Plimpton reteams with former on-screen father in new FX series

Martha Plimpton has reunited with Tommy Lee Jones for the second season of the FX series The Lowdown. The two actors previously collaborated in 1984, when Plimpton, then 14, played the daughter of the character Jones portrayed in the film The River Rat.

Plimpton, 55, described Jones as a gentle figure despite his public reputation. She told Page Six that many people view the 80-year-old actor as rough and gruff, but she sees him as a teddy bear. Plimpton said she was thrilled to work with him again on the show, which stars Ethan Hawke as an Oklahoma citizen journalist exposing corruption in Tulsa.

The reunion on set involved a brief moment of surprise. Plimpton reported that Jones did not immediately recognize her upon arrival. Hawke intervened by calling out Plimpton's full name, which caused Jones to turn around. The two shared a large hug, a moment Plimpton described as incredible. She noted that working with an actor who played her father at a young age leaves a lasting impression.

Jones joins the second season in a rare television role as the estranged father of Hawke's character, Lee Raybon. Plimpton takes on the role of Vela Thorne, a sheriff who clashes with Lee. Plimpton said she is not picky about the size of a role, provided the character is necessary to the story. She noted that her career history makes this preference self-evident.

Plimpton and Hawke have been friends since the 1980s when both were emerging in Hollywood. They also starred together in the 2006 Broadway production of Tom Stoppard's The Coast of Utopia. Plimpton said they have not lost touch over the years. She described Hawke as a smart, curious, and fun person who values literature and poetry. She added that he has mellowed into an extraordinarily good person as he has aged.

Plimpton is currently balancing multiple projects. She recently appeared in the Netflix series East of Eden and the HBO series Task. The latter is currently filming its second season in Philadelphia. Plimpton said the cast for Task Season 2 is largely new, with only Mark Ruffalo's character and family returning. She noted that Mahershala Ali and Edgar Ramirez join the new lineup. The Lowdown airs Wednesdays at 9 p.m. on FX and Hulu.

The second season of The Lowdown continues the narrative of Lee Raybon's investigation into local corruption. Plimpton's character serves as an opposing force in the main storyline. Jones' addition to the cast introduces a personal connection to the protagonist. Plimpton and Hawke's long-standing relationship provides a layer of familiarity for the production team. The series remains a central focus for both lead actors during the fall television season.