The Lowdown's Finale Brilliantly Upends Assumptions
Sterlin Harjo's Tulsa-set neo-noir series, The Lowdown, concluded with a mix of violence, humor, and unexpected twists. The finale, which aired Tuesday on FX, centered on two key questions: how did Dale Washberg die, and whether Lee Raybon is a truthful crusader or a deluded white savior.
Complex Characters Beyond Simple Labels
Harjo, also known for Reservation Dogs, avoided clear-cut hero or villain definitions. Ethan Hawke’s character, Lee Raybon, described as a "Tulsa truthstorian," embodies both roles simultaneously—part righteous and part dangerously misguided.
“An even bigger surprise, for Lee and, I think, for most viewers, was that the man he identified as his nemesis ended up being no more malicious than Lee himself.”
Finale Highlights
The episode titled “The Sensitive Kind” opens with a flashback that feels almost fantastical. Lee is shown in his bookstore reading Walter Tevis’ novel The Man Who Fell to Earth, while Dale Washberg (played by Tim Blake Nelson) browses the shelves.
“The Sensitive Kind” isn’t just the episode’s title or the headline of Lee’s cover story about Dale; it was also the show's working title.
Key Themes
- The blurred line between heroism and delusion
- The complexity of personal rivalry and self-awareness
- The fusion of humor and noir elements in a contemporary Tulsa setting
The finale highlights Harjo’s skill in creating nuanced characters that challenge audience expectations while delivering a story layered with emotional and moral ambiguity.
Author's Summary
The finale of The Lowdown powerfully redefines its characters, blending darkness and humor to challenge simplistic views of heroism and villainy.