Expect the Unexpected with "The Lowdown"

Ethan Hawke has long established himself as a formidable force in the entertainment industry, thriving as an actor, director, and author. It may come as a surprise that he has now ventured into the realm of streaming with a compelling new series. Historically, the transition from film to television has been seen as a step down for actors, leading to an unfair stigma. However, the rise of streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime has revolutionized the landscape, attracting not only audiences but also top-tier talent.

"The Lowdown," featuring a stellar cast that includes Ethan Hawke, Keith David, Ryan Kiera Armstrong, and Rachel Crowl, initially caught my eye with its poster. While it initially sparked a lukewarm response, I decided to give it a shot. After watching the first episode, I began to see its potential, but by the third episode, I was genuinely amazed. This series is not just worth your time—it's a refreshing addition to the streaming world that showcases the depth and versatility of its talented cast. Hawke plays Lee Raybon, a self-styled grassroots journalist and bookseller in Tulsa, Oklahoma, who is short on money. He is short on child support payments to his ex-wife and on payroll for his bookstore employee, Dala. He writes articles for a local magazine that alternates between news and nudes. His biggest score is uncovering information about Dale Washberg, a member of the Washberg clan, from an unknown letter before his untimely death. The series continues as Hawke's character sniffs around town to gather information about Washberg. Why? Because he said that he is a "truthstorian". He will stop at nothing to get the full story of the Washberg clan. What really got my attention was Episode 3, when Raybon actually got a new apartment to keep his estranged daughter; I thought, "He's not much of a narcissist after all."

FX’s The Lowdown — Pictured: (l-r) Ethan Hawke as Lee Raybon, Ryan Kiera Armstrong as Francis. CR: Shane Brown/FX.

Hawke brings a smooth, southern charm and quick wit. Living and working in a bookstore in the heart of Tulsa does draw people off as somewhat of a local businessman, but what makes the series interesting is that he travels around Oklahoma, looking into one of the state’s most mysterious families. Is he personally invested? Not really. His primary focus is on delivering justice, even if the story ends up in the local paper and keeping his family safe.

The Lowdown is a series created by Native American writer/director Sterlin Harjo (Seminole Nation of Oklahoma), director of the indie films Mekko and Love and Fury previously, plus episodes of the "Reservoir Dogs" FX series. Now streaming on Hulu.