Martha Plimpton Joins Tommy Lee Jones in 'The Lowdown' Season 2

Martha Plimpton has joined the cast of the FX drama 'The Lowdown' for its second season, reuniting with Tommy Lee Jones, who played her father in a 1984 film. Plimpton, 55, stars as Vela Thorne, a tough sheriff who frequently clashes with the show's protagonist, Lee Raybon. Lee is portrayed by Ethan Hawke, 55, who serves as the series lead.

Jones, 80, makes a rare television appearance in the new season. He plays Lee's estranged father. Plimpton told Page Six that she was thrilled to work with the 'Men in Black' actor again. She described him as a 'teddy bear,' contrasting that demeanor with the rough and gruff image many people associate with him.

The actress noted a personal connection to the role because she was 14 years old when she played Jones' daughter in the 1984 movie 'The River Rat.' She explained that working with an actor who previously played her father creates a unique dynamic on set. Jones did not immediately recognize Plimpton when they first met. He only 'perked up' and turned to look at her when Hawke called out her full name on the floor.

Plimpton said the moment resulted in a large hug between the two actors. She called the experience incredible. The series follows the Oklahoma-based citizen journalist Lee Raybon as he exposes corruption in Tulsa. Plimpton joined the production following her work on the Netflix series 'East of Eden' and the HBO show 'Task.'

Plimpton and Hawke are longtime friends who both began their careers in Hollywood in the 1980s. They previously appeared together in the 2006 Broadway production of 'The Coast of Utopia.' The actress said she is not picky about the size of her roles as long as the character is necessary to the story. She described Hawke as smart, curious, and a real reader who is interested in literature and poetry.

Plimpton currently films the second season of 'Task' in Philadelphia. That series features Mark Ruffalo and Tom Pelphrey in the first season. The new season will include brand new cast members such as Mahershala Ali and Edgar Ramirez. The storyline for 'Task' has expanded significantly with these additions. 'The Lowdown' airs Wednesdays at 9 p.m. on FX and Hulu.

Plimpton said it has been wonderful to see Hawke at different phases of his life. She observed that he has mellowed into an extraordinarily good person. She compared his current state of comfort to a rider finding their seat in horse riding. The two actors have maintained contact since their early careers together.