Sterlin Harjo, acclaimed for his work on Reservation Dogs, returns with FX’s The Lowdown, a sharply crafted crime drama set in Tulsa that explores the city’s vibrant, rough edges through a thrilling mystery. At the core of this unique series is Ethan Hawke portraying Lee Raybon, a bookstore owner and self-styled “truthstorian” on a relentless quest to uncover local corruption, powered by his devotion to his daughter and his drive for justice. The Lowdown blends grit, humor, and warmth, making the show essential viewing for fans of layered storytelling and character-driven drama.
A New Chapter in Harjo’s Storytelling of Oklahoma
Following the profound success of Reservation Dogs, which focused on Indigenous life in rural Oklahoma, Harjo shifts his focus to urban Tulsa, capturing its eclectic spirit. Harjo explains,
“I think that Reservation Dogs was kind of my love for where I grew up, and rural Oklahoma, and that community,”
and continues,
“But I also spent a lot of time living in Tulsa, and spending time with sort of a new family and community, which was my friends and artists and musicians and journalists in Tulsa. And I think that this was just kind of like trying to celebrate that, bringing that all together.”
His affection for Tulsa infuses the series with an authentic and palpable energy that turns the city itself into a character within the story.
Ethan Hawke’s Portrayal of Lee Raybon: A Flawed, Fierce Hero
Lee Raybon, as embodied by Ethan Hawke, emerges as a compelling figure—an imperfect yet endearing man caught between chaos and clarity. Hawke describes Lee as a “hot mess” with “duct-taped cowboy boots” and a rugged appearance littered with bruises and bandages, physical reminders of his many scrapes. Lee not only manages a rare bookstore but also pursues his passion for journalism, dedicating himself to exposing Tulsa’s seedy undercurrents. Hawke’s involvement in the show stemmed from working with Harjo on an episode of Reservation Dogs titled “Elora’s Dad,” which he calls
“kind of my audition for whether or not we could really create something together. After it was over, this whole thing caught fire.”
This collaboration has resulted in one of Hawke’s most dynamic and nuanced performances, where the character’s charm and vulnerability unfold with captivating intensity.
Building a Rich Communal Tapestry in Tulsa
Harjo’s storytelling transcends focusing on a single protagonist by portraying a community alive with diverse, essential characters. The Lowdown features Lee’s dedicated daughter Francis, played by Ryan Kiera Armstrong, who balances sass and care as she supports her father. Armstrong shares, Francis
“looks after her dad, and sometimes she gives him a little sass, but she’s also really there for him.”
The series also introduces viewers to Lee’s ex-wife Samantha, portrayed by Kaniehtiio Horn, alongside a motley crew of hustlers, corrupt politicians, dealers, and conmen, all firmly rooted in the narrative fabric. Through this ensemble, the show paints Tulsa as a complex city where every individual contributes to a larger social mosaic rather than adhering to the lone-wolf trope.
The Cast Praises Harjo’s Exceptional Storytelling
Cast members repeatedly highlight the distinct strength of Harjo’s writing and vision. Michael “Kiler Mike” Render, who plays Lee’s ally Cyrus, declares,
“Sterlin has an amazing pen as a writer. If he was a rapper, he’d probably be one of the best storyteller rappers on Earth. Like, he’d be Biggie, Ice Cube, Slick Rickworthy, Scarface.”
Actor and playwright Tracy Letts admires Harjo’s skill in weaving complex narratives, stating,
“Sterlin writes such amazing characters, and he has a thing that the great ones have, which is a way of orchestrating all of that, synthesizing all of that into a theme. And his story is about a guy who’s trying to get at the truth, and it’s something we need to hear.”
The pursuit of truth, with all its inherent messiness and cost, underpins the show’s urgent relevance amid today’s climate of misinformation and censorship attempts.
Unpredictable Storytelling with a Cinematic Flair
The Lowdown’s unpredictable plot structure offers viewers a Tarantino-esque experience, filled with unexpected twists and richly drawn characters. Render notes,
“It felt very Tarantino-esque in that you couldn’t predict what was happening next.”
Michael Hitchcock, another cast member, echoes this sentiment, describing each episode as “like a little movie,” packed with
“new adventures, sometimes wild goose chases,”
introducing a gallery of intriguing figures along the way. This narrative style maintains a fresh and immersive tone that constantly surprises the audience, matching Harjo’s vision of a lively, spontaneous world.
Humor and Collaboration Bring the Series to Life
The dynamic energy on set is a testament to Harjo’s collaborative approach, which encourages improvisation and playfulness. Actor Cody Lightning reveals,
“Sterlin was like, here’s your script, and then do that, and then play around as much as you can.”
This freedom allows the characters and stories to breathe naturally, resulting in a show that feels vibrant, spontaneous, and deeply human. Veteran actor Kyle MacLachlan, who portrays a morally ambiguous politician, reflects on the special connection among the cast:
“We created something very special, you know, and a lot of that has to do with the energy that exists when we get in front of the camera together.”
This blend of humor and earnestness is a key ingredient in the series’ distinct personality.
The Lowdown: A Celebration of Tulsa’s Multicultural Spirit and Journalism
The Lowdown stands out not only as a mystery drama but also as a tribute to Tulsa’s diverse cultural landscape and the vital role of journalism. The show positions Ethan Hawke’s character as an unconventional yet magnetic figure in a city teeming with life and contradictions. Tracy Letts poses a question that sums up the series’ core:
“The story of a journalist getting to the truth, isn’t that something we could all benefit from?”
He adds,
“The fact that it’s done in this fun, gritty, Pulp Fiction package, just makes it all the better.”
Airing on FX with next-day streaming on Hulu, The Lowdown invites viewers to explore where truth hides in Tulsa, guided by the exceptional melding of Harjo’s storytelling skills and Hawke’s compelling performance.
