Sterlin Harjo’s “the Lowdown”: A Stylish Neo-Noir Exposing Oklahoma‘s Dark Undercurrents
Sterlin Harjo, the acclaimed creator of “Reservation Dogs,” returns with “The Lowdown,” a compelling new crime drama that plunges into the murky political landscape of Oklahoma and unearths a history steeped in racial tension and elite power plays. While a departure from the formal experimentation of “Reservation dogs,” “The Lowdown” doesn’t sacrifice Harjo’s signature character work or his ability to weave a narrative that resonates with contemporary anxieties. This series, currently unfolding with a sun-drenched aesthetic reminiscent of classic “Fargo,” offers a gripping investigation into a suspicious death, a contentious gubernatorial race, and the insidious forces shaping the state’s identity.
A Fatal Shot and a Web of Suspicion
The series kicks off with the ambiguous death of Dale Washberg, a prominent political figure poised for a gubernatorial run. the official ruling is suicide, but the circumstances are immediately suspect. Enter Lee, a journalist haunted by his own demons and fresh off publishing an exposé detailing the Washberg family’s questionable wealth. Driven by a relentless curiosity and a keen eye for detail - he’s the type to recognize a Joe Brainard painting in an unlikely setting – Lee is compelled to investigate,despite warnings from his editor.
Lee’s pursuit quickly reveals a multitude of individuals with motives for wanting Dale silenced. His widow, Jeanne Tripplehorn‘s character, emerges as a potential suspect, hinted at through cryptic notes hidden within Dale’s beloved first-edition books, suggesting a hidden side to their marriage. Dale’s brother, Donald Washberg, also stands to gain from his brother’s demise, adding another layer of complexity to the investigation.
As Lee digs deeper,he attracts the attention of dangerous elements: neo-Nazi thugs and the shadowy figures who fund them.His relentless questioning and public accusations – culminating in a fiery outburst at Dale’s memorial, declaring a vote for Donald Washberg a vote for white supremacy – quickly make him a target, ostracizing him from the Washberg’s inner circle.
Oklahoma as a Crucible of american History
“The Lowdown” arrives at a moment when Oklahoma is increasingly recognized as a crucial location for understanding America’s fraught racial history. Recent works like the HBO series “Watchmen” and Martin Scorsese’s “Killers of the Flower Moon” have brought to light the state’s legacy of violence against Black and Native communities,and the purposeful attempts to erase these atrocities from the historical record. The 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, vividly depicted in “Watchmen,” serves as a stark reminder of the deep-seated racial animosity that continues to simmer beneath the surface.
While “The Lowdown” doesn’t delve into these historical traumas with the same exhaustive detail as its predecessors, it skillfully connects Donald Washberg’s political ambitions to a long-standing pattern of elite exploitation and the use of both legal and illegal means to maintain power. Harjo’s series doesn’t shy away from suggesting that the present-day political machinations are merely the latest iteration of a centuries-old struggle.
A cast of Eccentrics and the Pulse of a Troubled State
Harjo’s strength lies in his ability to breathe life into archetypal characters. Keith David delivers a standout performance as Marty, a poetry-loving private investigator who provides a grounded counterpoint to Lee’s more impulsive nature. The supporting cast is equally compelling, populated by a colorful array of ”kooks, knuckleheads, ne’er-do-wells, and melancholics,” as the original review aptly describes them.
Killer Mike, the acclaimed rapper, makes a memorable appearance as the publisher of a local tabloid, providing Lee with a platform for his more provocative reporting. A pair of recently paroled cousins, ostensibly connected to the Indian mafia, offer a darkly comedic layer of security, proving more adept at creating music videos with stolen vehicles then protecting Lee from harm.
Perhaps most poignant are the scenes featuring Wendell (Peter Dinklage), a former colleague of Lee’s, and their annual ritual of confessing their shortcomings in remembrance of a lost friend. These moments, reminiscent of the emotional depth explored in “Reservation Dogs,” highlight Harjo’s talent for portraying the complex bonds of grief and guilt that connect individuals. the exchange between Lee and Wendell – “It’s scary to be your friend” – encapsulates the self-destructive tendencies that plague Lee and the toll they take on those around him.
A Stylish and Thought-Provoking Drama
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