The first season of FX’s “The Lowdown“ wrapped up on November 4, leaving viewers with a surprising and thoughtful conclusion. Instead of publishing a career-defining exposé on political corruption, the journalist at the center of the story, Lee Raybon (played by Ethan Hawke), made a unique choice. He decided to leverage his findings for a greater good and write a personal tribute to a misunderstood man, a move that redefines what it means to tell the truth.
Series creator Sterlin Harjo described the finale as the most beautiful way to end the season, praising its realistic and imperfect resolution. The finale forces both Lee and the audience to question the real purpose of journalism and the price of truth.
Lee Raybon’s Surprising Choice
Throughout the season, Lee, who calls himself a “truthstorian,” doggedly investigates the death of Dale Washberg, the black sheep of a powerful family. His brother, Donald Washberg, is a candidate for governor. Lee uncovers a web of bribes involving a white supremacist church and a shady land deal. He learns that Dale was accidentally killed by hired thugs who were trying to intimidate him, and that Dale’s widow, Betty Jo, helped cover it up.
Lee obtains solid proof of murder and high-level corruption, enough to write a explosive article that would destroy Donald Washberg’s campaign. However, in the finale, Lee takes a different path. He confronts Donald with the evidence but does not publish it. Instead, he uses it as leverage to force Donald to donate the contested land to the Osage Nation, fulfilling Dale’s original wish to help his Native friend, Arthur. Lee’s final article is not a takedown of the Washbergs, but a posthumous profile that honors Dale’s kind and empathetic nature.
The Deeper Meaning Behind the Decision
The finale presents a deep moral dilemma for Lee. His entire identity is built on exposing the truth, but this time, pursuing that truth would have caused more damage and violated a dead man’s wishes. Creator Sterlin Harjo explained the character’s pivot.
“At the end, it’s like, well, can you put your morals, can you put your ego aside for the truth?” Harjo said. “He pivots. He found a way to make things right without destroying lives.”
This choice explores the complex balance between being a journalist who reports facts and being a storyteller who seeks understanding. Lee discovered that the deeper truth was about who Dale was as a person, not just the facts of his death. By choosing empathy and a practical solution over public glory, Lee arguably became a better man, even if he stepped away from his strict “truthstorian” code.
A Father-Daughter Story at Its Heart
Beyond the crime mystery, “The Lowdown” is also a story about Lee’s relationship with his teenage daughter, Francis. His dangerous obsession with the truth often puts a strain on his role as a father and even leads to tragic consequences, like the death of his friend Arthur.
This personal failure serves as a turning point for Lee. It humbles him and makes him reconsider his actions. In the finale, this growth is evident when he attends his ex-wife’s wedding and encourages his daughter to live with her mother and stepfather full-time, putting her safety and stability above his own desires. This personal sacrifice mirrors his professional one, showing a man learning to prioritize what truly matters.
How the Finale Sets Up the Future
While the central mystery of Dale Washberg’s death is solved, the ending leaves Lee’s future open. The show has not yet been officially renewed for a second season, but Harjo has expressed he has ideas for more stories.
The finale’s focus on community and Lee’s network of friends and neighbors in Tulsa suggests that any future season would continue to explore these relationships. Lee’s journey as a father and his evolving definition of truth provide a strong foundation for new investigations and personal challenges.
Also Read: The Lowdown Episode 8: Everything You Need to Know About the Season Finale
