Fellow Travelers Episode 2: Key Highlights Unveiled

Article Overview

In episode 2 of Fellow Travelers, the focus shifts to the State Department's intensified endeavors to detect and expose "deviant" behavior within American society, such as communism and homosexuality. This installment presents renowned poet Langston Hughes facing the unfair assault during his testimony in front of Joseph McCarthy's Subcommittee. The unjust treatment of Hughes sparks fury in Marcus, who perceives him as a vital advocate for the black community.

In Fellow Travelers episode 2, Marcus takes on the challenge of confronting Roy Cohn and David Schine, resulting in the loss of his press access. However, he later obtains evidence that exposes Schine's draft evasion. Marcus decides to share this information with Bobby Kennedy in order to potentially reveal Schine's lack of courage.

Continuing to explore the covert romance between Hawk (played by Matt Bomer) and Tim (played by Jonathan Bailey) during the Lavender Scare era of 1950s America, Fellow Travelers, a Showtime series based on the 2007 novel of the same name, follows both characters as they hold positions within the United States Federal Government. They are involved in supporting political initiatives that aim to crack down on activities considered "deviant," such as communism and homosexuality within government ranks. The series offers a chilling glimpse into one of the darkest periods of the 20th century, masterminded by Senator Joseph McCarthy.

Fellow Travelers episode 1 brought Hawk and Tim together in a relationship that seemed destined and highlighted their natural chemistry, starting in 1952. The show skillfully jumps between different time periods to depict Tim's declining health in 1980s San Francisco, where he has become alienated and resentful towards Hawk for unknown reasons. We do know that Hawk takes the conventional path of marrying Senator Smith's daughter Lucy and starting a family, while Tim's future becomes increasingly bleak. In Fellow Travelers episode 2, titled "Bulletproof," we delve deeper into the events that initially united Tim and Hawk before their eventual separation.

8. The U.S. State Department Increases Efforts To Report & Identify “Deviant” Activity

In episode 2 of Fellow Travelers, the United States State Department intensifies its focus on identifying and reporting individuals believed to be "subversives" within American society. This category encompasses those rumored to be connected to the Communist party or involved in homosexual activities. At the State Department meeting, Hawk attends the introduction of a new summoning system for suspected "deviants" and cleverly conceals his true emotions behind a feigned smile, safeguarding his own interests. Hawk's adeptness at disguising his true passions proves beneficial to Tim's coworker later in the episode.

7. Poet Langston Hughes Testifies In Front Of Joseph McCarthy’s Subcommittee

Acclaimed poet Langston Hughes appears on the second episode of Fellow Travelers, bravely testifying before the Subcommittee of Investigations, headed by Senator Joseph McCarthy and Roy Cohn. This particular incident, based on true events in 1953, finds Hughes under suspicion due to his writings that seemingly express criticism towards capitalism and possibly harbor communist sympathies. Marcus, witnessing Hughes being interrogated, is incensed by the Subcommittee's treatment, recognizing the poet as an influential advocate for the Black community and firmly convinced that he is far from being the enemy intended to be portrayed by Cohn, McCarthy, and their Subcommittee.

6. Marcus Loses Press Access After Challenging Roy Cohn & David Schine

After being unjustly interrogated by Cohn, McCarthy, and Schine, Hughes's typically rational and professional demeanor falters as he confronts Cohn and Schine, who seem to be exploiting their positions of power. Dismissing Hughes's criticism, Cohn and Schine fail to address his inquiry regarding their absence from the Korean War despite being physically capable and competent. While Cohn brushes off Hughes's concerns in person, he later retaliates by revoking Hughes's access to the Subcommittee Investigations. This vindictive move includes an insulting remark about the newspaper Hughes works for, which also implies a hint of racial discrimination behind the decision.

5. Tim Attends A Party Hosted By His Coworker Mary & Her Girlfriend Caroline

Waiting for Hawk to return his calls, Tim finds himself increasingly involved in the personal life of his coworker Mary Johnson, who extends an invitation for him to attend a party at her apartment. Despite initial hesitation, considering the potential risks, Tim ultimately agrees to join the gathering, swayed partly by Hawk's lack of attention towards him. Upon arrival, Tim observes that the partygoers, including Mary's girlfriends Caroline, all seem to identify as queer. Gradually, Tim relaxes and immerses himself in the festivities, engaging in games of charades, sharing drinks with the guests, and ultimately disregarding any apprehensions surrounding his presence.

4. Caroline Receives A Summons From The State Department After Being Reported

Caroline, Mary's girlfriend and a government employee, receives a summons from the State Department, informing her of an impending investigation into her alleged involvement in homosexual activities. While neither Caroline nor Mary were specifically identified, Caroline asserts that a disgruntled individual reported her due to her consistent refusal to go out on a date with him. The arrival of a light blue envelope carries the potential to severely jeopardize both Caroline and Mary's professional futures, placing them at risk of being added to a federal blacklist. Upon learning about the letter, Mary confides in Tim, who in turn confides in Hawk, seeking his assistance in preventing Caroline's exposure.

3. Hawk’s Dying Father Expects An Apology For Having To “Endure” A Homosexual Son

The most impactful moment in episode 2 of Fellow Travelers showcases Hawk's return to his family home after a long absence to confront his terminally ill father. Set in a conventional American household where strict values have caused a significant rift in their collective bond, Hawk's mother welcomes him warmly, exhibiting greater support. However, his father, disapproving of his son's homosexuality, has excluded him from his will. In a brief yet powerful scene, Hawk's father recalls walking in on Hawk and Kenny during their teenage years. Despite his father's belief that he deserves an apology, Hawk steadfastly refuses to apologize for simply being true to himself.

2. Mary Betrays Caroline Using Tim’s Fabricated Letter That Hawk Helped Him Write

Following Hawk's quick advice, Tim fabricates a letter to Mary, falsely portraying a romantic relationship between them. Tim presents this letter as a means for Mary to protect herself during the investigation into Caroline. However, accepting this option would require Mary to betray Caroline. Initially, Tim doubts that Mary would ever choose to harm Caroline, asserting that their love for each other is too strong. Contrary to Tim's belief, Hawk accurately predicts that Mary will indeed choose to betray Caroline. Eventually, Mary hands over the counterfeit love letter to the investigators, thereby demolishing Caroline's career and exposing their secret relationship.

1. Marcus Gives Draft Dodging Evidence On David Schine To Bobby Kennedy

Determined to seek retribution against Cohn and Schine for depriving him of his press privileges, Marcus manages to obtain incriminating evidence against Schine. This evidence suggests that Schine evaded the draft during the Korean War by falsely claiming to be listed as 4F. In military terms, being classified as 4F indicates that an individual is unfit for duty due to physical or psychological reasons. However, this classification does not seem to align with Schine's circumstances. Tim, an employee in McCarthy's office who frequently interacts with Schine, discloses to Marcus that Schine does not suffer from any physical ailments and leads an active lifestyle. This implies that Schine should not be categorized as 4F. Marcus shares this significant information with Bobby Kennedy in Fellow Travelers, as Kennedy possesses the necessary resources to expose Schine.

Editor's P/S

In episode 2 of Fellow Travelers, we see the escalating threats faced by Hawk and Tim as the US State Department intensifies its hunt for "deviant" activities. Langston Hughes' testimony before McCarthy's Subcommittee is a powerful reminder of the injustices and persecution that many faced during this dark period in American history. Marcus's outrage at Hughes' treatment is understandable, as he recognizes the poet as an important advocate for the black community. Hughes's brave stand in the face of adversity is inspiring, and it is clear that he is far from the enemy that Cohn, McCarthy, and their Subcommittee would have us believe.

The betrayal, love, and personal sacrifices that are at the heart of this gripping installment of Fellow Travelers make for a compelling and thought-provoking viewing experience. The series offers a chilling glimpse into one of the darkest periods of the 20th century, and it is clear that the story of Hawk and Tim is far from over. I am eager to see how their relationship develops in the face of the challenges they face, and I am hopeful that they will find a way to overcome the obstacles that stand in their way.