A powerful reminder that it takes more than one kind of energy to power the world
A recent clip from the Paramount+ series Landman has gone viral for all the right reasons. In it, Billy Bob Thornton—playing oil executive Tommy Norris—delivers one of the most gripping monologues on television in recent memory. It’s not just good writing or strong acting; it’s an unapologetic reflection of something many Americans feel but rarely see portrayed: energy is complex, and all sources matter.
As someone who identifies as politically independent and supports an “all of the above” energy strategy, I found the monologue both powerful and challenging. It sparked agreement in some areas and pushed back in others—which is exactly what good storytelling should do.
What the Monologue Gets Right
1. Every Energy Source Has a Footprint
One of the most striking parts of the speech is when Thornton’s character outlines what it actually takes to build a wind turbine:
“It’s built using equipment made from petroleum, transported by diesel trucks, installed by machines running on oil, and maintained with gear that wouldn’t exist without hydrocarbons.”
That’s a truth we often overlook in public discussions. The same is true for solar panels and electric vehicles. While their output may be “clean,” the equipment that makes them possible is built using rare earth materials, petrochemicals, plastics, and global shipping networks, all of which are energy-intensive. Clean energy isn’t magically detached from traditional energy—it’s built on top of it.
2. It’s Not Fossil vs. Green—It’s Fossil and Green
The monologue smartly pushes back on the notion that we can abruptly “switch off” fossil fuels. Oil, gas, and coal are still the foundation of how we heat homes, power industry, and move goods. But that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t innovate. The point is: energy transition is a journey, not a flip of a switch.
3. Real People Are at the Heart of This
One thing the show gets absolutely right is its human focus. Energy isn’t just policy or carbon charts—it’s people. Workers in the fossil fuel industry often feel vilified or erased in conversations about climate policy. Thornton’s monologue gives voice to those workers, reminding us that behind every power line or fuel truck is a community that relies on those jobs.
Where the Monologue Needs Balance
1. It Downplays the Climate Crisis
While the speech makes valid points about our current dependence on hydrocarbons, it does so at the risk of minimizing the urgency of climate change. The need to reduce carbon emissions and invest in long-term sustainability isn’t just idealism – it’s supported by science, economics, and global security interests. The monologue could have acknowledged that nuance more directly.
2. It Overlooks Progress in Renewables
Thornton’s character paints renewables as dependent and fragile, but the clean energy sector is rapidly evolving. Battery technologies, offshore wind, utility-scale solar, and even nuclear microgrids are all pushing forward. There’s tremendous progress being made that deserves to be part of the story.
3. More Focus on Solutions Would Strengthen the Message
While the monologue is compelling in its critique, it could be stronger if it offered more constructive policy proposals or compromises – such as incentivizing hybrid energy models, investing in carbon capture, or supporting just transitions for fossil fuel workers. Raising awareness is a great first step, but proposing ideas builds momentum.
Final Thoughts
Billy Bob Thornton’s monologue in Landman resonates because it reflects something we all instinctively know: it takes multiple sources to power the world. There is no single, perfect energy solution. Fossil fuels aren’t going away overnight, and renewables aren’t capable of taking over entirely – yet. The path forward lies in pragmatic thinking, respectful debate, and incremental progress.
The monologue may tilt a bit toward defending fossil fuels, but it also reminds us that energy isn’t just science- it’s society. It’s jobs, logistics, infrastructure, and innovation, all woven together.
In that way, Landman doesn’t end the conversation. It deepens it. And for that reason, I believe the monologue deserves the attention – and the thoughtful reflection – it’s now receiving. Thanks David for sharing the story and link. Remember folks, comments, feedback and suggestions are always encouraged.
Here’s the clip, enjoy the show. https://tinyurl.com/4enkhef9
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