‘The Lowdown’ Season 1 Recap: What To Remember Before FX’s Neo-Noir Crime Series Returns
In season one of *The Lowdown*, Tulsa journalist and bookseller Lee Raybon investigates the death of Dale Washberg, whose supposed suicide is linked to a land deal involving his powerful family. The case reveals a plan to take land from a Native American tribe and use it for a white nationalist “homeland”, putting Lee in danger and exposing corruption within the Washbergs’ political and business ties.
Dale had hidden letters in classic novels as evidence, and Lee’s investigation connects his brother Donald’s gubernatorial campaign, widow Betty Jo and developer Frank Martin to the scheme. Dale was killed after being intimidated into signing over the land, then his death was made to look like suicide; Donald ultimately chooses to come forward with the evidence and honour his brother’s wishes. Season two is set to introduce Tommy Lee Jones as Lee’s father.
- Lee investigates Dale Washberg’s death and uncovers a land conspiracy.
- The stolen land was intended for a white nationalist “homeland”.
- Donald decides to reveal the evidence and honour Dale’s wishes.
New here? Start with this
The Lowdown is a crime drama about Lee Raybon, a Tulsa journalist who also runs a bookshop. In its first season, he looks into the death of Dale Washberg, a member of a powerful family whose death is presented as suicide.
The investigation centres on letters Dale hid in classic novels and a land deal involving his family, a developer and a Native American tribe. It also touches on his brother Donald’s campaign to become governor, as Lee uncovers links between political influence, business interests and a plan for a white nationalist settlement.
The story matters because it connects one man’s death to a wider effort to take tribal land and to questions of power and accountability. Lee’s search for evidence puts him at risk, while Dale’s brother faces a choice about what to do with what the investigation reveals.