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The new drama “Fellow Travelers” follows the formula of high-quality television, with its impressive visuals, use of multiple timelines, and a mix of grand music and costly songs. It may seem like a show that has been seen before, as it checks off all the expected elements that have been overused in the past twenty years. However, in the first 10 minutes of the premiere episode, we are also presented with something that is not commonly seen, or even lacking, in the overwhelming abundance of streaming shows: explicit homosexual intimacy.

It’s unexpected to see this type of content in something that caters to a wider, more mainstream audience, especially in a show that is overall quite polite and conventional in its themes and viewpoints – a romantic series meant for a traditional, heterosexual audience. The explicit sex scenes are not only shocking but also integral to the storyline, effectively countering recent arguments from conservative individuals that watching actors portray sex scenes is morally questionable and unnecessary. Throughout the eight episodes, which span over four decades, the tragic love story gains depth and complexity through its inclusion of sexual moments, making it the most daring and boundary-pushing aspect of a series that could have taken more risks.

Fellow Travelers is a fictional tale, based on the 2007 novel by Thomas Mallon, about individuals navigating real historical events. The story spans from the early 1950s to the late 1980s, following characters as they travel from Washington DC to Fire Island to San Francisco. Hawk (played by Matt Bomer) and Tim (played by Jonathan Bailey) meet during the height of McCarthyism, a time when paranoia and suspicion ran rampant. Despite initially being on opposite sides of the political spectrum, they are drawn to each other and engage in a risky relationship. However, in a time when McCarthy and his allies were targeting both communists and those deemed as “deviants,” their love must remain hidden in the shadows.

The story shifts between their early, exciting days and the pain of what is to come, as Tim battles Aids and Hawk struggles to maintain a marriage with a childhood friend he was forced to marry (the underutilized Allison Williams). It can be difficult for even the most dedicated actor and skilled makeup artist to convincingly portray the same character over many decades, and one of the show’s more unrealistic elements is the use of neck wrinkles and liver spots on the attractive actors. However, seeing poorly aged thirty- and fortysomethings in fake 60s dealing with serious issues captures the show’s contrast – a political period drama based on true, challenging history but told with the broad strokes of a soap opera. Once the audience accepts this tone, there are enjoyable moments to be found here, much more than in last year’s dreadful adaptation of the 50s-set gay romance My Policeman, which also featured some of the same team members, such as the Oscar-nominated writer of Philadelphia, Ron Nyswaner, and producer Robbie Rogers.

Fellow Travelers is a highly successful attempt at portraying an impossible romance that takes place behind closed doors. The production is visually stunning, almost resembling a cinematic experience, with meticulous attention to detail in recreating the historical setting. However, only certain parts of the story are emotionally impactful, as the melodramatic elements can detract from the overall power of the narrative. The dialogue may not always flow elegantly, and as the timeline becomes convoluted in the later episodes, the back-and-forth romance between the two leads can feel repetitive and confusing. Nevertheless, Matt Bomer delivers a standout performance as the charming and attractive leading man, a role that would have likely catapulted him to stardom if he were not openly queer in real life. His chemistry with his co-star, Bailey, is effortless and alluring, whether they are clothed or not.

The most intriguing and unforeseen element in this story is the intimate connection between the pair. Nyswaner acknowledges the significance of their private interactions in a world where they are unable to express themselves openly. The exploration of their dom/sub dynamic is not watered down for a wider audience, and remains well-preserved as their emotions deepen. This show recognizes that kinky sex can also involve strong romantic feelings. It is one of the few examples that portrays gay love without censoring it. There is also a touching relationship between Noah J Ricketts’s drag performer and Jelani Alladin’s journalist, who fights against homophobia and racism. A particular scene between them evokes a strong emotional response.

The show Fellow Travelers attempts to summarize three decades of events in just eight hour-long episodes. However, due to its ambitious historical perspective, the characters often feel cramped and lack development. While you may be invested in their journey, you may also find yourself wishing for less distractions along the way.

• in Canada

  Fellow Travelers is broadcasted on Showtime every Sunday in the United States and can also be accessed through Paramount+ in Canada.

Source: theguardian.com