Actors Matt Bomer and Jonathan Bailey star in the new limited series “Fellow Travelers,” which premiered on October 27 on Paramount+.
The series was created by Academy Award nominee Ron Nyswaner “(Philadelphia” and the series “Homeland”), and it is based on the fiction novel of the same name by Thomas Mallon.
The first episode titled “You’re Wonderful” aired today on the streaming service Paramount+; moreover, it will also be released on Showtime on October 29.
“Fellow Travelers” is a decades-long chronicle of the risky, volatile and steamy relationship between the charismatic and ambitious Hawkins “Hawk” Fuller (played by Matt Bomer) and the devoutly religious Tim Laughlin (played by Jonathan Bailey).
They portray two complex political staffers who fall in love at the height of the 1950s Lavender Scare (the ’50s setting in itself feels like its own character in the story).
It is both a love story and a political thriller that depicts the romantic relationship of two different and complicated men that meet in Washington during the McCarthy-era.
Matt Bomer and Jonathan Bailey (“Bridgerton”) have solid chemistry together, and their rapport allows for more resonance. Bomer (who also serves as one of the executive producers) plays his character Hawk as suave, mysterious, and cunning, and works well opposite Jonathan Bailey’s portrayal of the idealistic Tim, who is a man of faith.
They are able to execute the power play scenes and employ their dramatic chops in a convincing manner.
Actors Jelani Alladin (Marcus Hooks), Linus Roache (Senator Wesley Smith), Noah J. Ricketts (Frankie Hines) and Allison Williams (Lucy Smith) also round out the main cast. Everybody in this diverse cast brings something unique to the table.
While their intimate scenes may be a bit gratuitous at times, they tend to serve a purpose in bringing a rawness, honesty, and authenticity to their love story while also showcasing the power play dynamics.
There is an intensity and darkness that will certainly keep the audiences engaged. It tackles pertinent historical issues that are still relevant and relatable to this day. Overall, the screenplay is well-developed and it is rich in characterization.
Over the course of 40 years, “Fellow Travelers” follows the main characters as they cross paths through the Vietnam War protests of the 1960s, the drug-fueled disco indulgence of the 1970s, and the AIDS crisis of the 1980s, while facing obstacles in the world and in themselves.
Judging from this first episode, the series seems interesting and promising. Strong performances from the cast led by Matt Bomer and Jonathan Bailey give this new series its beating heart while simultaneously being able to bring Thomas Mallon’s book to life.
“Fellow Travelers” earns four out of five stars, and it is worth checking out on Paramount+ and/or Showtime.
