The Lowdown's Finale Brilliantly Reverses Expectations
Sterlin Harjo’s neo-noir series The Lowdown, set in Tulsa, concluded on FX with a mix of violence, humor, and unexpected twists. The finale tackled two major questions at its core.
Central Questions of the Finale
- How did Dale Washberg die? This mystery was resolved with a clear answer.
- Who is Lee Raybon? The question of whether Lee is a righteous seeker of truth or a dangerously delusional white savior was more complex.
Harjo, known for creating Reservation Dogs, avoids simple hero-villain labels. Ethan Hawke’s portrayal of Lee, the fervent “Tulsa truthstorian,” blends both traits, reflecting nuanced character layers.
Unexpected Character Dynamics
A surprising revelation was that Lee’s supposed nemesis was no more malicious than Lee himself, adding depth to both characters.
"The Sensitive Kind" Episode Highlights
The finale, titled The Sensitive Kind—a reference to a J.J. Cale song covered by Eric Clapton and Lee’s magazine headline about Dale—begins with a flashback that feels partly like a dream. Lee is seen in his bookstore reading Walter Tevis’ The Man Who Fell to Earth while Dale (played by Tim Blake Nelson) browses the shelves.
“The Sensitive Kind” isn’t just a song or a headline, but also the original working title of the series.
This finale masterfully challenges audience assumptions by blurring lines between heroism and delusion.
Author’s summary: The Lowdown’s finale skillfully defies expectations, portraying complex characters whose identities blur the lines between truth, justice, and self-delusion.