In the heart of Tulsa, Lee Raybon is a man of two worlds: by day, he is the dedicated owner of a struggling independent bookstore, a pillar of his community; by night, he is a dogged investigative journalist, relentlessly digging into the layers of corruption festering beneath his city’s surface. His passion for the truth is a quiet rebellion, a way to fight for his home. But when his latest investigation stumbles upon a web of sinister connections that leads to the highest echelons of power, his double life becomes dangerously exposed.

Forced into a deadly game of cat and mouse, Lee must use every resource at his disposal to protect his family and publish the story that could burn everything down. “The Lowdown” is a gritty, modern-day thriller that explores the weight of truth and the immense personal cost of seeking justice. It’s a tense race against time where the stakes are not just a headline, but the lives of those he loves most.

The Lowdown cast members with photos

1- Ethan Hawke as Lee Raybon

Ethan Hawke delivers a masterful, grounded performance as Lee Raybon, the bookseller-journalist whose quiet determination masks a fierce intellect and a deep moral compass. Hawke embodies Lee as a man deeply connected to his community, making his betrayal by its corrupt systems all the more personal and motivating. His performance captures the constant tension between Lee’s two identities: the thoughtful, gentle father and husband, and the relentless investigator willing to risk everything for a story.

Hawke ensures that Lee’s journey is never just about the mystery; it’s a profound character study of a man pushed to his limits. We see the weight of his choices in every weary glance and determined set of his jaw. His chemistry with the entire cast, particularly Ryan Kiera Armstrong, creates the emotional core that makes the surrounding danger feel so visceral and urgent. Hawke makes Lee an everyman hero, whose greatest weapon is not physical strength, but his unwavering commitment to the truth.

2- Kyle MacLachlan as Donald Washberg

Kyle MacLachlan is brilliantly cast against type as Donald Washberg, the sophisticated and seemingly benevolent businessman who is the public face of the corruption Lee is investigating. MacLachlan brings his signature charm and calm demeanor to the role, crafting a villain who is all the more terrifying for his polish and civility. Washberg isn’t a thug; he’s a calculated and powerful man who believes his actions are for the greater good of “progress,” making him a formidable intellectual opponent for Lee.

MacLachlan’s performance is a masterclass in subtle menace. He reveals the cold, ruthless ambition lurking beneath Washberg’s elegant suit and charitable donations. His scenes with Hawke are electric, charged with unspoken threats and a battle of wits between two highly intelligent men who represent opposing visions for the future of their city. He is the personification of the respectable evil that Lee must expose.

3- Ryan Kiera Armstrong as Francis

Ryan Kiera Armstrong is compelling as Francis, Lee’s sharp, observant teenage daughter. Armstrong portrays a young woman on the cusp of adulthood who begins to sense the danger and tension swirling around her father. Her performance is a nuanced blend of adolescent resilience, intelligence, and vulnerability, making her more than just a plot device; she is the emotional embodiment of what Lee is fighting to protect.

Armstrong’s character arc sees her evolve from a somewhat sheltered teen into a reluctant accomplice to her father’s mission. Her fear for her family’s safety and her dawning understanding of the world’s complexities add a powerful, emotional layer to the thriller narrative. She represents the innocence at stake and the next generation that will inherit the consequences of this fight.

4- Keith David as Marty

The legendary Keith David brings immense gravitas and warmth to the role of Marty, Lee’s longtime friend, former mentor, and perhaps a retired journalist himself. David portrays Marty as the voice of experience and caution, a man who has seen the cost of chasing dangerous stories and fears for his friend’s safety. He is Lee’s confidant and sounding board, often providing the historical context and wisdom that helps Lee connect the dots.

David’s performance provides a crucial moral and emotional anchor for Lee—and for the audience. Marty represents the journalistic ideals that Lee is fighting for, and his concerns ground the story in its stakes. His presence is a comforting constant in the escalating chaos, and his deep, resonant voice lends weight to every piece of advice and warning he delivers.

5- Rachel Crowl as Sally

Rachel Crowl plays Sally, Lee’s wife, who is initially kept in the dark about the depth of danger her husband’s investigation has invited into their lives. Crowl portrays Sally with a compelling mix of supportive strength and growing terror. She is the rock of the family, and her world begins to fracture as she pieces together the truth, forcing her to confront her own fears and decide how far she is willing to go to protect her family.

Crowl’s performance is key to the domestic drama that fuels the thriller. Her journey from concerned partner to active participant in her husband’s defense adds tremendous emotional depth to the narrative. She is the heart of the family unit, and her fear and resolve make the threat feel terrifyingly real and personal.

6- Zachary Booth as Elijah

Zachary Booth appears as Elijah, a young, ambitious reporter at the local paper or a nervous source within the system who possesses crucial information. Booth brings a nervous energy to the role, portraying a man torn between doing the right thing and protecting his own career and safety. He represents the younger generation of journalists and the ethical compromises that can be forced upon them.

Booth’s character serves as both an ally and a point of vulnerability for Lee. His knowledge could be the key to breaking the case wide open, but his fear could also make him a liability. His interactions with Lee are filled with tension and paranoia, highlighting the pervasive reach of the corruption they are trying to expose.

The Supporting Ensemble of Tulsa

The world is brought to life by a talented supporting cast: Jobie James as a potentially corrupt Police Officer or Cattle Buyer, representing the entrenched systems Lee is up against. Kerry Malloy as Phil, likely another source or colleague. Abbie Cobb as Vicky Williams, perhaps a city official or skeptical editor. John W Heath as a Businessman or Detective, blurring the lines between the powerful and the law. Jessica J. Malan in dual roles, highlighting the everyday world that is oblivious to the danger. Each performance adds texture and realism to the setting, creating a fully realized community under threat.

Why The Lowdown Is a Must-Watch

• Ethan Hawke’s Compelling Lead: A nuanced, powerful performance from one of our greatest actors.

• Kyle MacLachlan as a Chilling Villain: A masterful turn that creates a sophisticated and unforgettable antagonist.

• Gripping, Relevant Story: A timely thriller about local corruption, journalism, and the courage it takes to stand up to power.

• Perfect Blend of Genre & Heart: A tense, smart mystery grounded by a powerful emotional story about family.

Some Stories Are Deadly to Tell. The Lowdown premieres September 23, 2025, on FX. Stream next day on Hulu.