The Lowdown's Finale Brilliantly Upends the Characters’—And Audience’s—Assumptions

The Lowdown's Finale Brilliantly Upends Characters’ and Audience’s Assumptions

Sterlin Harjo's neo-noir set in Tulsa concluded with violence, humor, and unexpected twists. The finale of The Lowdown, which aired Tuesday on FX, centered on two key questions.

Unraveling Dale Washberg’s Death

The first question—how Dale Washberg died—was expected to have a straightforward explanation. The second question was more complex:

These seemed like simple opposites, similar to many of this year’s notable movie protagonists. Yet, Sterlin Harjo, known for Reservation Dogs, avoids simplistic labels of hero and villain. Ethan Hawke’s portrayal of the "Tulsa truthstorian" Lee Raybon revealed a character who was a blend of both archetypes.

Complex Rivalries and Unexpected Parallels

An even greater surprise, for Lee and viewers alike, was that the man Lee considered his nemesis was no more malicious than Lee himself.

Episode Title and Symbolism

The finale, titled “The Sensitive Kind,” references several layers:

Opening Scene: Flashback and Fantasy

The episode opens with a flashback that feels almost fantastical. Lee is in his bookstore, reading Walter Tevis’ novel The Man Who Fell to Earth, while Dale (played by Tim Blake Nelson) browses the shelves.

“Lee Raybon’s wild-eyed ‘Tulsa truthstorian’ turned out to be an equal mix of both archetypes.”

Harjo’s finale pushes past clear-cut morality, challenging viewers to reconsider their assumptions about truth, justice, and identity.

Author’s summary: The Lowdown’s finale masterfully blends humor, violence, and moral complexity, redefining heroes and villains through nuanced characters and surprising twists.

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Time Magazine Time Magazine — 2025-11-05

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