Fellow Travelers is the show you need to watch in November

Fellow Travelers‘ political story is stirring and engaging. Although Bailey and Bomer are the show’s stars, the supporting cast, especially during the McCarthy-centric episodes, is equally impressive. Particular attention must be given to the brilliant Will Brill, who plays the infamous Roy Cohn with enough depth to make him fascinating without excusing his actions.

McCarthyism is among the most notorious periods in United States history. While most films depict the consequences of the witch hunt, Fellow Travelers offers a look at those who chose to manipulate the system in their favor rather than fighting a losing fight. The show shines a light on what it was like for queer people living under McCarthy’s scrutiny and the lengths they’d go to protect their lives and careers from the demagogue’s nefarious investigations.

It’s not always a pleasant watch. Fellow Travelers isn’t afraid to have its characters get their hands dirty, resulting in a peculiar collection of anti-heroes with unclear consciences and more than a few skeletons in their closet. Yet, that was the reality of many living during this infamous period, and the show is richer and more interesting because of it. Bomer, in particular, goes all in on Hawk’s the-end-justifies-the-means persona, while watching Bailey’s Tim struggle with his morals and faith is among the series’ most captivating plots.

One of Fellow Travelers‘ main selling points is its frank and, it must be said, horny depiction of gay romance. Anchored by the stellar and steamy duo of Bomer and Bailey, the show boldly portrays Hawk and Tim’s relationship without prejudice or restraint. Bomer and Bailey go all-in on the show’s many sex scenes, effectively conveying the characters’ desire without forgetting the emotion.

In an age where sexual content is becoming increasingly sanitized and monitored, and every sex scene needs to be justified as “necessary” to “advance the plot,” it’s refreshing to see a show as unabashedly sex-positive as Fellow Travelers. The sex scenes are unafraid and natural, never feeling the need to justify themselves. Instead, Hawk and Tim’s sexuality is allowed to simply exist, resulting in a more earnest and genuine depiction of queerness than many shows grant their gay characters.

Fellow Travelers is very much a two-hander, but it has several supporting characters that beautifully complement Tim and Hawk’s story. Jelani Alladin is a revelation as Marcus, a Black man fighting multiple battles simultaneously. His romance with Noah J. Ricketts’ Frankie doesn’t receive as much attention as Tim and Hawk’s, and it’s a shame. Theirs is a powerful story, and Fellow Travelers could’ve benefitted greatly from placing it in the spotlight.

The ever-reliable Allison Williams is in a similar position. At first sight, her role as Lucy Smith fits the bill for the long-suffering wife of a closeted gay man. Yet, Williams does so much with the character, becoming integral to the plot in a way I’m not sure any other actress could’ve achieved. Williams’ work, particularly opposite Bailey in the later episodes, is a true testament to her ability to pull focus.

The McCarthy portion of the story is also full of scene-stealers, from the aforementioned Brill to Chris Bauer as a truly detestable version of McCarthy. Erin Neufer and Christine Horne are also impressive, to the point where the show suffers from their absence once it moves away from DC in later episodes.

It’s understandable and logical that Fellow Travelers would remain firmly focused on Hawk and Tim. However, its collection of supporting characters is too compelling, and once they fade into the background, we can’t help but miss them. A fuller depiction of these figures’ lives might’ve resulted in a richer and even stronger narrative, especially considering the show’s main thesis centers on the enduring repercussions of discrimination throughout the years, even as society supposedly evolves past its previous prejudices.