Tim and Hawk: The Great Consuming Love

A romance that spanned for almost 4 decades, a love that was more than one could ever ask for, a ‘great consuming love’ that you want to hold on to even after everything you have been through. That's what Fellow Travelers is, a love story that started in the 1950s and lives on in the memories they created.

The story is set in the 1950s with a political backdrop during the McCarthy Era, weaving a story of love, loss, sorrow, betrayal, and acceptance between Jonathan Bailey's Tim Laughlin and Matt Bomer's Hawkins Fuller. The story deals with the fear that was instilled in people of the LGBTQ+ community by the Lavender scare, which was disguised as McCarthyism, as a fight against communism.

This Historical drama showcases the love between two gay men and how at every instance of their relationship they had an axe hanging over their head if their relationship was exposed, the show simultaneously deals with the catholic beliefs, political beliefs, and turmoil that comes with it.

One of the strongest characteristics of fellow travelers is their well-developed characters and engaging plot lines. Whether it was the main cast's struggle like Hawkin’s idea of him being bulletproof or plainly believing that he is too genius for his own good to Tim’s moral dilemma around his sexuality due to his religious belief or his constant inner battle about being in love with Hawk; or the secondary cast that are well established and hold a place in the story make them add a perfect nuisance to the story with their own struggles and dilemma. The actors deliver strong performances, bringing depth and nuance to their roles.

The work to develop this piece was top-notch from its cinematography to the script, the work done by the actors delivers everything on a silver platter making everyone relate to every single thing the characters are going through or were dealing with in that very instance.

Matt Bomer delivering the adversities his character went through makes you feel empathic towards Hawk but fuels you with anger the next second with every action he takes, however, Jonathan Bailey's portrayal of Tim perfectly balances the dynamic between the two of them by being someone who stick by his morals but was like a lovesick puppy always there for his love. Allison Williams portraying Lucy was the best part of the show; her portrayal of Lucy takes you on a journey of her character while making you realize why her character took certain measures or why she made certain decisions especially when Hawkin’s indecisiveness not only affected Skippy (Hawk’s nickname for Tim) but her as well.

Just because the main love triangle pulls you in doesn’t mean the secondary couple doesn’t have its charms and falls flat. The romance between Marcus played by Jelani Alladin and Frankie played by Noah Ricketts shows the torment and misery that people of the black community faced in general and how they were segregated more based on the fact of who they love. Though their public life was as difficult as it could come, but them rising over it while showing their support for one another and not being ready to leave each other side showcases that sometimes love is enough to get through all the obstacles that life throws your way.

Moving to the costume and set design which in my words is a work of art, straightaway transporting you to the decade the story is set in, whether it was the dark era of the 1950s, the disco era of the 1970s, or the more vibrant 1980s when everything was more embracing and somewhat a stark contrast to the time when everything started.

The story links and makes its way through different decades while showing how no matter how much you take a step back, when you love someone as much as these two loved each other one way or another every decision, every action, every step taken by you revolves around them and you can’t help it.

Even though the show focuses on their blooming romance in the 1950s doesn’t mean it shies away from the travesties and tribulations of that era. The two things go hand in hand, showcasing how even in the darkest hour there is still a silver lining of hope, them lurking in the shadows wanting to come out to light but being afraid of the consequences they would face if they stepped out. The fear and severity of the Lavender Scare hidden behind the disguise of McCarthyism was dealt with utmost respect and care making sure that people who actually faced it felt seen and heard.

Then came the 60s with its own problem and how a saint of a person can take a wrong turn based on their belief while the other still lurking in the shadows keeping an eye on the one they love. The '60s was a turmoil that showed a sad truth and hard accepting fact, but it seemed like moving on would be the toughest but the right thing to do.

Disco came raging with the '70s and so did the Fire Island with its loud and welcoming beauty but that didn’t mean the pain and the fear weren’t there. The hint of care and that one lingering ray of hope that maybe just maybe it will turn out to be different this time. The decisions made to see one another again opened up the can of emotions that were hidden very well. The emotional turmoil and the pain of seeing the other one going down the rabbit hole of destruction comes running, while the one standing on the edge is all ready to jump to protect while not realizing, who will throw the rope for him if he jumps as well and then all of a sudden coming to a painstaking conclusion that saying goodbye to the love of your life is the only way to move on.

And then finally came the decade of some acceptance but it came along a horror story. AIDS came roaring in the '80s and with that, the decade of suffering started, however with that also came the spark that reignited the burning love that had been dying over the decades. The one who was cloaked in secrecy was not afraid to step into the radiance, he let go of his armor and was ready to fight anyone that came for his love. While the other one on his dead bed knew the love, he had was real, the love he wanted to fight for, though late but was ready to stand by him against the entire world.

The phrase “Love Wins All!” might seem like it doesn't stand the testament of time but through every subtle look, every conversation, every push, and every pull; you could feel the love and the pain that comes with it, the mystery and the excitement. This show captures it all.

I have so much more to say but the brilliance of this show cannot be captured by my mere words, this magnificent, marvelous Showtime mini-series needs to be experienced. The heartache, the love, the nostalgia, the anger, the happiness, the sadness deserve to be felt once and for that, I suggest taking some time out of your busy schedule and giving it a go. You won’t be disappointed!