Landman Season 2: Ali Larter Responds to Backlash — “Objectify Me?” Sheridan’s Bold Move Sparks Debate

Landman Season 2 has ignited major conversation — and not just for its high-stakes oil industry drama or explosive plot twists. The spotlight has turned sharply toward Ali Larter, whose character, oil publicist Carly West, has stirred intense online backlash from some viewers accusing the show of objectifying her character and relying on “old-school tropes.” Now, Ali Larter is speaking out, and she’s not holding back.

The backlash centers around several scenes in the first three episodes of Season 2, where Carly appears in stylized, sensual moments — silk robes, tight skirts, slow-motion entrances — scenes some say play more to the male gaze than to her character’s professional power. But Larter’s response? “You’re missing the point.”

The Scene That Sparked the Fire

In Episode 2, Carly walks through a Midland gala in a backless designer gown, every head turning as she approaches the stage to deliver a sharp-tongued speech to the oil elite. The camera lingers — perhaps too long — on her figure, which many viewers criticized as “needless glamorization.”

Online forums quickly filled with posts ranging from disappointed to outraged:

@TVJustice: “Why is Landman trying to tell me she’s smart while filming her like a Bond girl?”

@StoryOverSkin: “Ali Larter deserves better than this. Give Carly some clothes and character development.”

Ali Larter Claps Back

During a press roundtable this week, Larter directly addressed the criticism. Her response? Measured, clear, and loaded with insight:

“I read every word of the script. I knew what Carly was walking into, and I embraced it. She’s weaponized her image — she uses beauty and confidence as tools. That’s not objectification. That’s strategy.”

She went on to say:

“We can’t claim we want strong women on screen and then shame them for using power in all its forms — including femininity.”

Sheridan’s Vision: Empowerment or Exploitation?

Much of the debate also surrounds showrunner Taylor Sheridan, known for writing complex, powerful women — but also for occasionally toeing the line between strength and sexualization (see: Yellowstone’s Beth Dutton or Mayor of Kingstown’s Iris). In Landman, Carly West is pitched as a media-savvy corporate fixer — a woman who brokers deals behind closed doors and isn’t afraid to play hardball.

Sheridan reportedly told Larter during development:

“I want her to be dangerous — not with a gun, but with presence.”

Whether that “presence” should include seductive wardrobe, slow-motion shots, or breathy dialogue is where viewers are divided.

Critics and Defenders Speak Out

Not all responses have been negative. In fact, many fans — especially women — have praised Carly’s unapologetic use of image and influence.

@PowerInHeels: “Carly West is using the tools the patriarchy handed her — and flipping the script.”

@DramaInTexas: “Ali Larter is playing the game in stilettos. And winning. Sorry it makes you uncomfortable.”

Critics, however, continue to argue that too much attention is being placed on Carly’s appearance rather than her impact.

@WriterTruth: “You don’t need a backless dress to command a room. Give her more dimension.”

Larter’s Career Context Matters

Ali Larter has been in the public eye for decades — from Varsity Blues to Final Destination, and Heroes. She’s no stranger to being framed as a blonde bombshell — and she’s spent years pushing back against that image.

In this role, she insists, she’s not being reduced. She’s reclaiming.

“I’m not twenty anymore. I’m forty-eight. And here I am — not hiding, not apologizing, and not dulling myself to make anyone comfortable.”

“If a woman uses her looks while taking down billion-dollar deals — that’s not weakness. That’s fire.”

Where the Story Goes Next

Fans wondering if Carly West will be more than just glam and grit will be relieved to know: yes, she will.

Episode 4 (teased in next week’s promo) reportedly shows Carly exposing a fraudulent drilling operation, facing off with executives, and burning a key alliance — all while maintaining that high-gloss edge.

Behind the scenes, Sheridan has promised Carly will be central to the moral unraveling of Season 2:

“She’s not the moral compass. She’s the mirror. And she’s going to force everyone — especially the men — to see who they really are.”

Fanbase Split But Talking

The real takeaway? Landman Season 2 may have caused controversy, but it’s also done what great drama should: spark discussion. Larter’s Carly West is making viewers question what power looks like, what feminism allows, and who gets to define strength.

@FemmeFrame: “You can’t say women are free to be anything — and then punish them for being sexy.”

@ViewersUnited: “We’ve seen this before. Sheridan needs to prove Carly’s not just eye candy in boots.”

Final Thoughts: Objectification or Ownership?

The Landman debate isn’t really about a dress, a camera angle, or even a gala walk. It’s about how women are allowed to show up in stories — and who gets to decide what’s empowering.

Ali Larter has made it clear: She chose this role, she owns it, and she’s not asking for permission.

And as for Carly West? She’s just getting started.