Ethan Hawke stars as Lee Raybon, a determined journalist in FX’s neo-noir drama The Lowdown, which unfolds in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Lee is investigating the complicated Washburg family amidst political ambitions and mysterious deaths, with Donald Washburg, played by Kyle MacLachlan, running for governor while his brother Dale, portrayed by Tim Blake Nelson, dies under suspicious circumstances. The series blends suspense, offbeat humor, and a protagonist eager to uncover hidden truths, making Ethan Hawke The Lowdown a standout in his career.
Sterlin Harjo’s Oklahoma Universe: Linking The Lowdown and Reservation Dogs
Showrunner Sterlin Harjo revealed in an interview that The Lowdown exists in the same fictional world as his acclaimed series Reservation Dogs, creating what he jokingly calls the “Sterlin-universe.” Both shows share Oklahoma as their setting, feature relatable and resilient protagonists, and incorporate subtle elements of mysticism. Reservation Dogs, which aired three seasons from 2021 to 2023 on FX on Hulu, follows four Indigenous teenagers coping with grief after the suicide of a close friend. The series balances heartfelt moments with humor, exploring themes of friendship and community.
Despite critical acclaim, including a 99% Rotten Tomatoes rating, Reservation Dogs did not receive significant Emmy recognition and struggled with broader audience reach. Its appeal lies in its accessibility, with teen leads whose youthful perspective provides a contrast to the more adult-oriented material in The Lowdown, marked by mature language and violence.
Interwoven Characters and Cameos Strengthen Series Connection
While The Lowdown was not initially designed to connect to Reservation Dogs, a serendipitous encounter with actress Paulina Alexis, who plays Wilhelmina Jacqueline “Willie Jack” Sampson in Reservation Dogs, led to a memorable cameo. Alexis happened to be in Tulsa when filming began, allowing Willie Jack to casually walk past Lee in the opening scene of The Lowdown. Harjo explained,
It became this idea of — just give him the handoff, we’ll give him a nod as you walk by. It worked out so beautifully. It was good fortune. It wasn’t planned.
– Sterlin Harjo, Creator
Beyond this brief appearance, The Lowdown deepened its ties to Reservation Dogs through additional cameos. In Episode 2, Lee’s daughter Francis, portrayed by Ryan Kiera Armstrong, watches a makeup tutorial featuring Elora Danan Postoak, who plays Elora in Reservation Dogs. These subtle crossovers reward fans of both series and reinforce the shared universe Harjo has crafted.
Shared Actors and Mythical Themes Fuse the Two Series
Several actors appear in both shows, further blurring their boundaries. One notable example is Kaniehtiio Horn, who plays the enigmatic Deer Lady—a spirit from Native American folklore who kills men—in Reservation Dogs. In The Lowdown, Horn assumes the role of Samantha, Lee’s ex-wife and mother to Francis. Her portrayal brings depth and soulfulness to both characters, reflecting Harjo’s appreciation for meaningful representation across his projects.
Ethan Hawke also appears in Reservation Dogs’ third season, playing Elora’s estranged biological father in a critical episode. Though his screen time is limited, Hawke’s role provides essential backstory, highlighting his influence on character development beyond The Lowdown.
Harjo’s storytelling is distinguished by its unique blend of Indigenous culture, a distinct Tulsa setting, and a tone balancing drama with humor. Music selection and distinctive writing style further differentiate these series from typical television fare, creating immersive and fresh narratives.
Accessibility and Appeal of Harjo’s Interconnected Stories
Although Reservation Dogs has concluded, its availability on Hulu alongside The Lowdown makes the two series excellent companion pieces. Fans of the Reservation Dogs gang will enjoy spotting familiar faces and characters in The Lowdown and anticipating potential future crossovers. While Harjo may choose to separate these worlds more distinctly as he moves forward, both series stand on their own as compelling examples of innovative television rooted in Indigenous experience and Oklahoma’s landscape.
The Lowdown airs Tuesdays on FX and is available for streaming on Hulu in the United States, where viewers can also watch all three seasons of Reservation Dogs.
