Intro

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We just finished watching The Lowdown on FX and Hulu, starring Ethan Hawke — and there’s a lot to like about it. It’s sharp, funny, full of eccentric characters, and best of all, it’s set in Tulsa, my hometown. Between Tulsa King and The Lowdown , the city has had quite a bit of screen time lately.

Growing up there, I remember when Tex (with Matt Dillon) filmed scenes in my high-school gym. Of course, The Outsiders was set in Tulsa too, and even Friends sent Chandler here for a storyline. The iconic Weird Al movie, UHF, was also filmed in Tulsa. Apparently, Hollywood’s rediscovered our red-dirt charm.

The Story

The Lowdown runs eight episodes, each about 40–50 minutes. Ethan Hawke plays Lee Raybon, a quirky bookstore owner who moonlights as a long-form journalist for an independent paper. He labels himself as a “truthstorian.” At the start, he’s just published an exposé on the Washburns — a powerful Oklahoma family whose patriarch Donald is running for governor.

When one of the Washburn brothers, Dale (Tulsa’s Tim Blake Nelson), dies by apparent suicide, Lee suspects there’s more to the story. What follows is a wild blend of mystery, satire, and political intrigue as Lee chases the truth through a maze of corruption, secrets, and unexpected allies.

The Positives

Hawke is terrific — he completely inhabits Lee Raybon’s offbeat energy and restless curiosity. The supporting cast adds real texture, especially his stepdaughter, ex-wife, and a conflicted campaign aide torn between loyalty and conscience. Even the small characters, like the people who have businesses next to Lee’s bookstore bring character, humor, and realism to the show.

The show’s first six episodes are packed with bizarre, funny, and unpredictable moments — the kind where you find yourself saying, “I can’t believe that just happened.” It’s part Better Call Saul , part Justified , and part Oklahoma fever dream.

The Negatives

If there’s one letdown, it’s that the central mystery loses emotional depth over time. The story that starts as a personal investigation into Dale Washburn’s death shifts toward corporate and political maneuvering. The last few episodes trade the absurd humor for heavier plot work — still interesting, but not as much fun.

I also found it unrealistic that as a candidate for governor of an entire state, Donald Washburg would be spending so much time in the seedier parts of Tulsa.

Tulsa on Screen

Tulsa looks gritty, weird, and fascinating — not the polished version tourists see, but the diners, side streets, and warehouses that locals recognize. Basically, it looks like North Tulsa is where most of the show takes place.

At first, I thought the show painted Oklahoma unfairly. The would-be governor’s circle includes people with racist views, the police don’t come off great, and there’s tension with Native American communities. But the show handles it more as realism than accusation.

The Tulsa Race Massacre is referenced but not exploited, and while the series might lean slightly liberal in tone, it doesn’t feel hostile. It just reflects one artist’s perspective — and that’s fine. I don’t have to agree with every viewpoint to appreciate good storytelling.

Final Thoughts

Despite its flaws, The Lowdown is clever, bold, and full of great characters. It’s violent and profane at times, but never dull. It doesn’t exactly portray Tulsans or Oklahoma as I would like, but I would still recommend it for anyone who enjoys dark comedy, political thrillers, or watching Ethan Hawke disappear into another fascinating role.

Rating: ★★★★☆ (8/10)
Streaming on: FX and Hulu

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