The Lowdown's Finale Brilliantly Upends Assumptions
Sterlin Harjo's neo-noir series The Lowdown, set in Tulsa, concluded on FX with violence, humor, and unexpected twists. The finale, titled “The Sensitive Kind,” aired Tuesday and addressed two major questions at its core.
Key Questions of the Finale
- How did Dale Washberg die? This mystery had a clear-cut solution from the start.
- Is Lee Raybon a heroic truth-seeker or a delusional white savior? This question seemed simple but proved more complex.
Harjo, known for Reservation Dogs, avoided classic hero-villain binaries. Ethan Hawke’s portrayal of Lee Raybon, a fervent “Tulsa truthstorian,” revealed a character embodying both traits equally.
Surprising Character Dynamics
Even more surprising was the revelation that Lee’s perceived nemesis was no more harmful than Lee himself, challenging the audience’s and characters' assumptions alike.
Finale Setting and Thematic Elements
The episode opens with a flashback that blends reality and fantasy. Lee reads Walter Tevis’ The Man Who Fell to Earth in his bookstore while Dale Washberg, portrayed by Tim Blake Nelson, browses nearby.
“The Sensitive Kind” – not only the episode's title but also a song by J.J. Cale, featured as an Eric Clapton cover, and the working title of the series.
This finale reflects the show's nuanced approach to storytelling, highlighting blurred lines between heroes and villains.
Author's summary: The finale of The Lowdown subverts expectations by presenting morally complex characters, blending harsh truths with moments of levity and unexpected insight.