The Lowdown: Journalist or Storyteller? Creator breaks down Lee's journey

The Lowdown wrapped its first season on November 4th with a surprising conclusion. The FX show starring Ethan Hawke concluded differently than the viewers expected. Lee Raybon had uncovered huge corruption. He had found proof of murder and bribery, but he did not publish the explosive narrative.

Instead, he wrote something quieter. Something more personal to him. The creator Sterlin Harjo calls this conclusion

"The most beautiful way to end the season."

The series follows Lee, who is a journalist in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He calls himself a truthstorian. He digs up buried secrets and risks everything for the truth. But the finale asks a deeper question.

Lee discovers that a gubernatorial candidate has taken bribes. The candidate's brother died under suspicious circumstances. His friend was killed. Lee has all the evidence around the case. He could write a career-making exposé. But he makes a unique choice. He utilizes the information to help the Osage Nation regain their land and writes a tribute to the dead man instead.

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Why did Lee choose tribute over exposé?

The conclusion presents Lee with a moral dilemma. He had built his reputation on exposing the truth. His entire identity centered on exposing corruption. But his choice not to do so this time around left viewers perplexed.

Harjo explains Lee's thinking.

"At the end, it's like, well, can you put your morals, can you put your ego aside for the truth?"

The creator explains it as Lee pivoting. He found a way to make things right without destroying lives. He honored a dead man's wishes rather than pursuing justice.

This choice reflects The Lowdown's authentic approach to journalism. Not every story ends with a big takedown. Sometimes, doing the right thing is more crucial than doing what one wishes.

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What does being a "Truthstorian" really mean in The Lowdown?

Lee invented this term for himself. It blends history with truth seeking. However, the conclusion raises questions about what this means. The question remains about Lee abandoning his principles.

Harjo sees it as Lee discovering a more profound truth.

"I think he does get to the truth, because this person that was misunderstood by everyone — through his own investigations, he found out this man was and why he was important."

The article Lee writes reveals the real identity of Dale Washburn. That's true too. The series explores how journalism is about both understanding and facts.

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How does Ethan Hawke bring Lee to life in The Lowdown?

Harjo wrote The Lowdown specially for Hawke. The two hd previously worked together on Reservation Dogs, and the creator saw something unique in Hawke's ability to play flawed but honest characters. Harjo says

"He walks the line of being — people have said 'insufferable,' I've heard that used a few times — and really charismatic and lovely to watch,"

This accurately describes Lee. He's passionate but sometimes gets frustrated. He is brilliant but makes mistakes. He cares deeply but causes trouble.

Sterlin Harjo wanted to showcase all aspects of Hawke's talent and stated the following on the matter.

"I wanted to write him a part where he could be heartbreaking and also funny at the same time."

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What makes Tulsa important to this story of The Lowdown?

The Lowdown is a dedication to Tulsa. Harjo lives there and is deeply invested in the town. He wanted to display its complicated and painful history, an ongoing healing process, and the city's artistic spirit and the diverse cultures that coexist. Harjo explains the following:

"We are a place that is very diverse, culturally,"

The town sits near three tribal territories. It has experienced darkness but also reconciliation. Tulsa represents America in miniature form for the creator. The series celebrates bookstores and local journalism. It values truth seeking and literature. These things feel rare at the moment. Harjo hopes The Lowdown reminds us of the individual.

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Will there be more stories to tell in The Lowdown?

The show has not been renewed yet, but Harjo has ideas. He says

"I've got multiple seasons of shows I haven't made in my head,"

The Lowdown feels curated for more adventures. Lee could investigate new cases with every season. The series proves that journalism stories still resonate. People care about truth seekers. They want to see the good fight. Whether Lee gets another season or not, his journey asks crucial questions about ego, truth and doing the right thing.

The Lowdown challenges the meaning of journalism in the present day. Lee chose empathy over glory and proved that telling the truth can take many forms.

Also See: The Lowdown Episode 8 (finale) recap: Lee uncovers the shocking truth behind Dale Washberg's death