‘The Lowdown’ Creator Sterlin Harjo on the Bittersweet Finale and Tulsa’s Lessons for America
Sterlin Harjo, creator of the FX series The Lowdown, reflects on the emotionally layered finale of the show’s first season and what its story says about truth, redemption, and the history of Tulsa, Oklahoma. The final episode, The Sensitive Kind, is now available on Hulu.
The Search for Truth in Tulsa
Journalist and bookstore owner Lee Raybon, portrayed by Ethan Hawke, calls himself a “truthstorian,” a term that captures his devotion to uncovering Tulsa’s hidden stories and injustices. His latest investigation centers on a web of corruption tied to the Washburg family.
Uncovering the Washburg Scandal
In the finale, Lee uncovers evidence that a white supremacist church has conspired with gubernatorial candidate Donald Washburg. The scheme involves a fraudulent land deal used to conceal bribes. The property originally belonged to Donald’s late brother, Dale, who had intended to leave it to his Native friend, Arthur.
Dale’s death—staged as a suicide—was revealed to be the result of intimidation orchestrated by Donald’s associate, Frank, whose hired men inadvertently caused Dale’s death before murdering Arthur. Arthur is portrayed by Graham Greene in one of his last performances before his passing in September, adding poignancy to the episode’s themes of loss and justice.
A Quiet Act of Redemption
Rather than publishing the explosive story, Lee chooses a different path. He persuades the guilt-ridden Donald Washburg to transfer the disputed land to the Osage Nation, turning his knowledge into action that restores a measure of justice. His decision underlines the show’s message—that truth can serve as a bridge to healing rather than just exposure.
“Truth isn’t always about printing the story,” Lee says in the finale. “Sometimes it’s about making things right.”
Ethan Hawke’s Emotional Performance
As Harjo notes, Ethan Hawke’s portrayal balances humor and heartbreak, bringing humanity to a story steeped in generational guilt and buried history.
Author’s summary: A moving reflection on justice and redemption, Sterlin Harjo’s The Lowdown finale blends truth with empathy, showing how Tulsa’s past still shapes America’s conscience.