Landman is easily one of the best shows streaming today, and not just because it’s co-created by Taylor Sheridan with Christian Wallace. The oil industry saga doesn’t just feature a gritty, realistic portrayal of the West Texas oil industry, but it’s also firmly rooted in commercial behind-the-scenes stressors and anchored by Billy Bob Thornton’s charismatic portrayal of landman Tommy Norris.

In addition to the neo-Western’s intriguing list of deeply complex, flawed characters, who each appeal to us in different ways, Landman hits us with a witty, fast-paced, high-stakes drama fueled by a volatile mix of big money and relentless impending danger. There are so many entertaining storylines to follow, it’s impossible to get bored with this show. While the first season gave just enough to grab viewer attention, it was Season 2 that really blew the show out of the water, proving its narrative is so good and full of unlimited potential, it could last forever.

What Is Taylor Sheridan’s ‘Landman’ About?

What you should know about Landman is that it’s a dusty neo-Western drama series based on the podcast Boomtown. The hit Paramount+ show highlights the chaos, dangers, and immense fortunes involved in the oil business. It doesn’t just focus on oil rig labor, either. Sheridan also gives us an elongated peek at the corporate battles playing out behind the scenes, as well as the effects on employees and their families, then he goes a step further and educates us on why the industry has been, is, and will continue to be crucial to our way of life.

Set within the oilfields of West Texas, the gritty modern-day neo-Western series follows Tommy Norris, an abrasive, no-nonsense M-Tex oil executive living the most stressful life on the planet, navigating a volatile industry that is busy reshaping the climate, along with economics and geopolitics. He negotiates risky land leases, acts as a corporate fixer, and manages the crises of the oil field — in addition to his broken and dysfunctional family.

Related

The 10 Greatest Western TV Shows of the Last 30 Years, Ranked According to IMDb

Saddle up for greatness.

Advertisement

In addition to Thornton, Ali Larter stars as Tommy’s wife Angela, 1923‘s Michelle Randolph as his daughter Ainsley, The Son’s Jacob Lofland as his son Cooper, and the inimitable Sam Elliott as his father, Thomas. Other important characters to know are Monty and Cami Miller (Jon Hamm and Demi Moore), M-Tex owners; Danny “Gallino” Morrell (Andy Garcia), head of a Cuban-American drug cartel who presents himself publicly as a legitimate financial investor; Rebecca Falcone (Kayla Wallace), vicious in-house counsel for M-Tex Oil; Ariana Medina (Paulina Chavez), Cooper’s love interest and the late wife of his former colleague; Dale Bradley (James Jordan), head petroleum engineer; and Nathan (Colm Feore), M-Tex Oil attorney and administrator. Crews on the rigs, interpersonal dynamics, sharp-tongued humor, cowboys, money, forbidden romances, and exceptional performances are just a few reasons why the hit neo-Western is so good.

‘Landman’ Season 2 Proves That the Neo-Western Could Last Forever

Where Season 1 saw more oil-field chaos, cartel tension, and that major Jon Hamm twist, Season 2 dished out a hefty dose of family dysfunction, nursing home antics, commercial collisions, and increased unpredictability in Tommy’s life. Season 2 also made an effortless pivot to Demi Moore, taking us much deeper into who she is not just as a wife, but also as a woman and business owner.

Now in a more active role as a high-stakes CEO, she’s driven by grief and the desire for control. She makes super-risky financial deals, ignores easy solutions, and firmly rejects bankruptcy to pursue high-risk strategies — all behind the back of her company’s right-hand man. In pushing aside the company’s traditional leadership, she’s only fueling her conflict with Tommy, and a callous moment at the end of the season awakens the true landman and unleashes the kraken. It’s a shocking twist proving the story’s endless potential, on top of everything else that went down in Season 2.

In seeing Tommy start his own company with his son, father, and other M-Tex employees, Landman’s Season 2 finale reset the series for a tense, no-holds-barred Season 3. Expect a high-stakes competition between Tommy and Cami, a likely deepening judgment from the community towards the Norris reputation as fixers, more of those dynamic family portrayals we love to bash on, and because Tommy brought Gallino in on his company to be an equal partner, expect the dangerous potential for conflict if anything at all goes wrong. Challenges, rivalries, drama, chaos, and more in-depth personal storylines await, making the Landman world feel like it could last forever.

Spoiler Alert: This list contains spoilers for House of David Season 2After already dominating Prime Video’s watchlists this year, House of David Season 2 was globally released on March 27. As the binge-worthy series returns to mass audiences, there is plenty more drama and romance to enjoy this season. Based on the life of King David (Michael Iskander), one of history’s most beloved and influential leaders, the biblical biopic proves again why it is must-watch TV.

The writing in the House of David is spectacular, and Season 2 has some very rewarding full-circle moments that fans of Season 1 will enjoy. New, dynamic characters are introduced in this season as well, including Lyna Dubarry as a healer named Sara, and Joy Rieger as the independent and tenacious Dina. Whether you enjoy these full-circle moments in the overarching storyline or appreciate the capsule plots that begin and end in Season 2, House of David has plenty to offer everyone this season.

Doeg Is Punished

Image via Prime Video

Doeg the Edomite (Ashraf Barhom) is an unsavory character who has committed several cruelties throughout the series. From torturing and killing animals to torturing and killing people, it seems there is nothing he won’t do to serve King Saul (Ali Suliman) and his own selfish motives. Played expertly by Barhom, Doeg has become an adversary viewers love to hate.

Doeg’s treachery is dialed up even further in Season 2 as he informs the Philistines that David and his men are coming, sending them to certain peril, and slaughtering an entire camp of innocent priests at Nob. Though several characters express that they don’t trust Doeg, including Saul himself, no one seems to keep him in check. That is, until he goes directly up against Samuel (Stephen Lang). Samuel is a prominent prophet and has God’s power on his side, so contending with him is a fool’s errand. Doeg, ever eager to dismantle things that are whole and cause pain and suffering, thinks he has the upper hand, but he is the one left in agony. As Doeg suffers a similar mental torment to the one Saul wrestled with for much of Season 1, it is a fitting punishment for a vicious villain.

Samuel Emotionally Separates Himself From Saul

Image via Amazon/MGM Studios/Courtesy Everett Collection

Samuel and Saul have had a father-son or mentor-mentee relationship for most of Saul’s life. Samuel was the prophet who anointed Saul as the first king of Israel and had great joy watching him win many victories. However, as Saul became greedy, vain, and self-righteous, he drifted from obedience and humility. After God chooses another to sit on the throne and be king, Samuel risks his own life by anointing David.

Stephen Lang is perfect as Samuel. He captures the inner struggle of a mentor having to watch someone he cares about make horrible decisions and degrade into a much lessened version of themselves. An awesome moment comes in Episode 4, “Road to Attonement”, where Saul tries to threaten and influence Samuel at a public religious ceremony. Samuel stares Saul straight in the eyes and proclaims, “Saul, I do not fear you. I do not serve you. This altar is for priests, not kings.”

However, the final blow would come in Episode 8, “The Truth Revealed,” when Samuel blocks the path as Saul and his army try to pursue David to Nob. Samuel draws a line in the sand and will not allow Saul and his army to pass. As Saul and his men are struck with mental afflictions, Samuel and Saul exchange words and prophecies. Samuel looks on at Saul, seeing what is in his heart and mind, and says, “Darkness has prevailed. You have become what you have become, and I will no longer mourn for you.” This final separation between Samuel and Saul is a tragic but essential end for their relationship. Saul has become a completely different and corrupt person from the one Samuel knew and loved. Samuel letting go of any hope for Saul’s change of heart solidifies that events are running their course exactly as God told Samuel they would.

Queen Ahinoam Is Exiled

Image via Jonathan Prime/Amazon/MGM Studios/Courtesy Everett Collection

Ayelet Zurer is an extremely talented actor who plays strong, confident women well (Marvel fans will recognize her from her role as Vanessa Fisk in the Daredevil TV series). Zurer is captivating as Queen Ahinoam, the smart, conniving, and manipulative figure who always tries to stay a step ahead of the shifting power that comes with ruling a kingdom. Ahinoam has made several bold moves throughout the series, like exiling her son Eshbaal (Sam Otto) when he disgraced the family and sending David on a suicide mission when she sees him as a threat to her husband’s rule.

The one area where Ahinoam seemed to feel fairly secure was the reliance and devotion of her husband, King Saul, to her. In Season 2, as marital discord begins to develop between them, Saul makes their servant Kazia (Inbar Saban) his concubine. Kazia is an ambitious opportunist and seizes the chance to work her way up the social ladder.

Tensions come to a tipping point when Saul lets Kazia attend a feast for Jonathan (Ethan Kai) and his new wife, Sara (Lyna Dubarry), as a guest. Kazia makes an audacious move and shows up to the event wearing a necklace that used to belong to the queen. After the embarrassing and brash incident, Ahinoam and Saul have a heated argument and finally get their suspicions, doubts, and anger toward one another out in the open. After being pushed too far, Saul, unhinged as always, literally grabs Ahinoam by the hair and throws her out onto the street.

This is undoubtedly one of the more shocking plot twists of Season 2 and is a defining moment for Ahinoam. As she has spent the better part of her life manipulating and positioning herself for power and control, she becomes the one who is ultimately undone by another scheming woman. As Eshbaal helps her off the ground and embraces her, he delivers a bitter and parting blow, whispering in her ear, “Now you know how it feels… to be betrayed by those who claim to love you.”

Mirab Proves She Is Her Mother’s Daughter

Image via Prime Video

Advertisement

Ahinoam is not only a clever and discerning queen, but an instructive and concerned mother as well. She shares a special bond with her daughter Mirab (Yali Topol Margalith), and a poignant scene comes in Season 2 when Ahinoam instructs Mirab on how to navigate her own path through political spheres. She instructs her daughter to be strong, tough, and have no time for tears.

When the queen is banished, Mirab feels the separation exceedingly. Her mother was her closest confidant, and having her gone leaves a vacuum. It is a heartbreaking moment. Ahinoam, outside the palace, looks at her daughter and reminds her to be strong, keep her chin up, and not to cry, all without saying any words, and Mirab takes this final piece of advice to heart.

At Mychal’s (Indy Lewis) and David’s wedding, Mirab gets her first chance to fill her mother’s shoes. Setting her personal feelings aside (after a failed attempt to manipulate David into marrying her instead), Mirab is present for her sister. Later, after witnessing Eshbaal murdering his wife Dina, she is forced to make a decision about whose side she is going to be on as the family descends into chaos. Again, Mirab is there for Mychal when the truth about David finally comes to light, and he flees after Saul tries to kill him. Mirab is every bit her mother’s daughter. With Ahinoam exiled, Mirab has become the one in the palace who is always plotting the next most advantageous course of action.

David Writes a Note to Mychal (After Their Wedding)

Image via Prime Video

In Season 1, Mychal teaches David how to read. It is a perfect bonding opportunity for them as they get to share their thoughts, favorite scriptures, and spend quality time together. It serves as a subtle status reminder as well, that David is a humble shepherd boy and Mychal is a princess. Though David develops strong feelings for Mychal, it seems impossible to hope that they could ever be married. A full-circle moment that symbolizes their relationship’s past and future happens in Season 2 when David writes a note to Mychal.

Sadly, the note has to be delivered to her by Jonathan because David is hiding for his life. This moment is simultaneously tragic and rewarding. It is a reminder of how they first came to fall in love with each other, but it also comes as their relationship has been launched into sudden turmoil. Mychal is understandably confused and hurt when she finds out that David is the person Samuel anointed to be the next king. Feeling betrayed, she chooses to stay behind in the palace and not go on the run with David. David writing a secret note to her is instantly a symbol of how far they’ve come and the long road they still have in front of them.

Eliab Pledges Allegiance to David

Image via Prime Video

Eliab (Davood Ghadami) is David’s eldest brother. The two have a strained relationship as they are only half-brothers, and Eliab never approved of David’s mother. Their relationship gets further complicated because not only is Eliab not chosen to be the next king as the first of his father’s house, but he must now serve and protect David, whose anointing puts their whole family in peril.

Throughout the series, Eliab has saved David’s life many times (even taking an arrow for him), but he has also been frustrated, fearful, and angry about David’s position. Eliab had doubts about whether David was fit to be king or even a commander of the army. In the very last episode of Season 2, Eliab gets some advice from their father Jesse (Louis Ferreira) and some time to reflect and ask for God’s direction. As the episode draws to a conclusion, a powerful scene happens when Eliab and Joab (Aury Alby) show up with a group of soldiers. Instead of capturing David, they pay homage to him and take a knee, showing their loyalty lies with him as the true king. It is a terrific full-circle moment for Eliab, who finally appears to be on board.

David Becomes the Commander He Was Meant To Be

Image via Prime Video

At the beginning of Season 2, David has seemingly proved himself as the best of Saul’s warriors. After all, he was the only person who dared to fight the giant Goliath (Martyn Ford) and was victorious at the end of Season 1. However, Goliath’s defeat was a supernatural victory for David, and he never would have achieved it without God’s help.

David is a simple shepherd boy and has never seen battle. A grateful Saul, wishing to honor David, appoints him as commander of his troops. This is a shock for everyone, including David. He does not even know how to fight or hold a sword. His first few attempts at leadership are disastrous, and Eliab does not make things any better by blatantly refusing to obey him on more than one occasion. As David feels the weight of being responsible for other men’s lives, he cries out to God in the Episode “Road to Atonement.” This moment is pivotal as his men get to see a humbled side of David, and that his heart is after God, not his own glory.

When David tells Saul he cannot marry Mirab because he loves Mychal and wants to marry her, Queen Ahinoam uses the opportunity to send David on a suicide mission. David is tasked with killing 100 Philistines and bringing back a bloody token of his success. When the Philistines are clued in to David’s attack, it turns into an ambush that they are not likely to survive. David, showing his improving skills in battle, instructs his men to pile explosive jars near the door and tells them to run to safety because it is he alone the Philistines are after. Despite all the odds stacked against them, David and his men are successful, and he kills not 100 but 200 Philistines. Saul is left speechless, and David finally gets to marry Mychal.

David has come on a long journey since Season 1. From an outcast in his own family and an overlooked shepherd, to the husband of a princess and a confident commander of soldiers. As Season 2 ends with David’s life in jeopardy and Saul out for his blood, his character arc will undoubtedly be thrilling to watch as the series goes on. Hopefully, House of David Season 3 will be confirmed soon, and viewers can look forward to many more full-circle moments in this riveting drama.

Advertisement

House of David

Advertisement

Release Date

February 27, 2025

Network

Advertisement

Prime Video, Wonder Project

Directors

Jeff T. Thomas, Jon Gunn, Jon Erwin, Lynsey Miller

Advertisement

Writers

Jon Erwin, Jon Gunn, Jonathan Walker, Bekah Hubbell, Nathan Andrew Jacobs, Laura Kenar, N.D. Wilson

Advertisement

• 
• 

  Alexander Uloom

  Advertisement

  King Achish

Advertisement

Advertisement

Queen Elizabeth II reportedly had private reservations before Prince Harry‘s wedding to Meghan Markle, suggesting a more cautious approach despite supporting the couple.

Tensions reportedly arose over Meghan’s wedding dress, veil, and even a pre-wedding vegan dish, though she later praised the Queen’s leadership and warmth.

Meanwhile, Prince Harry and Meghan have strongly rejected claims in a forthcoming royal biography, dismissing it as “deranged conspiracy and melodrama.”

Queen Elizabeth II Allegedly Had Reservations About Meghan Markle And Prince Harry’s Wedding

Queen Elizabeth II reportedly had private reservations ahead of her grandson Prince Harry’s wedding to Meghan Markle, according to a new royal biography. While the late monarch supported the couple, she is said to have encouraged a more cautious approach.

Author Hugo Vickers notes in the Daily Mail serialization that the Queen suggested Harry wait a year before marrying, advice he ultimately did not follow, proceeding with the wedding just over six months after the engagement.

The Queen’s reported ambivalence also extended to aspects of the ceremony itself, including Meghan’s wedding dress. Vickers writes that the monarch reportedly found the gown “too white” with “ungainly shoulders,” and her general attitude was described as, “You get on with it. It’s nothing to do with me.”

By contrast, Princess Eugenie’s wedding to Jack Brooksbank later that year in St George’s Chapel was seen as more traditional and less publicly scrutinized, leaving the Duke of York disappointed it wasn’t televised for major networks.

Meghan Markle’s Wedding Dress And Veil Choices

For her big day, Meghan opted for a custom Givenchy gown by Clare Waight Keller, featuring a bateau neckline, fitted bodice, and three-quarter sleeves that highlighted her slim frame.

Another royal account, “William & Catherine: The Intimate Inside Story” by Russell Myers, revealed that Meghan’s insistence on wearing a veil caused tension in the lead-up to the wedding.

According to Myers, “The Queen was upset that Harry had asked the Archbishop of Canterbury to perform the ceremony at St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle, instead of the Dean of Windsor, as tradition would dictate.”

Meghan, a divorcee, also chose a veil that broke from precedent, as most royal divorcees, like Queen Camilla and Princess Anne, had opted for alternative headpieces rather than traditional veils.

Her custom silk tulle veil, however, carried symbolic significance, featuring delicate embroidered flowers representing all 53 Commonwealth nations, a design crafted by Clare Waight Keller to honor her global audience.

The Late Queen Allegedly Cautioned Meghan For The Way She Spoke To People

Tensions reportedly arose during a pre-wedding food tasting at Windsor Castle.

Veteran royal biographer Katie Nicholl, in “The New Royals,” described Meghan noticing an egg in one of the planned vegan and macrobiotic dishes and voicing her concern about it.

The Queen then entered the room and reportedly told Meghan, “In this family, we don’t speak to people like that,” seemingly causing an awkward and tense atmosphere.

However, despite these early clashes, Meghan has since spoken warmly of the late monarch.

The Duchess Described Queen Elizabeth As The ‘Most Shining Example’ Of Female Leadership

Following Elizabeth’s death in 2022, Meghan described her as the “most shining example” of female leadership in a Variety interview, expressing gratitude for the time they shared.

She reflected on the Queen’s lasting legacy and recounted her husband Harry’s comforting words: “Now she’s reunited with her husband,” referring to Prince Philip, who passed away 17 months earlier in 2021.

Meghan also looked back fondly on her first official engagement with the Queen shortly after her wedding, calling the experience “special” and expressing pride in the warmth she felt from the family matriarch.

Prince Harry And Meghan Markle Slam Forthcoming Royal Biography As ‘Deranged Conspiracy And Melodrama’

Meanwhile, Harry and Meghan have strongly pushed back against claims in a forthcoming royal biography, dismissing the author’s work as filled with “deranged conspiracy and melodrama.”

Excerpts published by The Times include assertions by author Tom Bower that Queen Camilla allegedly told a friend Meghan had “brainwashed” Harry and that Meghan had become a polarizing figure, perceived by Prince William and Kate Middleton as a “threat.”

In response, a spokesperson for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex criticized Bower’s narrative, accusing him of letting criticism slide into obsession.

The statement noted the author has previously commented that the monarchy “depends on actually obliterating the Sussexes from our state of life,” and argued that his work is built on “elaborate theories” about individuals he has never personally known.

“Those interested in facts will look elsewhere,” the spokesperson said, “but those seeking deranged conspiracy and melodrama know exactly where to find him.”

Lana Del Rey has pulled back the curtain on what it looks like to be married to her alligator tour guide husband, Jeremy Dufrene.

The “Summertime Sadness” singer gave fans a glimpse of her modest new life when she flooded social media with sweet photos and videos to celebrate Dufrene’s 51st birthday.

Lana del Rey previously shared the exact reassurance that Jeremy Dufrene gave her that made her marry him, and they have since kept a low profile after tying the knot in September 2024.

Lana Del Rey Shares Sweet Post Showing Off Her Life In The Bayou Area For Her Husband’s Birthday

Lana Del Rey is evidently loving married life far away from Hollywood, as she took to Instagram to give fans a glimpse into her life with husband Jeremy Dufrene.

In a video, the outdoor man can be seen on the back of a truck lifting a pot of flowers they got from Home Depot, but when he realizes she was recording, he flashed a wide grin at her.

In another, she shared a close-up photo of herself wearing his jeans jacket with his name above the pocket. One photo had her holding on to his hand as she flashed her huge diamond wedding ring.

Also in the post, Del Rey shared a video of the cover of their wedding photo album, as well as a cute photo they took on the lake.

She gushed over him in the caption, writing, “Happy birthday week to the sweetest guy I know.”

Advertisement

Fans Say The Singer Looks ‘So Genuine And Happy’

Fans joined in on the celebration as they took to the comment section to not only wish Dufrene well but also point out how happy the couple looked together.

One user approved of Del Rey’s massive ring, writing, “That cute huge rock on your finger, yup, exactly as it should be.”

“You’re both so sweet and beautiful. Love you!” another fan stated, while a third said, “The last photo of you two is so beautiful! Your expression looks so genuine and happy. It’s so good to see you happy, my girl.”

“She found her daddy,” another fan wrote of Del Rey’s relationship with Dufrene, while someone else noted that “each day, she becomes more radiant and happy alongside her crocodile hunter.”

Jeremy Dufrene Praises His ‘Amazing Wife’ Lana Del Rey

Dufrene had only kind words for his wife, Del Rey, as he reacted to her birthday tribute post.

The alligator tour guide expressed how thankful he was to be married to the pop superstar, noting that she always makes him “smile.”

Advertisement

“So many amazing months, weeks, days, minutes, and seconds with you,” Dufrene wrote online. “You’re such an amazing wife, always making me smile, and the laughter itself we share together is so heart touching. Endless love for you, my precious.”

He concluded, Thank you so, so much for loving me the way you do. Never stop being you.”

The Singer Shared The Alligator Tour Guide’s Reassuring Words, Which Convinced Her To Marry Him

The couple first met in 2019 when Del Rey went on one of his swamp excursions, and reconnected years later.

When she went public with their relationship, many were taken aback, especially because of the vast difference in their professional lives and the 11-year age gap between them.

However, the singer, born Elizabeth Grant, didn’t seem to care at all and proceeded to tie the knots with him in September 2024.

Advertisement

Last August, she revealed how she fell in love with Dufrene and the exact reassurance he gave her that made her marry him.

“Like many people who work with large, dangerous beasts, Jeremy has a calm, strong presence,” Del Rey told W Magazine. “When we met, I realized pretty immediately that I loved him, but that it might get difficult because of what I was bringing to the table.”

The “Say Yes To Heaven” singer then added that Dufrene reassured her from the start, saying, “I work with alligators — I have tough skin.”

“All the things that made me upset — and there were so many! — he would just listen and say, ‘You be you — and I’ll just love you more,’” she added.

Advertisement

Lana Del Rey Feared Her Fame Would Make Her Husband Uneasy

Since getting married, Del Rey and Dufrene have kept a low profile, especially as their relationship continues to come under scrutiny from critics.

She recalled how drones would often show up at their house looking to take photos of their private life and their early days as newlyweds.

“If I was him, I would have been nervous — my emotions were more overwhelming than usual, and my usual emotions can be quite overwhelming!” she said with a smile. “But Jeremy was fine. He told me, ‘Don’t worry about me.’”

She added of her man, “Jeremy is the most impactful person in my life. He’s quiet in public, but around me he talks all the time.”

Advertisement

A tragic incident has left a 1-year-old boy dead, and authorities are reportedly charging his 14-year-old mother. PEOPLE reports the teen veered off the road while driving under the influence, and the child wasn’t properly secured in the vehicle. 

RELATED: Prayers Up! 11-Year-Old Charged After Allegedly Killing 5-Year-Old Brother In Colorado

Police Shares Details On Crash Involving Teen Driver

According to 13NewsNow, a 1-year-old boy died after his 14-year-old mother allegedly drove under the influence. The crash happened around 2 a.m. on March 23 in the eastbound lanes of Interstate 64 in Virginia. Police say the teen drove a silver sedan, veered off the right side of the road, hit a guardrail, then crossed over and struck a lane barrier on the left side.

The 1-year-old boy, reportedly named Ma’Khai, rode in the car at the time and was not properly restrained. PEOPLE notes that Ma’Khai died on Thursday, March 26, from injuries he suffered in the crash. His mother also suffered serious injuries and went to a local hospital. She was also allegedly not wearing a seatbelt.

Teen Driver Reportedly Faces Charges After Fatal Crash Claims Toddler’s Life

As a result of the crash, authorities are reportedly charging the 14-year-old. They say she faces charges for driving under the influence, driving without a license, and a child restraint violation. Officials may press additional charges, but they haven’t released more details while the investigation continues.

Family Of 1-Year-Old Child Speaks Out & Reacts To The Tragic Incident

According to WTKR, Ma’Khai would have turned 2 on April 4. The outlet also spoke with his relatives. His grandmother said losing him has been absolutely devastating. “I’ve been in his life since day one. This is the hardest.” She added that she feels angry about what happened but can’t bring herself to hate his mother, whom she identified as the 14-year-old driver. Ma’Khai’s alleged godfather also weighed in, urging teens to be more responsible and stop trying to grow up so fast. “Be more responsible,” he reportedly said. “Stop trying to outgrow your age and just be your age. There’s nothing wrong with being a teenager. Stop thinking that you’re grown.”

RELATED: Prayers Up! Detroit Mom Faces Charges After 11-Year-Old Shoots Sibling In Parking Lot (VIDEO)

By Robert Scucci
| Published 34 seconds ago

If you’re wondering why you can’t find a copy of Rutger Hauer’s 1991 sci-fi action thriller Wedlock, it’s because the HBO-produced title was later changed to Deadlock when it hit VHS. This was a common practice in the VHS era because when a customer walks past a wall of tapes at the video store, all competing for your attention, the snappiest title and cover art are what get picked up. Just like YouTube, where the snappiest title and thumbnail get you to click and consume whatever slop is being served.

Deadlock sounds tough and action-packed. Wedlock sounds like a rom-com. That’s really all there is to it. Since we’re talking about a Rutger Hauer film, it’s clear whoever made the call knew what kind of cinematic gold they had and didn’t want to undersell it on the home video market. Ironically, the device that puts its protagonist’s life in danger is actually called a Wedlock, so enjoy that bit of trivia before firing this one up on Tubi.

Classic Rutger Hauer Fare

Rutger Hauer spent most of the 90s starring in low-budget films that share a similar aesthetic with Deadlock, and they’re all pretty great if you’re into sci-fi B-movies. He plays everything super deadpan, but he also understands how ridiculous some of these movies are and leans into the camp at exactly the right moments. 1992’s Split Second is a sight for sore eyes and has a blast with its shlocky, half-Blade Runner, half-Alien premise.

Deadlock is cut from a similar cloth, but instead of playing a cynical, coffee-swigging cop with an axe to grind, Hauer is a fugitive on the run. A diamond thief and master electrician, his Frank Warren character pulls off the score of a lifetime in the form of $25 million worth of rare diamonds. The problem is his partner Sam (James Remar) and his fiancée Noelle (Joan Chen) double-cross him, and he ends up getting shipped off to an experimental prison known as Camp Holliday.

Lockup at Camp Holliday isn’t done in the traditional sense. Inmates are fitted with explosive collars called Wedlocks. Each collar is linked to another, undisclosed inmate, and if the pair separates by more than a set distance, they detonate and take both heads with them. It’s a simple concept, and a nasty one.

Here’s where things get complicated for Frank. Warden Holliday (Stephen Tobolowsky) wants to know where the diamonds are and will use whatever resources he has to get that information out of him. Meanwhile, Sam and Noelle have tracked Frank down and are closing in for the same reason. Frank eventually learns that the inmate linked to him is Tracy Riggs (Mimi Rogers), who wants nothing to do with him at first, claiming she’s innocent while Frank is very much not.

Separation Means Detonation 

As you’d expect from a VHS-era, made-for-TV movie, Frank and Tracy warm up to each other and slowly form a romantic bond. They’re running from Warden Holliday and his goons, the police, and of course Sam and Noelle. Frank and Tracy can’t separate or they’ll detonate. Fortunately, it’s established early on that Frank is an electronics expert, and once he gets his hands on the right tools, he can put that very convenient skill set to use.

Deadlock is a solid, campy action thriller set in a near-future version of its release era that delivers exactly what it promises. There’s corruption, betrayal, danger, and enough chase sequences to keep you locked in and wondering how it’s all going to play out. Rutger Hauer has a strange, hard-to-pin-down charm, and what makes him so effective in movies like this is how seriously he takes everything while still letting moments of levity slip through when they’re needed. You believe him because he stays intensely grounded, even when things get ridiculous.

That energy is what makes films like Deadlock worth watching. It’s cinematic catnip for action fans who don’t want to do a lot of heavy lifting; perfect late-night watch. A thief gets jailed, meets a woman, escapes with her, and the chase is on. That’s all you need to know, and that’s exactly what Deadlock delivers.

As of this writing, Deadlock is streaming for free on Tubi.