‘The Lowdown’ Creator Sterlin Harjo on the Films That Inspired Season 2, and What Convinced Tommy Lee Jones to Join the Show

As Season 2 of FX’s “The Lowdown” debuts on October 14, the series dives deeper into the complex life of Lee Raybon, portrayed by Ethan Hawke. The character, a citizen journalist known as a “truthstorian,” grapples with the discomfort of newfound recognition following the events of the first season. Instead of embracing praise, Lee reacts with a candid and unfiltered critique of his audience, a narrative choice that series creator Sterlin Harjo confirms draws from his own challenging experience with sudden acclaim after his acclaimed series "Reservation Dogs."

Harjo reflects on the disorienting shift from independent filmmaker to showrunner in the limelight, acknowledging that the initial surge of attention can provoke a defensive response. Similarly, Lee Raybon’s distrust of recognition and his struggle to accept success form a central emotional current for the season. Harjo frames the new chapters of the show around the theme of self-acceptance and the subsequent impact it has on relationships with others.

The storyline in Season 2 expands with Lee being enlisted by public defender Ginger, played by Betty Gilpin, to investigate the mysterious disappearance of a client within the Oklahoma prison system. This narrative strand explores the rarely addressed question of how someone could vanish inside a tightly controlled environment such as a prison. The concept was heavily influenced by classic films including "Prime Cut" (1972), "Cutter’s Way" (1981), and the noir staple "The Third Man" (1949), resulting in a plot that intertwines noir sensibilities with contemporary social commentary.

The real-life environment of Oklahoma informs much of the series’ texture. Harjo and his creative team incorporated insights from Hawke’s cousin, a public defender in Texas, along with Harjo’s own childhood experiences visiting a prison in McAlester, Oklahoma, where his uncle was incarcerated. These elements lend authenticity to the depiction of the prison’s influence on the surrounding community, highlighting issues such as drug trafficking and corruption among guards and inmates alike. Notably, the production shot scenes within the actual McAlester prison, adding a layer of verisimilitude rarely seen in television.

Season 2 further complicates Lee Raybon’s familial dynamics by introducing Tommy Lee Jones as his estranged father. This casting choice came early in the writing process, with Harjo envisioning Jones in the role after penning the opening episode. Their shared representation through CAA facilitated the connection, and Jones’ enthusiasm for the project was immediate, especially after viewing Season 1. Jones expressed particular affection for the bookstore security guards—a pair of characters who provide a mix of comic relief and grounded humanity, underscoring the show’s commitment to nuanced character development.

Jones’ involvement also enriched the creative atmosphere on set. While filming, he engaged with Harjo and Hawke by discussing episodes of “Reservation Dogs,” revealing a deep appreciation for Harjo’s broader body of work. Harjo remarks on Jones’ sophisticated understanding of the material, which helped establish a collaborative and stimulating environment.

The character of Ginger emerges as a robust counterpart to Lee, blending toughness and humor. Betty Gilpin’s casting brought new dimensions to the role beyond the original script, prompting Harjo to tailor subsequent writing to her unique energy and interpretive strengths. This collaboration reflects a broader creative approach in the season, which seeks to elevate the narrative intensity and emotional stakes.

Harjo envisioned Season 2 as an escalation from its predecessor, aiming to deliver a faster pace and amplified drama while preserving the grounded realism that defines the series. Drawing parallels to the challenges faced by other serialized dramas, he aspires for this season to stand on its own merits yet leave audiences eager for further installments, with hopes of continuing the story into a third season.

With the first two episodes available on FX and Hulu, and weekly releases to follow, “The Lowdown” Season 2 presents a textured exploration of personal and societal struggles framed by a distinctive Oklahoma backdrop. Through layered storytelling, authentic settings, and a compelling cast, the series continues to carve a unique space in contemporary television drama.