In the latest episode of FX's The Lowdown, titled "Leaving and Coming Back," Lee Raybon (Ethan Hawke) finally gets a chance to bridge the gap with his estranged father (Tommy Lee Jones). But as life often does, it throws a curveball, and the two men lose their chance at a new beginning. Hawke recently opened up about that gut-wrenching final scene, Lee's quixotic nature, and what lies ahead.
Hawke, who also serves as an executive producer on the series created by Sterlin Harjo, sat down with Collider to unpack Lee's Season 2 journey. He explained that Lee's willingness to absorb punches—both literal and metaphorical—is his greatest strength. "When you tell truth to power, you've got to get punched in the face," Hawke said. "It's Lee's strength that he can absorb all these punches."
Lee's relentless pursuit of truth often lands him in dangerous situations, but Hawke sees a certain joy in that chaos. "He's like a punk rocker who jumps into a mosh pit," Hawke laughed. "That's exactly where he wants to be." This reckless optimism, Hawke suggests, is what makes Lee both endearing and frustrating. "He's a perennial optimist," Hawke added. "When things go badly, he's shocked, even when the writing was on the wall."
The emotional core of Episode 6 lies in that quiet drive between Lee and his father. Hawke praised the writing for capturing the ordinariness of the moment, which makes the loss even more devastating. "The moments before the end are so ordinary, but the possibility for healing is being revealed," he said. "Once a person dies, the poem is over."
But Hawke teased that the story isn't finished. "Tommy Lee Jones' best scene in the whole series is in Episode 8," he revealed. "It's phenomenal. The poem isn't done, but it's different than you might think." This hints at a deeper exploration of grief and legacy in the final episodes.
Lee's relationship with Ginger (portrayed by an unnamed actress) also takes center stage this season. Hawke described their connection as "messy, unguarded, and built on mutual recognition." It's a rare intimacy that feels authentic, a stark contrast to Lee's chaotic professional life.
As The Lowdown continues to unfold, Hawke hopes audiences appreciate the show's commitment to good storytelling. "It's just good storytelling," he said. With its blend of gritty realism and emotional depth, the series has carved out a unique space in the TV landscape.
For fans of Hawke's work, his recent projects have been equally compelling. He's been busy with Ari Aster's upcoming film, and his daughter Maya continues to make waves in the industry. But for now, all eyes are on The Lowdown and what's next for Lee Raybon.
As the season hurtles toward its conclusion, one thing is clear: Lee's journey is far from over. Whether he'll find redemption or continue to stumble remains to be seen, but Hawke's portrayal ensures we'll be watching every step.
