Ainsley Star Justifies “Stupid” Scene in Landman Season 1 Episode 10

Although the first season of Landman has concluded, discussions about its controversial strip club scene in Episode 10 remain fervent among fans. Michelle Randolph, who portrays Ainsley, has offered a fresh perspective on this contentious storyline. (Spoiler Alert: The following content contains major plot revelations!)

The finale of Season 1 was packed with dramatic twists: Monty met his tragic end, Tommy faced harsh torture at the hands of the cartel, and Cooper ventured deeper into the realm of the oil industry. Amidst these darker elements, Ainsley and Angela orchestrated an unexpected outing for their elderly friends from the retirement home.

The central plot involved taking the seniors to a strip club. In a bold move, Ainsley persuaded her boyfriend, Ryder, to entertain the elderly ladies with a performance. This left him feeling quite vulnerable, donning minimal clothing while the seniors reveled in the experience, celebrating their newfound freedom.

This scene sparked a mixed response from viewers, mainly due to concerns surrounding the portrayal of Ainsley and the hyper-sexualization associated with her teen character and her romantic interests. For many, this moment served as yet another uncomfortable instance in a series full of them.

Michelle Randolph Calls the Scene “Special”

Viewer reactions were swift and intense, with many labeling the sequence excessive and inappropriate given the characters’ ages.

One fan vocalized their discomfort on Reddit, stating, “The way Ainsley acts is very cringy and the way she leverages him is gross. I’m assuming they are both supposed to be 17, so why does she have the guy stripping in a strip club? She’s not even allowed in a strip club!”

Michelle Randolph as Ainsley in Landman — Paramount

Another viewer voiced a desire for a shift in storytelling focus for any potential Season 2, asserting, “It needs to concentrate on Tommy and the son. No more old folks home, strip club storylines. It’s stupid.” A third fan bluntly referred to the plotline as “a stupid f**king plotline.”

Despite the backlash, Randolph’s initial reaction to the script was one of surprise and appreciation.

“I just wasn’t expecting it at all, but it’s a really special storyline,” she shared with Deadline. “I think it just gave them a purpose in Midland and shows that there’s more to them than what the audience initially thinks.”

Landman Episode 7 recap: Angela and Ainsley sit at a table with party hats — Paramount

Randolph expressed her admiration for her character’s relationship with the seniors, saying, “I love that Angela is so obsessed with her old folks. It’s her passion now.”

Interestingly, this scene led Randolph to connect with Taylor Sheridan’s wife, who actively volunteers at the same retirement home used during filming. “I went with her and played some games. That was cool to experience before filming those scenes,” she highlighted.

For those eager to catch up, all episodes of Landman are now available for streaming on Paramount+. Additionally, fans can stay updated on related content such as 1944, 6666, and The Madison, along with information about other upcoming Taylor Sheridan projects.

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