The Lowdown is a new FX television series created by Sterlin Harjo and starring Ethan Hawke as Lee Raybon, a scruffy, determined citizen journalist and rare-book shop owner in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The show is a noir-inspired investigative crime drama with dark humor and a strong sense of place, exploring themes of corruption, power, and local history. Lee investigates the suspicious death of Dale Wash, a member of a powerful family, uncovering links to political and business corruption. Critical reception highlights Ethan Hawke’s captivating performance as the flawed but earnest protagonist who combines intelligence with abrasive charm. The series is praised for its rich character development, blending of humor and noir elements, and detailed depiction of Tulsa’s community and history, including its darker aspects like the 1921 Tulsa massacre. The storytelling style draws from classic noir and pulp fiction influences but with a modern, quirky twist. Reviewers note that while the mystery at the core of the series is not overly complex or clever, the show’s strength lies in its atmosphere, characters, and the exploration of journalism’s role in revealing uncomfortable truths about society. It contrasts with Harjo’s earlier series Reservation Dogs by focusing on a white, downcast protagonist navigating corruption in a small city with stubborn hope. Overall, The Lowdown is described as an offbeat yet engaging series with a distinctive voice, blending cynicism and optimism, and backed by stellar acting and strong direction by Sterlin Harjo.