According to 'The Lowdown’s' Tracy Letts, Swimming With Sharks Sealed Frank Martin’s Fate
Tracy Letts discusses his role in the FX series The Lowdown, created by Sterlin Harjo. He also reveals why signing on for A House of Dynamite and the upcoming Netflix limited series East of Eden was an easy decision.
The FX series The Lowdown follows citizen journalist Lee Raybon, played by Ethan Hawke, who calls himself a “truthstorian.” Set in Tulsa, the story unfolds as Lee investigates the powerful Washberg family, uncovering dark secrets and political maneuvering that begin to spiral out of control.
Political Intrigue and Dark Deals
Donald Washberg, portrayed by Kyle MacLachlan, tries to stop Lee from delving into the mysterious death of his brother, Dale (Tim Blake Nelson). Donald is simultaneously positioning himself to become Oklahoma’s next governor, making the stakes even higher.
- His relationship with Dale’s widow Betty Jo (Jeanne Tripplehorn) grows increasingly suspicious.
- He hires a private investigator (Keith David) to shadow Lee’s movements.
- He strikes a questionable political deal with Akron Construction owner Frank Martin (Tracy Letts).
“When Frank goes further than even he thought he would, it seals his fate in a way that seemed inevitable.”
The narrative exposes how ambition, corruption, and secrecy intertwine, with Frank Martin’s choices leading him toward a tragic and unavoidable conclusion.
About Tracy Letts
Letts describes his experience on The Lowdown as both demanding and rewarding, praising the complexity of the material and Harjo’s vision for a story grounded in moral conflict and human frailty.
Author’s summary: Tracy Letts reflects on his morally complex role in The Lowdown, where power and ambition drive characters toward inevitable downfall.