‘The Lowdown’ Season Finale Overview
The FX series The Lowdown, filmed and set in Tulsa, concluded its first season in November. The story contains spoilers for the finale episode, “The Sensitive Kind.”
Dark Themes and Noir Influences
The season dealt with many grim events, including multiple murders, a man being tarred and feathered by a white supremacist group, and the accidental death of an elderly Native man played by Graham Greene, caused by the protagonist Lee Raybon (Ethan Hawke). These elements reflect the noir style that inspired creator Sterlin Harjo.
A Different Kind of Finale
Unlike many noir stories that end on a note of despair, the finale offers some victories for the protagonists, though these come with consequences.
Lee’s Investigation and Deal
Lee investigates the suspicious activities of Oklahoma gubernatorial candidate Donald Washberg (Kyle MacLachlan) and the death of Donald’s brother Dale (Tim Blake Nelson). After uncovering how Dale truly died, Lee confronts Donald with the truth but then surprises by negotiating to return a piece of Washberg family land—originally intended to be sold to a white supremacist group called One Well—to an Indigenous nation in Oklahoma.
“The season finale breaks from the often despairing endings of many noir tales by giving the good guys some victories — albeit at a cost.”
Author's Summary
This finale blends classic noir darkness with a hopeful twist, highlighting justice and Indigenous land rights amid complex moral choices.
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