By Mr. Will Wong
Based on Thomas Mallon‘s 2007 novel of the same name, FELLOW TRAVELERS is an epic Hhistorical Romance limited series consisting of eight episodes. The love story spanning three decades, centers on Hawk (Matthew Bomer) and Tim (Jonathan Bailey) set against the backdrop in the height of McCarthyism where homosexuals and communists alike were hunted and persecuted for being “un-American”, resulting in many being wrongly accused and having their lives ruined. So already we have established that Hawk and Tim, both with careers in politics, must embark on their relationship in secrecy and the stakes are high.
The Series jumps eras, giving us a glimpse into the battles Hawk and Tim have endured as they navigate the intensity of their romance being uncovered, to an era of over-indulgence in the ’70s, ultimately to the onset of the AIDS epidemic. And while it is never in doubt that these two men love one another deeply, they are pulled in separate directions and ultimately they reunite once again, but over the course of the Series’ eight episodes, we unpack the complex emotions as these two loverd are pulled apart by circumstance and reunited by undying love.
If I could compare FELLOW TRAVELERS to anything, it parallels some of the emotions explored in the classic BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN, but where it stands on its own is its deeper exploration of the eras and backdrops against which this romance is set. While it is a romance, it also is a Horror on ways, the resonanting fear of the truth being uncovered in clandestine love, and the mortifying consequences. Trickling down further, it also explores the consequences of avoiding consequences.
The Series is a perfect vehicle to showcase our brilliant two leads who fill the screen with a palpable chemistry. Bomer approaches Hawk with a sense of mystery, harbouring his flowing undercurrent of thoughts and emotions. Bailey allows Thomas‘ emotions to rise to the surface. It must also be said the love scenes are charged with immense eroticism, as we explore the dominant and passive dynamics between these two men in the bedroom, versus their dynamic when they are public-facing and forced to conceal their love.
Our leads are supported by a talented Supporting Cast including Broadway’s Jelani Alladin as Marcus and Noah J. Ricketts as Frankie, who also in tangent, are navigating a forbidden romance, but also having to confront racism also. Allison Williams always is a captivating presence as Lucy. We just wish she got a bit more to work with, a casualty of Hawk and Tim‘s romance, serving to help Hawk keep-up appearances and avoid suspicion as a single man in a time where him not having a wife was a red flag.
FELLOW TRAVELERS is a compelling ‘eras tour’ of its own that proves affecting and rewarding. It streams now on Paramount+, with new episodes arriving weekly.
SHOWTIME today released the official trailer for the highly anticipated limited series FELLOW TRAVELERS, the epic love story and political thriller led by Matt Bomer (The Normal Heart, The Boys in the Band) and Jonathan Bailey (Bridgerton). Created for television by Oscar® nominee Ron Nyswaner (Philadelphia, HOMELAND), the eight-episode drama premieres Friday, October 27, 2023 in Canada and the U.S. and on October 28, 2023 in the U.K., Australia, Latin America, South Korea, Italy, Germany, Switzerland and Austria. The miniseries was shot in Toronto in Summer 2022.
FELLOW TRAVELERS, also stars Jelani Alladin (The Walking Dead World Beyond), Allison Williams (Get Out, Girls) and Noah J. Ricketts (American Gods). Bomer and Nyswaner executive produce with Robbie Rogers (All American, My Policeman) and Dee Johnson. Daniel Minahan (Halston, American Crime Story: Versace) executive produces and also directs the first two epiodes. FELLOW TRAVELERS is co-produced by Fremantle and SHOWTIME.
Created by Nyswaner, FELLOW TRAVELERS is based on the novel by Thomas Mallon. Bomer plays charismatic Hawkins Fuller, who maintains a financially rewarding, behind-the-scenes career in politics. Hawkins avoids emotional entanglements – until he meets Tim Laughlin (Bailey), a young man who’s brimming with idealism and religious faith. They begin a romance just as Joseph McCarthy and Roy Cohn declare war on “subversives and sexual deviants,” initiating one of the darkest periods in 20th-century American history. Over the course of four decades, we follow our five main characters – Hawk, Tim, Marcus (Alladin), Lucy (Williams) and Frankie (Ricketts) – as they cross paths through the Vietnam War protests of the 1960s, the drug-fueled disco hedonism of the 1970s and the AIDS crisis of the 1980s while facing obstacles in the world and within themselves.
Hearthrob and acclaimed Thespian Jonathan Bailey was in town filming Showtime‘s “Fellow Travelers“. The Actor know well for his starring role in Shondaland‘s smash success BRIDGERTON as Lord Anthony Bridgerton, will be playing Tim Laughlin in this upcoming Historical Limited Series, based on Thomas Malton‘s 2007 Novel of the same name.
Fellow Travelers centers on a romance between Laughlin and Hawkins Fuller (Matt Bomer) that spans the Vietnam War to the AIDs crisis in the ’80s. Allison Williams (Girls, Get Out) also stars in the Series, which wraps this December in Toronto.
So amazing meeting Bailey quickly not too long ago, looking colourful, sporty-chic! Knowing he’s a fellow RuPaul’s Drag Race fan, I asked if he’d be tuning-into the All Stars Finale to which he said, “I’ve got a flight to catch tonight!”. He was so personable and full of smiles. Everything we hoped he’d be!
Bailey just wrapped last week on the Series and big things are ahead with Bridgerton Season 3 and Fellow Travelers both on the horizon.
See some Snaps:
(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)
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