If there is one type of show that I am an absolute sucker for, it’s a drama that causes you to not only be on the edge of your seat, but also ponder the social and cultural implications of the events that take place. With FX’s latest show The Lowdown, starring Ethan Hawke, I got exactly what I was looking for, and so much more.
Premise
“Lee Raybon, used book seller and truthstorian”
On the surface, The Lowdown is your typical crime series. Someone is dead, foul play is suspected, and the main character steps in and tries to solve the case. To keep it simple, the premiere kicks off with Dale Washberg, brother of Oklahoma governor candidate Donald Washberg, writing a letter. We then hear a gun shot and are meant to presume that Dale has committed suicide. This “suicide” comes shortly after our main character, Lee Raybon, self-proclaimed “truthstorian” writes a piece on the Washberg family, linking them to a racist past. This leads to Lee feeling guilt for the death and he soon discovers that Dale Washberg might be at the center of a murder conspiracy.
Tone
“The perfect mix of comedic timing and serious moments.”
Although The Lowdown was a drama, there was a good bit of comedy that was added in at perfect moments. Obviously, Keith David Williams is well known for his comedic roles and his delivery in this show is spectacular, and Ethan Hawke flashed a little bit of his comedic timing as well. However, the supporting characters also had their time to shine as well. Being a show that takes place in Oklahoma, you have to have a little bit of fun with hillbilly culture. One of the main lines that I got a kick out of was when Lee goes to visit a suspect’s mother and she says “You haven’t had a warm meal, let me make you a hot pocket.” It’s comedy like that that I think hits perfectly in a show like this. It doesn’t feel out of place or forced, it fits right into the situation and it’s quick.
Moreover, the show has some serious moments that I’ve already talked about. It deals with loss of family and also accepting circumstances. Lee has to accept that his ex-wife is getting married and that his daughter actually likes the boyfriend. He also has to deal with the consequences on his actions, some of which are very dark. The writers and actors did a great job at creating characters that you begin to deeply care for, which lead to emotional scenes that you will absolutely be shedding tears from.
Cast and Characters
“The casting directors perfectly selected each and every role for this one.”
The cast of this show is nothing less than stellar. Ethan Hawke’s performance as Lee Raybon further proves that he is one of the greatest actors of this generation. From his cool and collected attitude to his suavity in his investigative interviews, Hawke’s character is so easily likeable. Not only is Lee a struggling journalist that owns a failing book store, he is also a divorced father of Francis. The dynamic between the two in this show is one that is incredibly believable and, at times, emotional. You have Lee who loves his daughter and wants the absolute best for her, and Francis who looks up to her father despite him not being the greatest of role models.
Alongside Lee, we have a great cast of supporting characters, most notably Marty, played by Keith David Williams. Marty is a private investigator that works for the Washberg family who was hired to keep tabs on Lee Raybon. However, the two begin working together as they start to unravel the threads that have led to the Washberg’s dark history. Hawke and Williams have great chemistry in every scene. The two are able to play off of each other seamlessly, and it truly makes for great moments. Despite Hawke being the main character of the show, it is difficult for Williams to not steal the show with his notable voice and mannerisms.
As for the antagonists of the show, and there are many, the standout performers for me were Jeanne Tripplehorn, who plays the widow of Dale Washberg and Kyle MacLachlan, who plays Donald Washberg. As for Tripplehorn, she was able to bring this untrustworthiness to the character that allowed you to love to hate her. For the most part, she is at odds with Lee, but at times she seems to be on Lee’s side, but as the viewer, you never know if she can be taken for her word. With MacLachlan, he just has that face and line delivery that you know is insincere. He plays a similar character to that of Hank MacLean in Fallout, you just know something is off but you can’t put your finger on it.
Finally, we have the role of Dale Washberg, played by Tim Blake Nelson. I’m not sure if the casting directors could have found someone more suited to play this role. Nelson perfectly portrays the black sheep of the family. His southern twang mixed with his awkward personality sparks a curiosity that intrigues you to want to know what happened to this man. He may not be on screen very much, but when he is, all eyes and ears on him.
Social Commentary
“There is nothing worse than a white man that cares.”
On top of The Lowdown having a phenomenal story, the added layer of racial commentary is what puts it over the edge for me. There is one point in the show where Marty says to Lee “There is nothing worse than a white man that cares.” Lee’s character is all about the truth, and bringing light to that truth no matter the cost. However, he soon finds out that more often than not, that cost is life. This show makes you question if what Lee is doing is actually right. Yes, he is fighting for the Native American people of Oklahoma, but who is he doing it for? Is he doing it for his own vindication to feel like he is above others, or does he genuinely care for the people that he is trying to help? Throughout the series, you desperately want Lee to succeed, but as you continue to watch, you realize that he’s hurting the people he is trying to help. The show brings light to the fact that it’s not that people have given up, it’s that they know fighting for what’s right will cause more harm than living with reality. It is exactly this that I look for in a show. So often shows like this are just entertainment, but when a series can go above that, and make you sit and think about a character’s choices and the real world consequences, you truly have something special.
The Lowdown: Overall, FX's The Lowdown is a perfectly cast drama mini series that will keep you entertained and thinking. If you are a fan of Ethan Hawke, drama series, and shows that have something to say about society, you will find yourself thoroughly enjoying this show. – Anthony Fichtner