Lee Raybon, portrayed by Ethan Hawke, literally wears his struggles for truth. In the initial five episodes of FX’s compelling new series, ‘The Lowdown,’ Lee, a Tulsa-based writer and ‘truthstorian’ known for his local exposés, endures a barrage of physical assaults—from beatings and burns to wrestling matches and multiple abductions. His face quickly accumulates black eyes, bandages, and bruises. A friend wryly observes, ‘You somehow look worse’ each time they meet.
Yet, this deterioration surprisingly suits Lee, and perfectly encapsulates the gritty, enjoyable ‘journo-noir’ style of the show. Sterlin Harjo, the mastermind behind the acclaimed comedy ‘Reservation Dogs’—which beautifully depicted community life and coming-of-age on an Oklahoma reservation—now widens his scope. In ‘The Lowdown,’ an eight-episode season premiering Tuesday on FX, Harjo remains in his home state but delves into a rugged narrative of corruption and power, exploring how the pursuit of truth often demands a willingness to endure severe hardship.
For Lee, the fight originates and culminates with the written word. His investigative journalism, a persistent habit, is barely sustained by the meager profits from his rare-books store in downtown Tulsa. He even finds time to quote literary figures like David Foster Wallace, and pointedly, the very first image of Lee emphasizes the pen in his hand, signaling his chosen weapon.
His latest exposé, uncovering the corrupt past of the influential Washberg family, is eerily followed by the supposed ‘suicide’ of the family’s outcast, Dale, played by Tim Blake Nelson. Lee, however, suspects foul play, embarking on an investigation fueled by a literal paper trail of cryptic clues Dale deliberately hid within his collection of pulp-crime paperbacks.
Thus unfolds a compelling, picaresque conspiracy narrative, elevated by an exceptionally talented ensemble cast. Lee’s investigation quickly connects him to Dale’s ambitious brother, Donald, a gubernatorial candidate portrayed by Kyle MacLachlan; to Dale’s widow, Betty Jo (Jeanne Tripplehorn), whose relationship with Donald raises eyebrows; and to Frank Martin (Tracy Letts), a powerful businessman acquiring numerous Black-owned properties in North Tulsa under questionable circumstances.
Inevitably, Lee draws the unwelcome attention of Donald’s private investigator, Marty (Keith David), along with a motley crew of enforcers and unsavory characters. Notably, Scott Shepherd delivers a chilling performance as a shadowy developer whose piercing gaze alone could intimidate. Lacking financial and political clout, Lee relies on his roguish charm and network of underworld contacts. ‘The Lowdown’ excels at crafting a vibrant, dangerous world populated by hustlers, con artists, skinheads, and even surprisingly menacing antique dealers.
Ethan Hawke, celebrated for his memorable guest appearance in a standout episode of ‘Reservation Dogs,’ finds a role in Lee that perfectly aligns with his seasoned acting prowess. Lee is a seasoned, eccentric local with a wild streak, whose unwavering principles sometimes border on the unbearable. Much like Hawke’s commanding portrayal of John Brown in the 2020 mini-series ‘The Good Lord Bird,’ Lee embodies a kind of divinely inspired, almost fanatical, righteousness. As Marty cynically remarks to him, ‘There’s nothing worse than a white man who cares.’
The series hints at Lee’s own complicated past. He is divorced, striving to maintain a connection with his sharp, resilient teenage daughter (Ryan Kiera Armstrong), and constantly trying to earn the trust of his ex-wife (Kaniehtiio Horn, also from ‘Reservation Dogs’). It’s implied that Lee’s compulsion to uncover truths might stem from a deeper personal need to resolve unresolved issues within himself.
Fans of ‘Reservation Dogs’ will recognize the series’ distinctive wry humor and authentic Oklahoma atmosphere. ‘The Lowdown’ also shares thematic DNA with other regionally focused dramas such as ‘Justified.’ However, while ‘Justified’ drew its literary inspiration from Elmore Leonard’s crime novels, ‘The Lowdown’ pays homage to figures like Jim Thompson, the hard-boiled novelist whose narratives influence the plot, and Lee Roy Chapman, the real-life Oklahoma citizen journalist who served as the inspiration for Lee’s character.
Despite its humorous moments, ‘The Lowdown’ firmly roots itself in the classic noir tradition, operating on the premise that all established institutions—be it government, politics, big business, or law enforcement—are inherently corrupt and compromised. It posits that genuine truth is only unearthed, if at all, by dedicated outsiders prepared to sacrifice everything. Lee’s accumulating facial injuries are a stark visual callback to the battered detective Jake Gittes from ‘Chinatown.’
What sets Lee apart from the archetypal noir detective is his overarching pursuit of historical truth. His profound, unvarnished affection for Tulsa drives him, casting the city in the classic detective-story role of the captivating client capable of both loyalty and devastating betrayal.
Echoing ‘Reservation Dogs,’ ‘The Lowdown’ is imbued with a strong sense of local character and culture. It also tackles a poignant, timely issue: the critical importance of local journalism, particularly as independent news outlets face extinction. The series metaphorically suggests that accurate information, even uncomfortable truths, acts as a town’s lifeblood; without it, communities become lifeless husks.
While ‘The Lowdown’ (based on the first five of eight episodes) may not boast the most intricate or ingenious mystery plot, its charm lies elsewhere. Its villains are often transparently sinister, and the narrative occasionally relies on convenient coincidences.
Ultimately, ‘The Lowdown’ thrives on its inherent charm and unwavering fighting spirit. The central draw isn’t merely the uncovering of secrets and corruption, but rather the vibrant array of eccentric characters who either assist or impede Lee’s tenacious investigation. The series argues that journalism, much like its protagonist, may bear its share of bruises and imperfections, but these very scars are what forge its true character.