Ethan Hawke Discusses 'Confusing and Messy' Link Between TV and Real Life on 'The Lowdown'

Ethan Hawke, known for his roles in films like "Dead Poets Society" and "Reality Bites," is currently starring as Lee Raybon in the second season of FX's "The Lowdown." The noir drama with comedic elements, set in Tulsa, Oklahoma, features Hawke as a used bookseller and self-proclaimed "truth-storian" who gets entangled in uncovering truths.

Hawke described his collaboration with "The Lowdown" creator Sterlin Harjo as akin to "jumping off a cliff together." He explained that when he initially signed on, only one episode had a full script, making the process a shared exploration of themes, tone, and character. This trust was forged after Hawke worked with Harjo on the critically acclaimed FX series "Reservation Dogs," leading to a desire to collaborate again.

"We kind of auditioned each other," Hawke told The Post. "Afterwards, we felt really strongly that we needed to work together again." This sentiment led to the first season of "The Lowdown," where Hawke portrayed Lee Raybon as a charismatic but bumbling investigator. The first season's plot involved Lee investigating the supposed suicide of a gubernatorial candidate's brother and uncovering a conspiracy involving local businessmen.

"The Lowdown" has received critical acclaim, holding a 98% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Harjo and Hawke developed ideas for the second season during the press tour for the initial season. Harjo noted that achieving success and recognition can be destabilizing, drawing from his own experiences after "Reservation Dogs" gained critical praise. He observed that a character's past traumas can surface during moments of public recognition, as seen when Lee delivers an embarrassing, drug-fueled acceptance speech in the second season premiere.

Season two introduces Tommy Lee Jones as Lee Raybon's father, Lee Sr., a character whose presence brings old pain to the surface for Lee. Hawke explained that Lee's difficulty in growing up and handling success is evident when looking at his father. Harjo added that Lee recognizes aspects of himself he wishes to avoid in his father's behavior.

The new season also expands the roles of other cast members. Keith David, who previously appeared with Hawke in "Reality Bites," reprises his role as private investigator Marty Brunner, now a journalist investigating an archaeology smuggling ring. David stated that playing a TV detective was on his bucket list. He also commented on Harjo's storytelling, noting that the narrative often takes unexpected turns, keeping the actors engaged.

Martha Plimpton, a longtime friend of Hawke's, appears as a sheriff with a distinctive style. She joined the show because of her friendship with Hawke, even commuting from Madrid to film her scenes. Betty Gilpin joins the cast as Ginger, a lawyer entangled in a case involving a mysteriously vanished Native man. Her character challenges Lee, bringing out both his investigative instincts and his romantic inclinations.

Hawke also pointed to standalone episodes that function like short films, drawing inspiration from the style of director John Cassavetes. These episodes, he said, allow for digressions that explore the surrounding world of the characters. Harjo aims to delve into the "seedy underbelly" of the show's settings, pushing narrative boundaries. Hawke believes the show's success lies in its ability to make viewers feel connected to the characters in a way that reflects the "confusing and messy" nature of real life.

Season 2 of "The Lowdown" premiered on FX on Wednesday, October 14.