Breaking down The Lowdown: A look at the first two episodes

The Lowdown is a TV drama series written by Sterlin Harjo, set in Tulsa, Oklahoma. It is about Lee Raybon, a citizen journalist and proprietor of a bookstore played by Ethan Hawke, who investigates corruption in the local area alongside navigating family life. The series integrates mystery, comedy, and drama and takes inspiration from real-life figures such as journalist Lee Roy Chapman.

The episode 1, Pilot, launches Lee’s investigation of a suspicious death that is connected to an influential family, melding tension with interpersonal strife. Episode 2, The Devil’s Mama, expands on this by further delving into concealed connections, heightening tension, and interactions between characters.

The show debuted with these two on September 23, 2025, on FX. Fans may see live broadcasts on FX or stream episodes the day after on Hulu in the United States. Internationally, they may view them on Disney+ beginning September 24, 2025. The next episode 3, titled Dinosaur Memories of The Lowdown, debuts on September 30, 2025, and continues the story with additional revelations about Tulsa’s dark side.

The Lowdown episode 1: The Pilot

In the first episode of The Lowdown, viewers meet Lee Raybon, a Tulsa resident who runs Hoot Owl Books and calls himself a truthstorian. He is a divorced father sharing custody of his daughter, Francis, with his ex-wife, Samantha. The main plot starts when Dale Washberg, from a wealthy family, dies in what is officially called a suicide. Lee doubts this and begins looking into it, suspecting a cover-up. Dale’s brother, Donald Washberg, is running for governor and appears close to Dale’s widow, Betty Jo.

Lee’s search leads him to clues in old crime novels left by Dale. He also crosses paths with Frank Martin, a businessman buying properties in North Tulsa, and Donald’s private investigator, Marty. As Lee digs deeper, he faces physical attacks from thugs and a shady developer, getting injured multiple times. One strange event involves him being force-fed paddlefish caviar during a confrontation. The episode shows Lee’s reckless side, as he involves Francis in risky situations, treating her like a helper rather than protecting her.

Family moments highlight tension with Samantha, who tends to his wounds but worries about his choices. Lee’s past, including an ironic tattoo, adds layers to his character. The story sets up ties to neo-Nazi groups in Tulsa, mixing investigation with everyday life scenes like bookstore debates on books. This establishes the show’s tone of dark mystery and light humor, focusing on corruption in local power structures.

The Lowdown episode 2: The Devil’s Mama

The Lowdown’s second episode picks up from the pilot’s events, with Lee Raybon continuing his look into the Washberg family’s secrets. He focuses more on Donald Washberg’s possible links to local neo-Nazi groups and the real story behind Dale’s death. A key part involves Lee’s meeting with Betty Jo Washberg, Dale’s widow, which reveals more about family ties and hidden motives. Lee faces growing dangers, including threats to his daughter, Francis, which heighten the personal risks of his work. He gets into more physical scrapes, adding to his injuries from before.

The episode includes scenes at his bookstore, where he talks about literature mixed with the investigation, like debates on organizing books or mixing authors in odd ways. Samantha, Lee’s ex-wife, appears in moments that show their past bond, such as sharing a drink or singing together, but also her concerns for Francis’s safety. Lee’s determination leads to new clues, but it strains his relationships and puts him in harm’s way again. Supporting characters like Marty, the investigator, and others from Tulsa’s underworld come into play, building the web of corruption.

The story keeps a balance of suspense and comedy, with quirky details like unusual threats or local Tulsa references. This episode deepens the mystery without rushing, showing how Lee’s obsession affects his life. It sets the stage for broader conspiracies involving property deals and political ambitions.

Preview of the upcoming episode of The Lowdown: Dinosaur Memories

Episode 3 of The Lowdown, titled Dinosaur Memories, is set to air on September 30, 2025, on FX, with streaming available the next day on Hulu. This installment follows the two-episode premiere and continues Lee Raybon’s ongoing investigation into Tulsa’s corruption. Based on the series’ pattern, it likely explores more about the Washberg family’s hidden dealings and Lee’s efforts to connect the dots from prior findings. Previews suggest deeper dives into local history and personal backstories, possibly involving memories or past events that tie into the current mystery.

Lee’s relationships with Francis and Samantha may face further tests as threats escalate. The episode could introduce new characters or expand on existing ones, like Frank Martin or Marty, in the context of property schemes or political intrigue. The show’s style keeps blending noir elements with humor, focusing on Tulsa’s unique setting. While specific plot points remain under wraps to avoid spoilers, early reviews of the first five episodes indicate the story builds steadily, with Lee encountering more obstacles and revelations.

This keeps the focus on truth-seeking amid danger. Viewers can expect around 59 minutes of runtime, rated TV-MA, maintaining the weekly release schedule until the finale of The Lowdown on November 4, 2025. International audiences access it on Disney+.

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Hilfa Khan

Hilfa, Senior Writer at Hilvaro, excels in pop culture journalism. She crafts engaging content on movies, TV, & trends, fueled by her love for storytelling & entertainment.