Kyle MacLachlan Dishes on The Lowdown Return, New Memoir, and Patrick Stewart’s Cowboy Boots

Well, folks, buckle up because Kyle MacLachlan is back in the limelight and dishing out the good stuff! Yep, the man himself is rejoining The Lowdown for its second season, and it looks like the only thing harder to find than a great parking spot in Downtown L.A. is the perfect entry point for his character. Thankfully, series creator Sterlin Harjo is on the case!

MacLachlan’s character, Donald Washberg, wrapped up his arc in season one like a pro, becoming an unexpected ally to Ethan Hawke’s Lee Raybon Jr. Sure, Donald thrashed through some family secrets like a bull in a china shop, but hey, everyone was benefiting — well, except for maybe his principles. But guess what? This season, the tables have turned! Now, the not-so-chipper Governor Donald has to rescue his frenemy Lee when he finds himself in a bit of a pickle with the law. Cue the dramatic music!

But let’s be real here: this rescue operation isn’t exactly a warm reunion. Donald’s grumpiness escalates when Lee starts playing shadow as they both scuttle around the suspiciously performative Judge Sallsman (aka the amazing John Hawkes). Because, of course, nothing is more fun than mixing awkward alliances with questionable judges!

MacLachlan, in his signature witty style, sheds some light on Donald’s disdain for the judge. “I think it’s funny when you’re with someone who you recognize that you’re similar to, but you hate the qualities that are in them,” he snickers. And believe me, there’s plenty to hate here. Donald is well aware that the judge’s pompousness and his own have more in common than he’d like to admit. Ah, the irony!

Despite their differences, Donald isn’t oblivious to the fact that Lee has a nose for trouble and stories. They’re not joined at the hip, but you can see him doing his best to not bite his nails while keeping an eye on the judge’s not-so-subtle antics.

Watching MacLachlan push back against Lee’s nosey questions is pure gold! It’s a delight to see two actors who share a long history working together; they both feel at ease, and it translates into their performances. According to MacLachlan, “We’re looking at the scene as a whole… not necessarily as directors, but as kind of storytellers.” Kind of makes you want to grab some popcorn, doesn’t it?

In addition to his shenanigans on The Lowdown, MacLachlan recently dropped his memoir, Fictional Selves, where he takes readers on a wild ride through his 40-year career. He dives deep into his experiences, including that time he got to be Paul Atreides in David Lynch’s Dune. In light of the recent passing of his co-star, the legendary Sir Patrick Stewart, fond memories flood back.

“I just always start with the voice. You know, his voice was so impactful,” he reminisces, as he sets the mood with his impression. “He was incredibly playful and fun.” Can you just picture that Shakespearean projection echoing through a busy set?

And here’s a fun nugget: MacLachlan shares a rather vivid memory of Stewart on a boot shopping spree at a factory outlet in El Paso back in the 80s. “You haven’t lived until you’ve seen Patrick Stewart walking around in cowboy boots — this Englishman from Yorkshire. That was worth the price of admission!” If that isn’t a cinematic moment waiting to happen, I don’t know what is!

Writing his memoir allowed MacLachlan to take a stroll down memory lane, but it also offered him a chance to reflect on his journey. “I think it’s nice to see that there was a growth,” he muses, looking back at that green 23-year-old walking onto the Dune set. “I’ve gotten more relaxed with things and less concerned about perception.” Wise words, my friends!

New episodes of The Lowdown season 2 hit the screens every Wednesday at 9 p.m. ET on FX and you can catch them the next day on Hulu. Enjoy the thrills, folks!