Landman’s Cooper & Ariana Story Arc: Inevitable Yet Better Suited for Season 2

The relationship between Cooper Norris (portrayed by Jacob Lofland) and Ariana (played by Paulina Chávez) in Landman has generated much conversation among fans, particularly regarding its timing. As the narrative unfolds, it’s evident that while their bond was inevitable, it may have been wiser for their romance to be postponed until the second season. Their emotional connection has been intensifying since the tragic passing of Ariana’s husband, Elvio Medina (Alejandro Akara), alongside several others in a catastrophic oil rig incident. At first, Ariana appreciated Cooper’s ability to bring laughter back into her life, and he lent a helping hand around her home, assisting with chores and financial matters. By the conclusion of episode 7, however, their relationship had taken a more profound turn.

Cooper’s emerging romance with Ariana has not been without complications. In episode 5, tensions peaked when Cooper was attacked by a group of Elvio’s friends, leaving him injured and hospitalized. This incident prompted an eye-opening moment for Ariana as she visited Cooper in the hospital, where she met his family for the first time. Subsequently, Cooper’s decision to recuperate at Ariana’s home instead of his own deepened their budding relationship. The swift progression of their connection, filled with sudden developments, feels rushed and out of sync with their respective emotional states.

Cooper & Ariana Share a Kiss in Episode 7

A Comforting Connection: Cooper Stays at Ariana’s

Cooper Norris (Jacob Lofland) and Ariana (Paulina Chavez) laying next to each other in bed in Landman episode 7

After much anticipation, Cooper and Ariana finally shared a kiss in episode 7. Their previous kiss had been more of a playful jab at Manuel (J.R. Villareal), whereas this kiss marked a genuine moment of intimacy. Demonstrating his considerate nature, Cooper invited Ariana to take the bed while he rested on the couch, leading to a night of cuddling. Their morning kiss, however, was promptly interrupted by the arrival of Rebecca (Kayla Wallace) and Nathan (Colm Feore). In a somewhat jarring moment, Rebecca commented on Ariana’s swift transition from mourning, highlighting the complexity of her emotional landscape.

The Case for Patience: Why Their Romance Needed More Time

Navigating Grief: The Underlying Issues

While Landman has been gradually introducing romantic tension between Cooper and Ariana throughout the episodes, it appears that the relationship’s timing was premature. Their connection stems from shared trauma—Ariana’s loss of her husband and Cooper’s horrific experience of witnessing death. Their challenges continued with Manuel’s violent encounter and the pressure on Ariana to make life-altering decisions. This pattern of reliance on each other’s grief as the foundation of their relationship suggests the need for a more deliberate approach.

The interruption by Rebecca and Nathan provides a critical opportunity for both characters to pause and reflect on their emotions, ensuring they can navigate their grief before diving into a romantic commitment.

Given the tumultuous experiences that have defined their time together, a more gradual approach to their relationship would allow for deeper emotional understanding. If given the chance to develop their friendship first, Cooper and Ariana may realize their mutual attraction more organically. However, their swift connection only a week or two after their initial meeting raises concerns about the depth of their bond.

To foster a healthier dynamic, it’s imperative that Cooper and Ariana refrain from fully committing to a romantic relationship at this stage. Fortunately, Landman has the potential to tone down the immediacy of their connection, allowing them to process their grief adequately. This strategy would not only serve the characters well but would also set the stage for a more stable and enriching relationship in season 2. Such a move would likely keep audiences engaged, as many fans are curious to see how Cooper and Ariana’s relationship unfolds over time.

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