‘The Lowdown’ Creator Sterlin Harjo on the Bittersweet Finale
Sterlin Harjo, creator of the series “The Lowdown,” discussed the emotional close of its first season, its insight into Tulsa’s history, and the impact of working with actor Ethan Hawke.
Truth, Secrets, and Tulsa
The story follows journalist and bookstore owner Lee Raybon, played by Ethan Hawke, who calls himself a “truthstorian.” This term captures his belief that uncovering Tulsa’s hidden past is more than just reporting—it’s a calling.
“Lee Raybon likes to call himself a ‘truthstorian,’ a made-up title that nonetheless speaks to how Lee views unearthing the buried secrets of Tulsa, Oklahoma as a higher calling.”
The Finale: “The Sensitive Kind”
In the November 4 finale of the FX series, Lee uncovers that a white supremacist church secretly funneled bribes to gubernatorial candidate Donald Washburg through a fraudulent land deal. The plot thickens when the story of Donald’s deceased brother, Dale, reveals both guilt and tragedy.
Dale, portrayed by Tim Blake Nelson, had intended to leave the disputed land to his Native friend Arthur, played by Graham Greene in one of his final performances before his death in September. However, Dale’s associate Frank, unaware of the full picture, hired men who caused Dale’s death and later killed Arthur.
A Moral Choice
Despite the explosive revelations, Lee chooses not to publish the story about the Washburg family. Instead, he persuades the remorseful Donald to transfer the land to the Osage Nation, turning buried injustice into a small victory for justice and restitution.
On Working with Ethan Hawke
Harjo praised Hawke’s ability to evoke complex emotion, balancing melancholy and humor throughout the series.
“Ethan Hawke can break your heart while making you laugh.”
Author’s Summary
This piece captures how Sterlin Harjo entwines Tulsa’s unresolved history with moral redemption, culminating in a quiet but deeply human resolution led by Ethan Hawke’s nuanced performance.