The Lowdown's Finale Brilliantly Upends Assumptions
Sterlin Harjo's Tulsa-set neo-noir, The Lowdown, concluded with violence, humor, and unexpected twists, challenging both characters and audience perceptions.
Central Questions in the Finale
The finale, which aired Tuesday on FX, revolved around two main questions. First, the straightforward mystery: how did Dale Washberg die? Second, a more complex inquiry about Lee Raybon’s true nature. Is he a righteous crusader for truth and justice, or a dangerously delusional white savior?
Complexity of Lee Raybon’s Character
Creator Sterlin Harjo, known for Reservation Dogs, avoids simple hero/villain labels. Ethan Hawke’s portrayal of Lee Raybon, nicknamed the “Tulsa truthstorian,” blends both archetypes equally. Surprisingly, Lee’s supposed nemesis turned out to be no more malicious than Lee himself.
Title and Themes of the Finale
The episode, titled “The Sensitive Kind,” has multiple meanings: it’s named after a song by J.J. Cale covered by Eric Clapton featured in the episode, the headline of Lee’s story about Dale, and was also the original working title of the show.
“Lee is in his bookstore, reading Walter Tevis’ novel The Man Who Fell to Earth, as Dale (Tim Blake Nelson) browses the shelves.”
Finale's Opening Scene
The episode begins with a flashback blending fantasy and reality, setting the tone for the complex narrative and character exploration that follows.
Author's summary: The finale of The Lowdown artfully disrupts simplistic views of good and evil through layered characters and surprising revelations.