The Season 1 finale of The Lowdown, titled The Sensitive Kind, streamed on Hulu on November 4, reveals Ethan Hawke’s character, Lee Raybon, uncovering a deeply troubling secret in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Known as a “truthstorian,” Lee struggles with the ethical dilemma of exposing a white supremacist church’s corrupt land deal tied to gubernatorial candidate Donald Washburg. This discovery challenges Lee’s commitment to absolute truth, marking a pivotal moment in the series’ narrative.
Lee finds evidence that the Washburg family, prominent and powerful, used intimidation tactics leading to suspicious deaths and violence, including the murder of Dale Washburg’s Native friend Arthur. Yet, instead of publishing an explosive exposé, Lee convinces Donald Washburg to donate disputed land to the Osage Nation, honoring the wishes of the late Dale. This choice reflects a deeper, more personal quest for justice rather than simple truth-telling.
Lee Raybon’s Moral Struggle and Its Emotional Resolution
The finale confronts Lee with a profound ethical question: should he pursue a hard-hitting journalistic scoop or respect a dead man’s humble wish for restitution? Series creator Sterlin Harjo explains that this tension is central to Lee’s character and the show’s storytelling approach. Harjo says,
“For me, it was the most beautiful way to end the season,”
and adds,
“Because it’s not perfect. It’s not all tied in a bow. It’s the more realistic version of how to end the show.”
Lee’s decision to prioritize goodness over ego undercuts the typical climactic exposé and presents a mature portrayal of journalistic integrity intertwined with humanity.
This resolution is also tinged with personal consequences: Lee’s previous aggressive investigations had put people in danger, including Marty, Donald’s head of security, who was shot. Instead of a Pulitzer-worthy reveal, Lee produces a heartfelt profile celebrating Dale Washburg’s misunderstood character, connecting with readers on a more emotional level.
Creating Lee Raybon: Hawke and Harjo’s Collaborative Vision
Harjo, known for the acclaimed series Reservation Dogs, initially cast Ethan Hawke as an absentee father, but in The Lowdown, he crafts a complex leading role tailored to Hawke’s versatile talents. Harjo explains he envisioned a character who balances charisma with vulnerability, and Hawke embodies this effortlessly.
“He walks the line of being — people have said insufferable, I’ve heard that used a few times — and really charismatic and lovely to watch,”
Harjo remarks. The actor’s ability to portray someone at once flawed yet likable, caught between past mistakes and current responsibility, adds emotional depth to Lee. Through Hawke, The Lowdown explores themes of parenthood, accountability, and the burden of truth.
Harjo admires how Hawke brings a mix of heartbreak and humor to the role, saying,
“He can break your heart while making you laugh and putting himself into physical pain. He can do all of that.”
For the showrunner, Lee Raybon became the perfect vessel to showcase Hawke’s range, blending the literary sensibility of a writer with a cowboy’s grit.
The Significance of Tulsa and Its Layered History in The Lowdown
Tulsa, with its complex identity and fraught past, is more than a setting in The Lowdown; it is a living, breathing character in its own right. Harjo, a Tulsa resident, emphasizes the city’s unique mixture of cultural legacies and historical wounds, such as the legacy of the 1921 Greenwood Race Massacre, which gained renewed attention nationwide following shows like Watchmen.
Harjo shares personal reflections on Tulsa’s deep Native American roots, mentioning the Council Oak Tree as a physical symbol of Muskogee Creek Nation governance. He explains how Tulsa embodies a microcosm of America’s struggles with diversity, reconciliation, and healing.
“We are a place that is very diverse, culturally,”
Harjo states, recognizing both the “darkness that formed this place” and the ongoing efforts to move forward. Tulsa’s blend of Osage, Cherokee, and Muskogee Creek territories forms the backdrop for narratives about reconciliation and cultural pride, themes that resonate deeply throughout The Lowdown.
Fostering Community Through Film and Storytelling
Beyond his role as showrunner, Sterlin Harjo dedicates himself to Tulsa’s emerging film scene, co-founding the Tulsa Film Collective to nurture local talent and production. He emphasizes his commitment to building a sustainable arts community that respects Tulsa’s heritage while fostering creative growth.
Harjo celebrates a recent uptick in film projects shot in Tulsa, including multiple current productions and short films by local artists like Lauren Waters. He describes a vibrant artistic resurgence, welcoming both the national spotlight and grassroots efforts.
Harjo reflects on friendship and collaboration in this burgeoning environment, noting his interactions with filmmaker Dito Montiel and cast members such as Ryan Armstrong, whose involvement signals Tulsa’s expanding cinematic network.
Celebrating Art and Journalism Through The Lowdown
The season finale’s title, The Sensitive Kind, carries dual meanings tied closely to the show’s themes. It alludes to the delicate, hidden truths unearthed by Lee’s investigations and honors those sensitive to the world’s complexities who express themselves through art, literature, and journalism.
This tension between toughness and sensitivity mirrors the struggles of many creatives, who must balance emotional vulnerability with resilience. Harjo explains that the show aims to celebrate this rare blend, highlighting artists and journalists who face adversity while fighting to tell meaningful stories.
“A certain part of you, as an artist, you have to be sensitive. You also have to be tough, because it’s hard,”
Harjo says. He hopes the series revives appreciation for art’s power to influence society, reflecting a nostalgia for times when creativity could effect real change.
The Future of The Lowdown and Ethan Hawke’s Role
While The Lowdown has yet to be renewed for a second season, Harjo’s enthusiasm for continuing the story is palpable. He hints at numerous ideas for future episodes and seasons centered on Lee Raybon’s ongoing challenges in Tulsa’s complex civic and cultural landscape.
Harjo encourages viewers to voice their support for renewal, saying,
“Do you want to see a Season 2?”
He remains optimistic but coy about official developments, implying that more stories remain to be told.
Echoing classic serialized dramas like The Rockford Files, Harjo believes the show has the stamina to sustain extended storytelling, offering rich character development and layered exploration of truth and justice.
The Emotional Core Behind Lee’s Story
Throughout the season, characters like Dale’s widow, Betty Jo, emphasize the importance of kindness above all else. Betty Jo’s repeated phrase,
“He was a good man. He was a good man,”
resonates not only as a tribute to her late husband but also as a reflection on Lee’s journey. Harjo suggests this dual meaning invites viewers to question whether journalistic ambition should overpower basic decency.
In the final scenes, Lee faces an internal reckoning: setting aside ego and professional accolades in favor of doing what he believes is right. Harjo captures this powerful moment of self-reflection with,
“Can your ego, can your journalistic endeavors, can everything take a back seat to being good?”
The show refuses easy answers, instead offering a nuanced exploration of morality in an imperfect world.
