FX’s The Lowdown Is One of the Year’s Best Crime Dramas

by

In the first episode of the FX crime drama *The Lowdown*, a character named Marty, played by Keith David, observes, “There’s nothing worse than a white man who cares.” He’s referring to Lee Raybon, the show’s main character, who is investigating a powerful family in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and fighting against corruption. While Marty is the first to point it out, others in the story who are people of color also question whether Lee’s courage and strong moral compass are actually fueled, at least in part, by his privileged background. Some see his bravery as foolishness and self-righteousness. It’s unclear whether this privilege will allow him to succeed against powerful enemies or if it will ultimately lead to his downfall, as he may be too confident to recognize the risks.

The new show, *Lowdown*, draws on the creative visions of two key people: Sterlin Harjo, the creator known for the acclaimed series *Reservation Dogs*, and actor Ethan Hawke, who plays the main character, Lee. Lee is an unconventional investigative journalist-he calls himself a “truthstorian”-who’s dedicated to uncovering past wrongs. He’s a bit of a mess, incredibly determined, highly educated but down-to-earth, and doesn’t worry much about his own safety, all while being deeply concerned with social justice. This type of complex character is something Hawke does particularly well. His role in *First Reformed* (2018) saw him play a pastor grappling with a painful past and an environmental crisis of faith, and it’s similar to his portrayal of John Brown in Showtime’s *The Good Lord Bird* (2020)-a heroic but troubled abolitionist whose actions helped start the Civil War. It’s no accident that *Lowdown* briefly mentions John Brown, given the parallels.

While Sterlin Harjo and Mark Lee may share some crew members, they come from very different backgrounds. Harjo, a Native American filmmaker, usually focuses on stories about his community, following his successful series *Rez Dogs*, which launched the careers of young Indigenous actors. Choosing to make a more mainstream, star-driven show might seem surprising. However, both projects share a common thread: they explore what it means to be part of a community. *The Lowdown*, though not quite as strong as *Rez Dogs*, is still excellent television. It asks important questions about responsibility and whether those with privilege have a duty to help others, a theme embodied by the character of Lee, who challenges a system that rewards selfishness and discourages working together.

Sterlin Harjo’s new show, *The Lowdown*, is a love letter to his current home of Tulsa, Oklahoma – much like his previous show, *Rez Dogs*, was to his rural upbringing. The setting is as important as the show’s deliberately gritty style. Harjo, a lifelong Oklahoman, consistently sets his projects within the state. *The Lowdown* portrays Tulsa as a vibrant, complex city – a blend of Southern and Western cultures, full of diverse characters. The story centers around a small block featuring Lee’s rare-book shop, a record store, and a 24-hour diner, creating a nostalgic atmosphere that enhances the show’s noir feel and provides a grounding point for its fast-paced plot.

Lee is thrown into turmoil by the death of Dale Washberg (Tim Blake Nelson), a member of a powerful local family who was the subject of a harsh article Lee recently wrote. Though authorities quickly label it a suicide, Lee suspects something more sinister is at play, knowing the Washbergs were a troubled family. Dale was married to Betty Jo (Jeanne Tripplehorn, who plays the role with delightful cunning), but rumors suggested he was gay. Suspiciously, Betty Jo seems remarkably unfazed by his death, and Lee soon catches her getting close to Dale’s brother, Donald (Kyle MacLachlan), a slick and ambitious candidate for governor. The name ‘Donald’ is a clear hint, but the show’s creator cleverly avoids overemphasizing this connection, keeping the focus on the fictional world of Oklahoma.

Lee relentlessly investigates Dale’s death in Tulsa, using any method he can to uncover the truth. He explores a suspicious company acquiring property in North Tulsa and even goes undercover with white supremacists. This pursuit gives the show a similar energetic and unpredictable feel to *Rez Dogs* – there’s even a detour involving illegal caviar traders! However, the investigation is dangerous, and Lee is frequently attacked, highlighting Ethan Hawke’s physical performance. Lee’s determination to push through pain, even self-inflicted, is reminiscent of his character in *First Reformed*. Despite the violence he endures – being thrown in car trunks and used as an ashtray – his resilience gives the show a strangely over-the-top quality.

What elevates *The Lowdown* beyond a simple genre piece is how it questions the arrogance of its main character. Throughout the five episodes I watched (of eight total), he repeatedly faces the fact that he’s not all-powerful. He’s getting older, and a cynical friend, brilliantly played by Peter Dinklage, serves as a warning of what can happen when idealism fades. Lee still cares for his patient ex-partner (Kaniehtiio Horn, known from *Rez Dogs*), who is the mother of his intelligent teenage daughter, Francis (Ryan Kiera Armstrong, who is fantastic). Once Francis starts joining his adventures, Lee realizes he’s putting those he loves in danger, forcing him to decide what’s truly worth fighting for.

Television rarely achieves the level of artistry seen in *Reservation Dogs*. The show felt deeply personal, built on years of observing life, grappling with big questions, and sharing inside jokes, all while hinting at something spiritual. The story, centered around teenagers trying to fulfill a deceased friend’s dream of moving to California, offered a unique window into the lives of an entire Indigenous community. Like the films of Sterlin Harjo – *Four Sheets to the Wind*, which deals with the aftermath of suicide, and *Barking Water*, which follows a man’s final journey – *Rez Dogs* constantly touched on themes of life and death. The show also thoughtfully explored the difficult choice many young Native Americans face: whether to stay and support their communities or venture out into the wider world, offering understanding to characters regardless of their decision. Harjo and co-creator Taika Waititi wanted to recreate the feeling of listening to family members tell stories – embellishing, exaggerating, and sharing myths and superstitions.

Some artistic visions are truly one-of-a-kind, and *The Lowdown* is a powerful example, even within a more focused scope. Similar to *Rez Dogs*, it’s full of energy and skillfully blends comedy, thoughtful ideas, and a strong sense of what’s right and wrong. Both shows capture the ups and downs of everyday life, set against a backdrop of both incredible beauty and obvious unfairness, without fitting into typical television molds. *The Lowdown* also relies on personal stories, specifically Joy Harjo’s collaborations with journalists on documentaries for This Land Press in Tulsa.

It’s hard to say whether Lee will be a savior or simply misguided. He’s a powerful figure, but we don’t know much about his history. Each episode, the show explores the tension between his personal struggles and his attempts to help the community. We meet Marty, a fellow book lover, who acts as a contrast to Lee – a Black man who compromised his values for success, but now regrets it.

Joy Harjo’s work consistently shows that she believes the people within our communities-with all their flaws-are what make those communities worth protecting. In her series *The Lowdown*, this includes characters like Deidra, a witty Indigenous bookstore worker who mocks superficial spiritual practices, and Ray, a clever gay antiques dealer drawn into the central mystery. It also includes Cyrus, a tabloid editor who, despite his sensational headlines and distrust, proves to be wise and loyal. Ultimately, Harjo’s immersive storytelling makes *us*, the viewers, feel like part of these communities as well.

Read More

2025-09-24 16:18