"Most Beautiful Way": The Lowdown Creator Shares His Feelings About the FX Show
Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers for The Lowdown Season 1 finale. Reader discretion is advised.
FX’s crime thriller series The Lowdown concluded its debut season with an intense finale titled “The Sensitive Kind” on November 4. The show is loosely based on historian Lee Roy Chapman, whose work reshaped modern understanding of Tulsa’s racial history.
Ethan Hawke portrays Lee Raybon, a fictional version of Chapman — a self-described “truthstorian” and bookseller obsessed with uncovering a story that could define his career. Over the season, Lee’s search for the Washburg family’s history and a land deal involving Donald reaches a resolution when he uncovers vital evidence.
However, instead of publishing his explosive findings, Lee decides to pursue a more personal and meaningful outcome. This surprising choice resonated deeply with the show’s creator, Sterlin Harjo.
FX's The Lowdown finale might feel anti-climactic and even “not perfect” to some, but for creator Sterlin Harjo, the final episode truly reflects who Lee Raybon is as a character.
Throughout his pursuit, Lee uncovered an unexpected and painful truth about a vast conspiracy tied to the Washburg family. After an arduous eight-episode investigation, his journey concluded with a discovery that changed his understanding more than his reputation.
Author’s Summary
The Lowdown’s finale delivers an introspective closure, where truth and integrity outweigh sensationalism, revealing the depth of Lee Raybon’s personal journey.