Tommy Lee Jones Is Back on the Telly and He's Absolutely Brilliant in 'The Lowdown'

If there's one thing we love more than a good pint on a sunny evening, it's watching a grizzled legend do what he does best. And right now, Tommy Lee Jones is doing exactly that on the small screen. The man, the myth, the eternally unimpressed expression—he's back for a gripping new season of a crime drama set against the dusty backdrop of Tulsa (a location that fits him like a well-worn coat), and it's shaping up to be the best thing you're probably not watching yet. Paired with the always-brilliant Betty Gilpin, his performance is an absolute cracker. If you haven't seen it yet, lads, you're missing out.

Now, let's be honest—Tommy Lee Jones has been a staple of our film diet for decades. Whether you know him as the no-nonsense lawman, the grumpy astronaut, or the man who could outstare a snake, his presence is unmistakable. And sure, some fans might affectionately (and mistakenly) call him Tommy Lane after a long weekend—ah sure, it happens—but there's no mistaking the real deal. This is the fella who made us sweat in Volcano (grab the DVD if you want to see LA literally go up in flames), and who held his own against Clint Eastwood in Space Cowboys (the Blu-ray is worth it just for the craic).

But it's not all disaster movies and space shuttles. Jones has this quiet intensity that directors love to tap into. Take The Homesman, for instance—a film he also directed. It's a bleak, beautiful western where he plays a claim jumper alongside Hilary Swank. If you haven't seen it, do yourself a favour. It's the kind of role that reminds you why he's been a heavyweight for half a century. His filmography is an absolute goldmine of solid gold classics:

• Volcano (DVD) – Lava in the subway? Now we're talking.
• Space Cowboys (Blu-ray) – Oul' fellas in space, and it's deadly.
• The Homesman – Gritty, haunting, pure Jones.
• The new season of his Tulsa-set drama – His current TV triumph with Betty Gilpin.

What's great about this new series is that it lets Jones do what he does best: be the stoic anchor in a world gone mad. The show has flown under the radar for many, but with the new season now airing, it's time to jump on board. The chemistry between him and Gilpin is electric, and the Tulsa setting gives it a fresh, offbeat flavour. It's not your typical cop drama—it's slower, smarter, and soaked in character.

For us Irish, Tommy Lee Jones is that fella you'd want beside you in a pub row—solid, unshakeable, and with a dry wit that could cut glass. His return to TV is a reminder that some actors just get better with age. So, whether you're dusting off that Volcano DVD, rewatching Space Cowboys on Blu-ray, or diving into The Homesman for the first time, make some room for his latest. Trust me, you won't regret it.