This New FX Show With 98% on RT Is One of the Best Crime Dramas of the Year
This is a case in which a crime story becomes more than just entertainment – it becomes a profound study of human nature and society.
The new series from Reservation Dogs creator Sterlin Harjo has become a true revelation of the year. Starring Ethan Hawke, The Lowdown strikes the perfect balance between ironic detective story and social drama.
Set in the city of Tulsa, The Lowdown captivates with its very setting – everyone keeps their own secrets.
What Is 'The Lowdown' About?
The story unfolds in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where Lee Raybon (Ethan Hawke), the owner of a used bookstore, investigates the mysterious death of Dale Washberg, a member of an influential family.
The police ruled it a suicide, but the stubborn journalist was convinced it was murder. His investigation leads him to confront corrupt politicians, dangerous criminals, and local elites harboring dark secrets.
Gradually, Lee's inquisitive daughter, Francis, joins the search for the truth, turning the case into a family affair.
Ethan Hawke's Main Character Is Based on a Real-Life Journalist
Lee Raybon is based on the legendary journalist, renowned Tulsa historian, and anti-corruption activist Lee Roy Chapman.
Chapman, who passed away in 2015, made history as the author of a seminal study of the 1921 Tulsa Race Riot. In another work, he revealed the ties of the city's founder to the Ku Klux Klan.
Like his real-life counterpart, Hawke's character wears a signature hat, owns a bookstore, and challenges the system without fear.
'The Lowdown' Is a Leisurely Yet Gripping Crime Story Based in Tulsa
The Lowdown masterfully combines a leisurely pace with constant tension. Tulsa is portrayed as a character in its own right – a provincial town with a rich cultural heritage where the lives of people from different social classes intertwine.
Ethan Hawke delivers one of his finest performances as an eccentric yet principled man reminiscent of The Dude from The Big Lebowski and Jake Gittes from Chinatown.
The Lowdown is a rare example of a crime drama in which humor and irony coexist with serious topics – it touches on issues of racial inequality, corruption, and family values without excessive moralizing.
What Did Critics & Viewers Think of 'The Lowdown'?
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The Lowdown has 98% from critics and 68% from viewers on Rotten Tomatoes.
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On IMDb, the series has a score of 7.0/10.
Where to Watch 'The Lowdown'?
The Lowdown is available to stream on Hulu and Disney+.
