"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 Thriller Reaches Its Climax
FX’s crime thriller series The Lowdown ended its debut season with a powerful finale titled “The Sensitive Kind,” which aired on November 4. The story takes loose inspiration from historian Lee Roy Chapman, whose research reshaped contemporary views on Tulsa’s racial past.
Character and Storyline
Actor Ethan Hawke portrays Lee Raybon, a fictionalized version of Chapman — a self-styled “truthstorian” and bookseller determined to uncover the biggest story of his life. Over the course of the series, Lee’s relentless search into the Washburg family’s hidden history culminates with a major revelation about Donald’s land deal.
However, instead of publishing his explosive findings, Lee makes a surprising choice — he opts for a more personal and meaningful outcome, rejecting the lure of fame.
Sterlin Harjo on the Finale
“FX’s The Lowdown finale might feel anti-climactic and even ‘not perfect’ to some, but for creator Sterlin Harjo, the final entry was a true representation of his protagonist, Lee Raybon,” Variety reports.
Harjo praised Lee’s decision to step away from sensationalism, describing it as the most genuine reflection of his character’s journey. After eight episodes of pursuit, Lee ultimately uncovers an unsettling truth tied to a massive Washburg family conspiracy — and learns that truth itself can come with an emotional cost.
Author’s Summary
The Lowdown’s finale trades shock for depth, closing Lee Raybon’s story with a bittersweet revelation about integrity and the burden of uncovering the past.