'The Lowdown' Creator Sterlin Harjo on the Season 1 Finale, Tulsa's Lessons for America, and Ethan Hawke's Impact
Sterlin Harjo, creator of 'The Lowdown,' discusses the emotional finale, the lessons Tulsa offers to the U.S., and working with Ethan Hawke.
Plot Details from 'The Sensitive Kind'
"'The Sensitive Kind,' the Season 1 finale of 'The Lowdown,' now streaming on Hulu, reveals that journalist Lee Raybon (Ethan Hawke), who calls himself a 'truthstorian,' aims to uncover Tulsa's buried secrets."
In this episode, Lee discovers that a white supremacist church used land deals to bribe gubernatorial candidate Donald Washburg (Kyle Maclachlan). The land was meant to be left to Native friend Arthur (Graham Greene).
Uncovering Oklahoma's Hidden History
"Lee finds proof that Dale (Tim Blake Nelson), Donald's late brother, a closeted eccentric who died in a suspicious 'suicide,' initially tried to leave the land to Native allies."
However, Frank (Tracy Letts), unknowingly hired by Donald, intimidated Dale with deadly force and killed Arthur himself.
Lee's Ethical Decision
Despite the revelations, Lee chooses not to publish them. Instead, he convinces Donald to transfer the land to the Osage Nation, using his knowledge for tangible justice.
Author's summary
Sterlin Harjo reflects on Tulsa's complex past, the power of truth in storytelling, and how meaningful change can come through quiet justice rather than sensationalism.