‘The Lowdown’ Creator Sterlin Harjo on the Bittersweet Finale, Tulsa’s Lessons, and Ethan Hawke’s Dual Impact
SPOILER ALERT: The following article discusses plot details from “The Sensitive Kind,” the Season 1 finale of “The Lowdown,” now streaming on Hulu.
Lee Raybon’s Mission as a “Truthstorian”
Lee Raybon, portrayed by Ethan Hawke, is a passionate journalist and bookstore owner who calls himself a “truthstorian.” The term, though invented, captures his belief that revealing Tulsa’s buried history is a civic and moral duty rather than just a profession.
The Revelation in “The Sensitive Kind”
In the series finale, Lee uncovers evidence that a white supremacist church has been using a land deal to secretly fund the gubernatorial campaign of Donald Washburg, played by Kyle MacLachlan. The story intensifies when the death of Donald’s brother, Dale (Tim Blake Nelson), once labeled a suicide, is revealed to involve darker motives.
Dale, a reclusive man struggling with secrets of his own, had intended to leave his property to his Native American friend Arthur, portrayed by Graham Greene in one of his last performances before his passing in September. Unaware of the full situation, Donald’s aide Frank (Tracy Letts) sent men to intimidate Dale, which led to Dale’s death and, later, Arthur’s murder.
Choosing Justice Over Exposure
Lee decides against publishing the explosive findings in his final investigative feature about the Washburg family. Instead, he uses the information to persuade a remorseful Donald Washburg to return the disputed land to the Osage Nation. His act reflects the show’s recurring message — that integrity often means creating change quietly rather than seeking glory.
Lessons from Tulsa and Beyond
“Tulsa’s story is America’s story. What we do with its truth shows who we are becoming.” — Sterlin Harjo
Harjo’s vision suggests that confronting local injustices helps the nation reckon with its collective past. Through characters like Lee Raybon, the series explores redemption, moral compromise, and the cost of truth-telling in a divided society.
Ethan Hawke’s Emotional Range
Harjo praises Ethan Hawke for balancing irony and emotion in his portrayal of Lee, noting that “he can break your heart while making you laugh.” This duality anchors the show’s tone — simultaneously somber and hopeful.
Author’s summary: In its finale, “The Lowdown” blends mystery, morality, and healing, showing that uncovering painful truths can also open a path toward communal redemption.