For years, fans of prestige crime television have been chasing the high of True Detective's first season. That moody, philosophical, and deeply human mystery set a bar that few have reached. But FX's The Lowdown—a two-part crime thriller starring Ethan Hawke—might just be the show to finally fill that void. It's a black comedy with a golden heart, set in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and it's as gripping as it is delightfully offbeat.
Created by Sterlin Harjo, the mind behind the beloved Reservation Dogs, The Lowdown follows Lee Raybon (Hawke), a self-styled “truthstorian” who digs into the strange and forgotten corners of local history. He's part detective, part journalist, and all obsession. Lee is the kind of hero who's both brilliant and a mess—a deadbeat dad with a righteous streak who can't help but poke at the dark underbelly of his city. When a wealthy man named Dale Washberg (Tim Blake Nelson) turns up dead, Lee finds himself tangled in a conspiracy that reaches far beyond a simple murder.
What sets The Lowdown apart is its epic sense of scale. Harjo has crafted a story that feels like a modern-day Chinatown, with layers of corruption, family secrets, and political ambition. The Washberg family, led by the scheming Donald (Kyle MacLachlan, a nod to his own mystery-show past), has its eyes on the Oklahoma governorship, and Dale's death threatens to unravel everything. Lee must navigate a web of dirty real estate deals, neo-Nazi gangs, and his own complicated relationships—including with his ex-best friend Wendell (Peter Dinklage) and the enigmatic Marty (Keith David).
At its core, The Lowdown is a classic noir throwback. It wears its influences proudly, from the pulpy novels of Jim Thompson to the gritty private-eye films of the 1970s. The show's soundtrack and visual style evoke that era, but the storytelling feels fresh. Lee is a hero in the mold of The Long Goodbye's Philip Marlowe—a man of principle in a world that's all about money. As the mystery deepens, Lee's own life spirals, making him as compelling as any detective on TV.
The supporting cast is a treasure trove of talent. Keith David brings gravitas, Peter Dinklage adds a layer of bitter history, and Jeanne Tripplehorn shines as Betty Jo, whose affair with Donald is just the beginning of the Washberg family's secrets. The show doesn't shy away from violence or moral ambiguity, but it keeps a sense of humor that makes it uniquely watchable. It's the kind of show that can make you laugh one minute and hold your breath the next.
Season 1 wraps up the Washberg case, but The Lowdown is far from done. Season 2 promises to dive deeper into Lee's personal life, with Tommy Lee Jones joining as his father, Lee Raybon Sr. This new dynamic hints at even richer storytelling, as Lee's family history comes to the forefront. If you're looking for a crime drama that's both smart and entertaining, The Lowdown is the perfect pick. It's the kind of show that reminds you why you fell in love with the genre in the first place—and it might just be the blueprint for prestige crime TV going forward.
For those who've been searching for a True Detective replacement, The Lowdown delivers on every level. It's a show that understands the power of a great mystery, the allure of a flawed hero, and the importance of a good story well told. Don't miss it.
