“You think people are one thing and then they turn out to be another.” This line, spoken during an encounter between two characters who thought they hated each other, is at the crux of FX’s series The Lowdown. It’s far from the only message the show has, but it’s one that comes up frequently. There’s no better show this year that perfectly captures the gap between how someone is perceived and who they actually are.
Created by Sterlin Harjo, the co-creator of the fantastic Reservation Dogs, The Lowdown is a neo-noir set in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Our story follows Lee Raybon (Ethan Hawke) a “truth-storian” who has more in common with Jeffrey Lebowski than Phillip Marlowe. Lee joins in our mystery after hearing about the apparent suicide of Dale Washberg (Tim Blake Nelson). Dale’s death comes at a bad time as his brother Donald (Kyle MacLachlan) is running for governor. There’s also the messy business of Lee’s recent expose on the Washbergs. As expected, things only get more complicated from there.
The Lowdown pulls from a host of influences, including westerns, mysteries, and crime fiction. There’s even a host of directing flourishes that reference the works of the Coens, David Lynch, and Hawke collaborator Richard Linklater. The mish-mash of styles works in the show’s favor, creating a tone that feels unique while paying homage to various inspirations. The visual style is as rich as the characters that populate this tale.
What helps The Lowdown stand out among the pack is the care it takes with all the eccentrics Lee meets on his journey. From allies like antiques proprietor Ray (Michael Hitchcock) to insidious real estate developer Frank Martin (Tracey Letts), the show finds something for everyone. Even bit characters like the store owners that share the block with Lee’s bookstore/apartment feel real. The attention spent on everyone we meet pays off long-term too. By the season’s end, we see why Lee fights so hard for this community.
It helps to have incredibly talented actors for these roles. Keith David plays actual detective Marty, a man whose history with the Washbergs initially puts him at odds with Lee. Their eventual team-up proves crucial in solving the mystery. David’s ability to convey exasperation, especially as the case comes together, is always welcome. Jeanne Tripplehorn is Dale’s widow, Betty Jo, a former rodeo star accustomed to her life of privilege. Tripplehorn’s work here is nothing short of incredible, imbuing a potentially unlikeable character with an instantly relatable level of weariness. The most surprising star turn comes from Ryan Keira Armstrong as Lee’s daughter Francis. As a rule, I keep expectations low with child actors. Armstrong is an exception. Francis is smart, caring, but ultimately still allowed to act and think like a child. That she can go toe-to-toe with Hawke in their scenes together is a testament to her ability.
One of the keys to The Lowdown’s success is the chemistry Hawke seems to have with everyone in the cast. Lee Raybon is the type of unkempt detective truth-storian that we’ve seen in previous works, but Hawke instantly locks into what makes him so uniquely charming. We see it many times throughout the show’s run, how Lee disarms those he encounters and appeals to their better selves. His actual detective skills are subpar, but his people skills are next level.
At its heart, The Lowdown is a show about community. Through Lee’s journey, we see all the different sides of Tulsa and how the people there take care of each other. That sense of collective power is key to unlocking the mystery of Dale Washberg’s death. It’s also what fuels Lee. He cares deeply about the truth of the city he calls home, even if it’s ugly.
There’s plenty of ugliness in the world, and the series doesn’t shy away from it. The show doesn’t linger on it either. It’s just part of the experience of life. That’s the beauty of The Lowdown. It encompasses all the elements that life throws our way while telling an engaging story. If there’s any justice left, we’ll get to see more of these characters. Lord knows there’s plenty of truth left to uncover.
The Lowdown is currently streaming on Hulu.