[Editor’s note: This article contains spoilers for The Lowdown.]  

From the moment Bogie turned up his trench coat collar and ventured into San Francisco’s foggy nights, America has been captivated by the allure of film noir, with its blend of style, mystery, and moral ambiguity. Over the last seven weeks, Sterlin Harjo’s The Lowdown has embraced these classic elements, offering viewers cathartic resolutions as it wrapped up its debut season on November 4.

In this fresh FX series from the co-creator of Reservation Dogs, our protagonist, Lee Raybon (played by Ethan Hawke), is a quirky citizen journalist determined to dismantle the supremacist networks in Tulsa. In the season finale titled “The Sensitive Kind,” Lee exposes the sinister Betty Jo Washberg (Jeanne Tripplehorn) and assists gubernatorial hopeful Donald Washberg (Kyle MacLachlan) in confronting harsh realities. Following his epiphany, Donald severs ties with his extremist supporters and returns stolen land to the Osage community. It’s deeply satisfying to witness the downfall of racists and the long-overdue justice for Indigenous people of Oklahoma. Yet, this narrative feels almost too idyllic given today’s societal climate.

However, Harjo, a Tulsa resident himself, believes such outcomes are within reach. He shared his insights with The A.V. Club about his inspirations for the show, the impactful season finale, and his optimistic view on America’s future.

The A.V. Club: Why is Tulsa the perfect backdrop for this quintessentially American tale?

Sterlin Harjo: Tulsa embodies the American experience with its diverse cultural mix and a history marked by both dark events and moments of beauty. The city is currently undergoing a period of reconciliation and confronting its past.

I also find myself mythologizing my experiences. Being from Oklahoma and of mixed heritage—Muscogee Creek, Seminole, and Italian through my grandfather—I’ve always been piecing together my identity. Tulsa has become a place where I can weave my personal myths and dreams.

Balancing my role as a father while pursuing filmmaking and storytelling adds another layer to my connection with the city. It’s interesting that people see similarities between Ethan’s character and myself, reflecting the blend of personal and universal themes in our stories.

AVC: The Lowdown notably showcases the diversity of Oklahoma, which is uncommon in Western narratives. What’s your approach to representing diverse communities?

SH: Our approach is grounded in authenticity. It’s easy to claim diversity, but true representation involves understanding and reflecting the real-world diversity surrounding us. This authenticity was something Killer Mike appreciated when he first joined the project, praising the script for its genuine portrayal of diversity, not just as a superficial add-on.

AVC: Lee Raybon is a fascinating character, especially given his ability to navigate various community spaces in Tulsa. Could you expand on his inspiration and role?

SH: Lee was inspired by my late friend and colleague, Lee Roy Chapman, a complex person whose story I initially hesitated to tell. Lee Roy’s fearless and outspoken nature, along with his deep connections across Tulsa, are qualities I wanted to capture in Lee Raybon. The character also embodies the spirit of a bygone era when we aimed to make significant societal impacts through our journalistic endeavors at This Land Press.

AVC: The season finale strikes a chord by portraying an almost utopian vision of justice. Can you discuss the themes explored?

SH: The finale reflects a nostalgic longing for a time when moral clarity about right and wrong was more common. It challenges the current climate of fear and division, suggesting that America hasn’t always been as polarized as it seems today. The narrative intertwines past and present issues, questioning the simplicity of labeling people or actions as purely good or evil.

AVC: In the finale, Chutto explains to Lee why his family isn’t focused on reclaiming their land. What does this reveal about broader societal issues?

SH: This conversation highlights the difference between individual ownership and communal stewardship of land, which is a fundamental aspect of Native American culture. The fixation on private land ownership has brought immense strife and injustice, reflecting broader capitalist values that conflict with communal well-being.

AVC: The season closes with a poignant karaoke scene featuring Betty Jo. What inspired this choice?

SH: Originally planned for another scene, Jeanne Tripplehorn’s moving performance perfectly encapsulated the emotional complexity of the moment. Betty Jo’s internal struggle, despite outward appearances, mirrors the show’s themes of facing harsh truths beneath the surface.