A time when queerness was hunted down in offices of the government, the Lavender Scare will forever have its impact on the LGBTQ+ community. The immersive experience that Fellow Travelers presents to accompany this period in history and its following decades is something everyone should experience. This limited television series that spans eight episodes is
a political historical romantic thriller that follows the blossoming romance between two political staffers in the midst of the Lavender Scare and the lasting impacts it has on them and their surrounding friends in the decades to follow. The nonlinear television show on Paramount+ with the Showtime Add-on is adapted from the novel of the same title by Thomas Mallon. Following Hawk and Tim, Fellow Travelers explores heart-wrenching themes and intricate character
dynamics as well as monumental queer moments and history.
Throughout the course of the show, we are introduced to three main relationship dynamics between the characters that are built and expanded upon, having overlap and tension. The first and primary relationship of Fellow Travelers exists between Hawkins (Hawk) Fuller and Tim Laughlin. They exist as a “couple” sporadically, ultimately leading to growing tension with how they exist in the world. I found this relationship compelling and intricate in how it develops. When one part of the relationship starts to struggle, the other part steps up to provide support and comfort, displaying an innate relatability to the healthy and toxic aspects of their time together. This main relationship is complicated further by the relationship between Hawk and Lucy Smith. With the external pressures of society weighing down on Hawk, he decides to marry and have children with Lucy. This “love triangle,” for lack of better words, captured my attention throughout the show. The subtle reveals and the narrow misses that build to the big confrontations between Lucy and Tim feel raw and natural, and it causes viewers not to know whose side to take. Outside of those two relationship dynamics, there is another couple that exists in the show. With Marcus Hooks and Frankie Hines, the viewer can get another
perspective on the lives of queer men throughout the decades. While Hawk and Tim are never officially a couple, Marcus and Frankie are, which is always an interesting comparison throughout the show.
ow Travelers are so prevalent and were honestly breathtaking once I was able to piece them together. One of the major themes that gets explored relates to queer identity. Each character experiences this in different ways. Tim battles with his queerness and his religious beliefs, Marcus battles with his love for Frankie and the masculine standards in his life, and Hawk struggles with his desire for Tim and his having to marry Lucy. Another theme that is explored is isolation and the oppressive nature of the law. Throughout the series, the earlier decades lean into the Lavender Scare and the secrecy and isolation that the characters have to navigate to meet up with one another. Finally, one of the other major themes is how the show handles toxic relationships. The relationship between Tim and Hawk operates with many toxic elements, yet
they still come back to each other, creating an interesting commentary on knowing something is bad for you but wanting it anyway. Through these themes, I felt like I was able to dive deeper into the intention behind the show and its comparisons to the present day
Overall, I would rate Fellow Travelers five stars, 10/10, 100% on Rotten Tomatoes, etc. This show will forever and always have my heart. It operates as a place to explore prominent moments in queer history as well as major queer experiences, ranging from the fear during the Lavender Scare and rage during the Harvey Milk Assassination, as well as the experience of Fire Island. While there is a lot of explicit content within this show, I would recommend it to anyone looking for a queer show that dives into queer history and the intricacies of different relationships. And, if you decide to watch Fellow Travelers, have a tissue box on standby… You’re going to need it.
About the Author
Lucas Haviland is a Senior Film & Television Major concentrating in Screenwriting and double minoring in Sound Design and Digital Marketing. Aspiring to work in the entertainment industry, Lucas focuses his writing and endeavors on LGBTQ+ narratives and perspectives. By sharing his reviews and opinions surrounding LGBTQ+ film, TV, and media, he hopes to inspire other people to pick up a new entry to their watch list.
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