Ali Larter opens up about ‘painful’ Landman season 2 scene

Ali Larter revealed the scene in Landman season 2 that tested her as an actress—and resonated deeply with viewers.

The 49-year-old stars as Angela, the fierce and devoted partner of Billy Bob Thornton’s Tommy, and a protective mother navigating the challenges of raising a daughter. 

In episode 9, Angela’s daughter, Ainsley (Michelle Randolph), heads off to cheer camp—a preview of her eventual college life—which leaves Angela confronting the emptiness of an empty nest.

“Episode 9 was a really painful episode for me to shoot,” Larter told People. “Angela feels like it’s a loss in her life… I’ve seen those ugly sobs among friends who are empty-nesters, and I had to channel that.” In the emotional scene, Angela cries in her car after watching Ainsley enter her dorm, capturing the heartache of a parent letting go.

The performance struck a chord with fans, Larter says. “I’ve been hearing from all these mamas… it made them emotional. Because that’s reality—raising these babies, then they start their life, and who are you without them?”

Larter also spoke candidly about the challenge of filming bikini scenes, calling them “tough in a weird way” due to insecurities and anxiety, but said the quiet, honest exchanges with Thornton remain her favorite moments on set.

Landman seasons 1 and 2 are streaming now on Paramount+.