*SPOILERS AHEAD*
Don’t get me started on Fellow Travelers. I am sure many of us Glassies are familiar with Jonathan Bailey, be that through his charming portrayal of Fiyero in Wicked, or his just as charming role in Bridgerton. I think we can all agree that Jonathan Bailey does charming better than any straight man ever will. But, if you’re looking for something that catches this essence, with a hint of devastating heartbreak and emotional destruction, then Fellow Travelers is the show to watch.
Glassies, I have left significant plot points untouched so as to not entirely spoil the masterfully created storyline, or to ruin the surprise for those who wish to have their heart ripped from their chest over eight episodes of passion, prying eyes, and primal attraction. But be warned, there are a few spoilers ahead.
Whilst the characters are not based on real people, there is little fiction to Fellow Travelers. This book-turned-television series follows the complicated and forbidden love between two men during the Lavender Scare of the 1950s. The United States Federal Government campaigned the anti-gay movement in hopes of influencing public perception for the purpose of pushing the anti-communist agenda – creating false ties between communism and homosexuality. This period of American history is fuelled with misinformation, patriotic propaganda, violence, and a whole lot of secrecy. One accusation, be it a baseless claim or not, could mean the end of a person’s livelihood as they knew it. Tim Laughlin (played by Jonathan Bailey) and Hawkins ‘Hawk’ Fuller (portrayed by Matt Bomer) find solace in each other’s arms, yet every touch teeters on the precipice of detriment: the end of careers, reputations, marriages, and lives. An intense romance that transcends decades, Tim and Hawk are no strangers to the power of politics.
The storytelling of their love weaves in and out of the present day and their pasts. The jumping timeline intertwines Tim’s impending death with the glory days of their affair – a secret affection at the height of the Lavender Scare. Although, I do not think the word affair does justice to the connection between these two characters. Affair implies short-lived, fanciful lust. This relationship was all-consuming, and yet, so lonely. When together, the characters were so connected it was as if their hearts synced up and became one. But when apart, Tim was left with a one-sided, unrequited longing for a life he could never have. Hawk would turn back to his family and career the moment he closed the apartment door behind him. It was a relationship of convenience, only existing when it was suitable for Hawk. Although, his character development is admirable for such a selfish lover. It may have taken the deterioration of Tim’s health, many years of separation, and a reconciliation that was long overdue, but Hawk eventually openly declares his love for Tim – albeit in a moment of heated anger and protectiveness over a snide comment made towards his lover. Tim and Hawk’s relationship was deemed socially aberrant; more than just frowned upon, it was dreadfully condemned by societal constructs of the time. Yet, it may not be as archaic as it may seem, given the homophobia that still courses through the veins of many still to this day.
The connection between these characters is one many wish to experience, a soul tie almost. However, at the risk of sounding overzealous, it is important to note that this relationship was not built on the grounds of truthfulness. It was a sweet innocence, tainted by the overwhelming complexities of social isolation, lies, and the impossibility of normality. In hindsight, these characters leave much to be desired in terms of their moral culpability, but this does not detract from the heartbreaking connection the viewer develops with this relationship as each episode progresses. The viewer must walk the fine line between understanding that their love was a natural attraction prohibited by discriminatory laws, and an understanding that the characters engaged in unfaithful behaviour were bound to cause pain to Hawk’s family. This plays a poignant role in the nuances of this relationship as Hawk navigates his true desires and the commitment he has made to his wife and children.
Another nuance to this relationship is Tim’s faith. He is hesitant to be involved with Hawk, not only because of the societal consequences, but also because of his beliefs. Being a devout Catholic, Tim struggled with his sinful actions. Being gay was not simply a downfall in the public eyes, it was worthy of eternal damnation. The lust-turned-love between these characters proved too strong; self-control gave way to selfishness, and deservedly so. Tim was sure of two things, he loved Hawk and he loved God. Reconciling with his faith, he found coexistence between his loves, isolating the relationship from his beliefs for the pleasure of being loved so deeply. But can love be anything more than surface level when one is living a double life? It seems not, for Hawk acts in the interest of himself and his career; this love is incompatible with who he is versus who he wants to be. It is understandable to take such a stance when political parties are actively seeking to destroy those who go against them. However, Hawk’s unfaithfulness to his wife is not excused by the taboo of homosexuality at the time. He uses his marriage as a safety net for his actions and Tim knows it. Their love story is shrouded by indecency and secrecy, but one cannot help but be enamoured by the dangerous passion that fuels this relationship.
Fellow Travelers does not tiptoe around the prevalent issues of the time; it faces them head on with a brutally accurate representation that leaves the viewers shell-shocked. The truth behind the vicious abuse people received solely based on whom they chose to love is constructed on screen in a way that reminds us of how far we have come as a society but also how little we have progressed too. This show explores many facets of humanity over the three-decade long relationship. It goes beyond just the anti-communist agenda and touches on matters such as racism, the AIDS epidemic, and the rebellious protests that came with the many forms of discrimination that have unfortunately continued through the ages.
Oh, and don’t get me started on the ending of the show. This relationship was more than just complicated; it was tumultuous, unfinished. It is no secret to the viewer that Tim is dying, but the sensitivity in which the inevitable tragedy is portrayed leaves tear stains on pillowcases. Tim’s death is handled with dignity, a luxury he was not afforded as gay man. Having homosexual relations was detestable, disgusting, deplorable. To many, he was devil in disguise. His death not only signifies the end of the show but the start of the healing process for Hawk. Tim’s love lives on but is no longer a threat to Hawk’s livelihood, allowing Hawk to reflect on the time they had together. He is able to rebuild his connection with his daughter and take steps towards living in truth. Hawk’s past actions came from a place of fear, and one may despise him for the pain he inflicted on his family, and even on Tim. But Hawk depicts the human condition embarrassingly well, we have all done things that we regretfully should not have. The complexities of this relationship represent the struggles that many men went through during the Lavender Scare – bigots feared them, and they feared bigots. And how disappointing it is to say that this remains true to this day.
