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Sterlin Harjo’s first series, “Reservation Dogs,” creatively blends various genres, starting with a unique gas station heist for chips. His second show, “The Lowdown,” continues this trend, seamlessly shifting between comedy, thriller, and character drama, often within the same scene. However, this new series leans heavily into the film noir genre.

In “The Lowdown,” Ethan Hawke plays Lee Raybon, a character who embodies the classic noir protagonist. By day, he runs a secondhand bookstore in Tulsa, and by night, he acts as a self-appointed “truthstorian,” uncovering the secrets of Oklahoma’s elite and sharing his findings with the local media. This often leads him to confrontations that put him in harm’s way, including a dramatic opening where a member of the Washberg family appears to commit suicide after Lee’s latest article.

Harjo explains the importance of Lee facing physical challenges, stating, “You gotta get beat up, and Ethan’s really good at it.” He admires Hawke for balancing a successful mainstream career with independent projects, noting that Hawke remains relatable and accessible, which is essential for a noir character.

In noir storytelling, characters often grapple with a corrupt world, and Lee Raybon is no exception. Harjo describes a great noir protagonist as an underdog facing overwhelming odds, which adds depth to the narrative. The stakes are high, and the character’s journey is driven by truth and reality.

In the second episode, titled “The Devil’s Mama,” Lee attempts to hide his injuries from a previous encounter while navigating the challenges of his investigation. Harjo emphasizes that the more relatable and human the struggles are, the better they resonate with audiences.

As Lee uncovers conspiracies, the danger escalates, affecting everyone around him. Harjo draws inspiration from the 1949 boxing noir “The Set-Up,” which features a character unable to escape his circumstances. He shared this film with his writers to illustrate the depth of character they aimed to achieve.

Throughout “The Lowdown,” Lee’s journey raises the question, “What are you doing?” The answer lies in his commitment to authenticity, as he faces numerous challenges that highlight his resilience. Harjo believes that the noir genre allows for a unique exploration of character that other genres may not provide.

The first two episodes of “The Lowdown” are currently available for streaming on Hulu.

Disclaimer: This article has been auto-generated from a syndicated RSS feed and has not been edited by Vitrina staff. It is provided solely for informational purposes on a non-commercial basis.