Since then, the series has repeatedly emphasized his physical decline. T.L. often relies on a wheelchair due to chronic problems with his knees and hip, and he has openly reflected on aging, mortality, and the slow erosion of his body. In one particularly tense episode, Tommy even briefly believed that his father had died after noticing him unresponsive during a nap, a moment that underscored how fragile T.L.’s condition truly is.

All of these elements have heightened anxiety surrounding the Season 2 finale. The episode title alone suggests something grim may be on the horizon, and longtime fans of Landman know that the show is not afraid to make bold, devastating choices. In Season 1, the series introduced Monty, portrayed by Jon Hamm, as a major character, only to kill him off by the end of the season. That unexpected death set a precedent, signaling that no character is entirely safe, regardless of star power or narrative importance.

Given that history, it is understandable why viewers are bracing themselves for the possibility that T.L. could meet a similar fate. The emotional weight of his storyline, combined with his declining health and philosophical musings about death, feels like it could be building toward a final goodbye. At the same time, there are conflicting signs that suggest T.L.’s story may not be nearing its end just yet.

Elliott, who is now 81, previously told ExtraTV that he was booked on Landman for two years. That revelation has sparked debate among fans. On one hand, it could mean that T.L. is not in immediate danger and will continue to play a role in the series beyond Season 2. On the other hand, it leaves room for interpretation. T.L. could die in the present timeline and still appear in future seasons through flashbacks, memories, or dream sequences, a storytelling device frequently used in Taylor Sheridan’s work.

Elliott’s relationship with Taylor Sheridan adds further complexity to the discussion. The two previously collaborated on 1883, where Elliott delivered another critically acclaimed performance. When asked about returning to work with Sheridan on Landman, Elliott spoke candidly about his approach to the role and his trust in the material.

Discussing T.L.’s storyline in an interview with Variety in November, Elliott explained that he does not approach scenes with a predetermined emotional outcome in mind. Instead, he allows the material to guide him naturally. He emphasized that when working with strong writing, there is no need to force emotion or aim for tears. The feelings emerge organically from the character and the situation.

Elliott also expressed deep appreciation for Sheridan’s writing, describing it as one of the great gifts of the project. He revealed that he spent a significant portion of Season 2 in tears, something he had not anticipated going in. Rather than feeling manipulative or overwrought, the emotional moments arose honestly from the story, reflecting the internal struggles of a man confronting the end of his life.

The actor has also spoken about how deeply he relates to T.L.’s journey on a personal level. Elliott has spent much of his own life connected to the outdoors, and he feels that Sheridan’s writing taps into that relationship with land, environment, and solitude. Those themes resonate strongly with him, even though Landman is not as physically rugged as 1883. For Elliott, the connection to the ground, to what comes out of it, and to the harshness of the environment is something that aligns closely with his own values.

Elliott has lived for decades on the western edge of Malibu with his wife, actress Katharine Ross, and their daughter, a choice he acknowledges may not have been the most practical for advancing his career in Hollywood. Yet it is a decision that reflects the same values embodied by T.L., a man drawn to open spaces, quiet reflection, and the natural world. That parallel has made it easier for Elliott to inhabit the character and understand his longing and weariness.

In discussing T.L.’s quiet moments, Elliott pointed to the image of an elderly man sitting in a wheelchair, watching the sun go down. He described how that image alone carries profound meaning, especially for someone at the end of their life. T.L. is drawn to the light, the dust, the heat, and even the harshness of the land. He talks about these elements early in the season, describing how the country can feel hostile all day long before offering something beautiful in return at sunset.

These reflections suggest that T.L.’s storyline is less about sudden shock and more about gradual acceptance. Whether or not the Season 2 finale ultimately kills off the character, his arc has already been deeply rooted in themes of aging, regret, reconciliation, and mortality. His relationship with Tommy, once fractured by absence and silence, has slowly begun to heal, adding emotional stakes to whatever outcome awaits.

As Landman moves toward its finale, the question of T.L.’s fate remains unanswered. The series has shown it is willing to make devastating choices, but it has also demonstrated a commitment to nuanced, character-driven storytelling. Whether T.L. survives, passes away, or continues to exist through memory, his presence has already left a lasting impact on the show. For now, fans can only wait until January 18 to see whether Landman delivers another shocking death — or chooses a quieter, more contemplative path forward.