‘The Lowdown’ Creator Sterlin Harjo on the Bittersweet Finale, What America Could Learn from Tulsa and How Ethan Hawke Can ‘Break Your Heart While Making You Laugh’

‘The Lowdown’ Creator Sterlin Harjo on the Bittersweet Finale

Sterlin Harjo, creator of “The Lowdown,” shares insights about the Season 1 finale, Tulsa's lessons for America, and working with Ethan Hawke.

Season 1 Finale: “The Sensitive Kind”

The episode, released Nov. 4 on FX, centers on journalist and bookstore owner Lee Raybon (Ethan Hawke). Known as a “truthstorian,” Lee is committed to uncovering Tulsa, Oklahoma’s hidden truths.

In the finale, Lee discovers that a white supremacist church used a land deal to bribe gubernatorial candidate Donald Washburg (Kyle Maclachlan). Donald’s late brother, Dale (Tim Blake Nelson), a closeted eccentric who died suspiciously, sought to leave the land to his Native friend Arthur (Graham Greene, in one of his final roles before passing in September).

Before Arthur could inherit it, Donald’s associate Frank (Tracy Letts) secretly hired men to intimidate Dale, leading to his death and later killed Arthur himself.

Lee’s Choice and Impact

Despite the explosive revelations, Lee decides not to publish the story in his final piece on the Washburg family for a local magazine.

“Instead, he leverages a grieving, guilt-stricken Donald into giving the land to the Osage Nation, using his knowledge to achieve tangible results.”

Working with Ethan Hawke

Harjo praises Ethan Hawke’s ability to “break your heart while making you laugh,” highlighting his depth as the series’ lead.

Lessons from Tulsa

Through the story, the series reflects broader historical and social issues rooted in Tulsa, offering a poignant lesson for America about truth and reconciliation.

Summary

‘The Lowdown’ finale blends deep investigative drama with emotional complexity, emphasizing that sometimes real change comes from strategic choices rather than exposing every dark secret.

Author’s Summary: The finale of “The Lowdown” shows how truth can lead to healing and justice when wielded with care, spotlighting Tulsa’s powerful story and Ethan Hawke’s compelling performance.

Variety — 2025-11-05