Fellow Travelers: A Heart-wrenching Odyssey Through Love and Adversity

To describe Fellow Travelers as a merely moving series would be an understatement. Few shows in recent memory have struck us as deeply as this mini-series did. Across its concise 8-episode run, Fellow Travelers left an indelible mark on us, effortlessly evoking emotions that lingered far beyond the screen, crafting an unforgettable and deeply stirring experience. 

It wasn’t just tears, folks, but an avalanche of emotions. Whether it was an emotional deluge or silent streams, we found ourselves mourning not only for all the lives lost, but also for the thousands of love stories confined to secrecy, the millions of unrealized love stories, and the agonizing journeys many in the LGBTQ+ community endured just to exist in a world that rejected their very existence.

Based on the novel of the same name by Thomas Mollon and brilliantly helmed by Ron Nyswaner (known for his work on Homeland and My Policeman), Fellow Travelers plunges us headlong into a deeply divided United States during one of its most turbulent times. At its core lies the captivating, passionate, but clandestine relationship between Matt Bomer’s Hawkins Fuller and Jonathan Bailey’s Tim Laughlin—two men who fall in love in the midst of a very dangerous political upheaval. 

As Hawk and Tim’s romance unfolds, the series captures the struggles faced by LGBTQ+ folks during this period of intense hatred and aggression. Spanning four decades, Fellow Travelers immerses us in the challenges and triumphs experienced by Hawk, Tim, and the people around them, beginning in the 1950s during the Vietnam War protests and culminating in the 1980s during the AIDS crisis.

Y’all know we’re nothing if not honest here, and we have to warn you that this one hurts, and it hurts a lot. Watching it was a painful and agonizing journey that broke us into a thousand pieces but also had us glued to our screens every week from start to finish. So join us as we talk a bit more in detail about this captivating series and why we think it’s one of the best of 2023.

Fellow Travelers—An Ode to Love Amidst Adversity

Fellow Travelers unfolds in a juxtaposition of several timelines but kicks off in the mid-1980s with a going-away party for Hawk (Matt Bomer), who is leaving with his family for Italy. With gray hair, wrinkles, and a fake smile that seems foreign on his face, this aging version of Hawk seems to embody the American dream—a successful family man posing for photos with his wife, daughter, and grandchild by his side. 

However, the arrival of an old friend, Marcus (Jelani Alladin), to the celebration disrupts Hawk’s seemingly idyllic life. It turns out that Marcus is there to return an old gift that Hawk once gave to a man named Tim (Jonathan Bailey), who appears to be dying of AIDS and who is sorting out his life before he passes away. This revelation leaves Hawk haunted by his shared past with Tim, or Skippy, as he used to affectionately call him.

Transporting us back to 1952, we witness the initial encounter between Hawk and Tim, a fleeting moment at a party that sparks a clandestine romance between the two that defies the rigid societal norms of the time. Throughout all 8 episodes, Fellow Travelers jumps back and forth between the series’ past and present, highlighting the stark contrast between Hawk’s seemingly content heterosexual life in the 1980s and the secret but authentic life he navigates in the 1950s. 

The narrative delves into their divergent paths—Hawk, a reserved State Department Official, seeks clandestine liaisons to protect his status, while Tim, bursting with idealism, dreams of making a positive political impact. Their blossoming relationship, layered with longing and deep-seated differences, unfolds against the backdrop of a terrible era known as the Lavender Scare.

This period in American history was marred by rampant homophobia, which subjected LGBTQ+ folks to persecution, internal investigations, and coercive outings, causing them to live in constant fear and secrecy. This fervent anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment plunged countless lives into confusion and despair, leading many to even take their own lives. When we say it’s one of the darkest periods in American history for LGBTQ+ folks, we’re not lying and the series does a great job portraying this stark and cruel reality, unflinchingly exploring the harrowing experience of being a member of the community during this time.

As the series progresses, it becomes clear that Tim and Hawk, despite their deep connection, are fundamentally different people. Tim finds solace in the emerging LGBTQ+ community, embracing camaraderie and activism, while Hawk sinks further into loneliness. Tim’s connection with other queer individuals underscores the power of community as a lifeline amid adversity. In contrast, Hawk’s isolation and secrecy lead to a joyless life, alienating him from those he loves.

It hurts to watch.

But anyway, because of the times they live in, tragedy strikes both men constantly, unearthing not only Hawk’s long-suppressed anguish and Tim’s chilling diagnosis but also the agonizing toll that secrecy exacts on their relationship.

The intimate depiction of Tim and Hawk’s relationship, from passionate and tender moments to their unspoken conflicts, resonates deeply with anyone watching. Furthermore, the depth of Fellow Travelers extends beyond its main characters. The supporting roles of Marcus and Frankie (Noah Ricketts) carry immense emotional weight, ably contributing to the exploration of themes such as homophobia, racism, and segregation within and outside the LGBTQ+ community.

The series meticulously portrays the heavy burdens that each character bears and how these eventually make them buckle under the strain. Queerness is explored with striking honesty, highlighting the sacrifices made by all these individuals who are just trying to navigate a society that rejects who they are.

Fellow Travelers adeptly weaves a tapestry of complexities—guilt, love, and the haunting impact of wasted time. The final episode, though heartbreaking (seriously, we cried for hours), masterfully concludes the narrative and ties it up with a ribbon, reminding viewers of the struggles endured, the sacrifices made, and all the lives lost in the ongoing fight for equality.

Fellow Travelers emerges as one of the best mini-series released this year, anchored not only by its powerful and moving story but also by the remarkable chemistry between Bomer and Bailey. Bailey’s portrayal of Tim, the emotional core of the show, is a poignant masterpiece that is only complemented by Bomer’s captivating depiction of Hawkins, who commands the screen with an intensity that sears through the viewers’ souls. There really can’t be enough praise for these two gentlemen, they are truly spectacular. Career-changing performances.

The series serves as a powerful tribute to the tumultuous journey of LGBTQ+ folks during a very dark era, echoing the tragedy of stifled love stories due to discriminatory laws and societal prejudices that reigned at that time. It’s an emotional and compelling odyssey, a testament to the struggles endured, and a rallying cry for universal acceptance and unconditional love.

Fellow Travelers transcends being merely a television series; it’s a deeply impactful narrative that resonates deeply with the triumphs and trials of the LGBTQ+ community. It’s a poignant reminder of the progress made while underscoring the ongoing crusade for equality and the universal right to love without fear or restraint.

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All episodes of Fellow Travelers are available to stream on Paramount+ now. Follow us on X and Instagram for all queer stuff!

Featured Image: Image Courtesy of SHOWTIME