‘The Lowdown’ Creator Sterlin Harjo on the Bittersweet Finale
Season 1 Finale and Key Revelations
‘The Lowdown’ creator Sterlin Harjo discusses the Season 1 finale, “The Sensitive Kind,” which streamed on Hulu on November 4. The show follows journalist and bookstore owner Lee Raybon (played by Ethan Hawke), who calls himself a “truthstorian,” reflecting his mission to uncover hidden truths about Tulsa, Oklahoma.
In the finale, Lee discovers evidence that a white supremacist church used a land deal as a front to bribe gubernatorial candidate Donald Washburg (Kyle Maclachlan). Donald’s late brother Dale (Tim Blake Nelson), a reclusive and closeted man who died under suspicious circumstances, had intended to leave his land to his Native friend Arthur (Graham Greene).
Unaware of Donald, Frank (Tracy Letts), an associate, hired goons to intimidate Dale, resulting in his death, and later killed Arthur himself. Despite the explosive findings, Lee chooses not to publish these details in his final article about the influential Washburg family.
Impact and Resolution
Instead, Lee leverages Donald’s grief and guilt to convince him to transfer the land to the Osage Nation, turning the knowledge he uncovered into a meaningful outcome for the community.
“The crusading hero of ‘The Lowdown,’ 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.”
“Lee opts not to put any of it in print in his final piece on the wealthy, storied Washburg family for a local magazine.”
Notable Performances
- Graham Greene delivers one of his final performances before his death in September as Arthur.
- Ethan Hawke’s portrayal of Lee Raybon balances heartache and humor, creating a complex central character.
Harjo’s storytelling highlights how personal pain and historical truths intersect, showing that sometimes the most powerful change comes from actions beyond publication.
Summary: Sterlin Harjo’s ‘The Lowdown’ finale reveals deep Tulsa secrets, emphasizing justice through action rather than headlines, and showcasing profound performances amid complex truths.