Mikes Film Talk

Sterlin Harjo brings us the 2025 drama series The Lowdown, admittedly, I am late to the party here. Binging the previous episodes yesterday so I could catch up for episode 4. It was only after watching the series that I found it was created by Harjo; the guy who created the superlative Reservation Dogs 2021-23.

This new show is also, at the very least peripherally, about Native Americans in Oklahoma. *It also delves into land rights and the Osage Hills, where oil was discovered and wholesale murder of the tribe it belonged to was made into a film in 2023.*

The series has a splendid cast and it feels as carefully crafted as Harjo’s other projects. The man is a master storyteller. One who will, by my reckoning, outdistance Taylor Sheridan for sheer scope and award winning shows.

The Lowdown Story

Bookstore owner Lee Raybon considers himself a “Tulsa Truthstorian.” He writes about the truth he finds. Sometimes said truths are very unpopular. After digging up dirt on a new gubernatorial candidate’s past land dealings, the man’s brother kills himself. He must now fight for his family’s personal safety as sinister forces close in.

The Cast

Ethan Hawke is Lee Raybon.

Keith David is Marty.

Tim Blake Nelson is Dale Washberg.

Ryan Kiera Armstrong is Francis.

Jeanne Tripplehorn is Betty Jo Washberg.

Scott Shepherd is Alan Murphy.

Kyle MacLachlan is Donald Washberg.

Cody Lightning is Waylon.

Dale Dickey is Bonnie.

Kaniehtiio Horn is Samantha.

Let’s Talk The Lowdown

This quirky “Neo Noir” historical drama has, in its four episodes, dropped a lot of bodies hither and yon. Dale “kills” himself. Alan takes out two skinheads. In this latest episode, the taker out is dropped in his pickup truck.

Hawke, as Lebon, is all rakish, and battered, charm. He is a player first and foremost. Lee may be the self proclaimed Tulsa Truthstorian but he plays the odds and skates on the edge of legality.

The appearances of Tim Blake Nelson as Dale, especially the parts where he shows up to read his “letters,” are brilliant. Lee looks at the late author as he speaks and even Francis notices him. It is an eclectic touch and one that apes the ghost warrior in Reservation Dogs. The moments work and add to the existing oddness of the series’ setup.

Tulsa, Oklahoma, repeatedly voted the most dangerous place to live, is a great backdrop to set all these bodies, murderous events and subterfuge. As I said above, Harjo has already made The Lowdown more interesting than Yellowstone by a country mile. *To be fair, I started losing interest in Sheridan’s updating of “Dallas” by the end of season two.*

Cast is King/Queen

Hawke kills it here. This is his best work in years and he fills the battered cowboy boots of his character fully. Keith David is like fine wine. He never gets old and he commands whatever scene he is in. The real gem here is Armstrong. At age 15 she already has a list of bona fides as long as your arm. This youngster can act. She is another one of those who should be watched. The actress is going to be huge.

Tripplehorn is spot on as Dale Washbergs new widow. She has moved well and truly on from her stint in Basic Instinct from “back in the day.” MacLachlan continues to make whatever character he plays look effortless by his execution.

The Verdict

The Lowdown is pure 5 star entertainment. This one almost slipped by me and I’m glad to have found it. It is streaming on FX and Hulu. New episodes air on Tuesdays. If you have not seen this one yet, head on over and check it out. It is worth the trip.

The Trailer