FELLOW TRAVELERS EP8 *FINALE* REACTION ~ an incredible ending to an incredible series (im ruined...)

[@blemelin]

The quilts were displayed on the National Mall at various times over the years. The montage of 1987, 1996, and 2012 shows how many more quilts were present at each successive display. Years ago, Saks Fifth Avenue in NYC filled their windows with dozens of quilts. When I went to see them, I found a few representing men I had worked and socialized with, not knowing that they had died in the years between. I was overwhelmed at the discovery. This brought back that memory-as well as many others-and I am once again overcome with emotions. One of those is an anger I will live with forever. I don’t know that even death itself will quell the fury I feel towards all the bigots and haters. All because I want to sleep naked with the boy I love. 🌈💕✨

[@auntvesuvi3872]

Such a powerful miniseries, Luke!!! 🤫 I appreciate you reacting to FELLOW TRAVELERS. I was friends with older people who completely had to hide who they were to survive. My contemporaries had an easier time... but I still knew people my age (and a few years younger, actually) who hid for a long, long time. I hope it keeps getting easier for people to be who they are. If, eventually, they can be celebrated as beautiful... well, that would be ideal, wouldn't it? I went to an LGBTQ2IA+ *March* *on* *Washington* in 1993; even then the AIDS quilt was too large to be displayed all in one location... but it was profound to see warm, hand-made memorials for all those people who could've/should've been there. ෴ Keep living, keep loving. 🌈

[@beatricethomas7802]

This show was a so eye opening, heartbreaking and beautiful (the love story of Tim and Hawk) at the same time. I have never been afraid to see a final episode to a show before because of the emotions I have with it. Everyone needs to watch it to understand what people went through and still do in some ways. The quilt scene was very emotional. The fish symbol under his name on Tim's quilt was made out of Hawk's shirt he wore during his time with Tim in the hospital.😢😭😭💔 I loved this series so much! Loved your reactions and your passion for sharing your feelings.👏❤

[@beatricethomas7802]

Also, Matt Bomer said the quilt scenes was the first time he had seen the AIDS quilt and they caught his real emotions in the 1st take. I found this scene was sincerely emotional and felt so real for him. Now we know it was!😭😢💔

[@cazb5777]

@@beatricethomas7802 Yes, his tears were definitely real. It's wonderful to think that some of the fabric on Tim's quilt was from Hawk's shirt. I didn't realise that & it makes it even more beautiful to know that 🥹😢😭💔💔

[@NottsLaad]

wow, i didn’t know that about hawks shirt gives that scene an added layer, thanks for sharing 😊

[@jomarch1085]

The creator also said on his IG that the art dept used Tim’s wardrobe throughout the series for his quilt section. That’s why it has so many beautiful browns. 😢😢😭😭😭

[@jackierobinson-v9q]

I’m really glad to have shared this experience with you. It’s my first time participating in a setting like this, it was enlightening and much more emotional than I thought. I think a large part of that was due to your openness and understanding. I tended to view Tim as the tragic hero of this piece and Hawk as the anti hero. Both had fatal flaws that prevented them surviving as a couple under the withering oppression of the society and the government they lived under. I don’t think Hawk simply chose Lucy over Tim. Marcus and Frankie mirrored them to some degree. When Marcus knowingly said Frankie was always the strong one, I think that also mirrored Hawk and Tim. I think Hawk knew Tim was the stronger one deep down. I think he chose Lucy and the baby not only because of his love for them, but because he knew Tim was stronger and would survive. Lucy tells Tim she wouldn’t have survived when Jackson died, without Hawk. Hawk thought the only way to survive was through control and power, he was never going to be on his knees before his father and the world again, that got upended when he fell in love with Tim. He tells him in his man cave that Tim’s all grown up now and gives him the control and power in their sexual encounter. Hawk was never bulletproof, he even carried a reminder in the scar on his back. Tim’s stubborn naivety about the real world and its consequences finally gave way to a heartbreaking reality so beautifully realized when he encounters Hawk’s newborn son. I could go on, but… this was a beautiful story which I’ve immensely enjoyed. Thanks again for sharing and I hope to take another journey with you in the future ❤

[@jomarch1085]

Really appreciate this take

[@GoddessOfWhatnot]

BY FAR the most important queer show/movie of the year 💔

[@Moffel83.]

I have really enjoyed watching your reactions to Fellow Travelers which was the best and probably also most important show of the year. I always loved that you tried to be fair to all the characters and never judged either one too harshly. It would have been so easy to fall for the Hawk= bad, Tim = good narrative that seems present in a lot of reviews and I appreciated that you always tried to stay fair to both characters and what their motivations were. As for the ending and Tim sending Hawk away, I think part of it was also that Tim knew that Hawk was starting to unravel again. He had already called him out on his drinking (the vodka scene in the hospital) and sending Hawk away was his one last selfless act of love. I can't imagine any circumstance under which Tim would have let Hawk stay and watch him die, knowing that it would most likely destroy Hawk the same way Jackson's death destroyed him. Episode 7 got a completely new significance in this episode 😭 The Aids quilt scene at the end broke me. Hawk finally accepting his true self and admitting his love for Tim to Kimberly and her staying by his side even after he has admitted his truth - it was not the happy ending most people were hoping for, but I think it was pretty much the happiest ending we could have hoped for in this series. Self-acceptance and both Hawk and Tim accepting their love for each. It was heartbreaking but also somewhat poetic. I love that they used real squares from the real Aids quilt for that last scene (the Roy Cohn one for example is his real square that was loaned to the Fellow Travelers production crew) and that Matt Bomer's reaction was his real reaction to seeing the quilt in person for the first time.

[@sonicsean34]

The thing is I don’t think Hawk chose Lucy over Tim, he chose Jackson as his priority which is why Tim seemed to relax when he saw baby Jackson.

[@SpaciousSelf-gx9hc]

He didn’t relax. He was sad because seeing the baby means Hawk and him are really over

[@sonicsean34]

@@SpaciousSelf-gx9hc you’re def right on the sadness. Prob could have phrased it as his anger relaxed.

[@Tuckerz5d]

I was also reminded that in those days if you got divorced (because you were gay) your spouse could prevent you from seeing your children until they were 18. By that point they’d often been so taught to hate the gay parent that it was impossible to rebuild the relationship. I knew two divorced gay men in that situation. So divorce often meant complete separation from your children.

[@sinceslicedbread7422]

I was looking forward to your reaction to the final episode and you didn’t disappoint. I initially started watching you, watching Fellow Travellers because you seemed to have an impressive grasp of the history surrounding this intense love story, I stayed for your compassion and insight into how this history is still relevant today. Anyone, everyone needs to equip themselves with the footnotes of history, in order to make strides forwards and write new inclusive chapters of history .I hope that others will use FT as a jumping point for their own research. Matt Bomer and Jonathan Bailey, deserve all the accolades that will come their way. The search for love, gay, straight and everywhere in between is universal and no-one should be ashamed of that. Your reactions have allowed me to see this series afresh, through new eyes and for that, I thank you. 😊

[@AlexSanchez-jv4ib]

25:53 Thank you Luke!!! I got emotional when I watched that last scene the other day, but your reaction has me crying all over again 🥲 It was an amazing series and a great recap of very important moments in our community’s history that most younger people might never learn if not for stories like this. Thank you for taking the time to react to it, I hope you have a great holiday 🎄🎅

[@goodtime4reboot]

What a great series and stark reminder of what humans are capable of. The love and compassion, the desire to live an authentic experience, alongside the hate, the oppression, the indifference. And it’s repeating itself today with all the anti-gay, anti-immigrant, white supremacy, the slaughter of innocent Palestinians as the world watches passively. There is nothing moral about the moral majority. Authoritarianism is spreading across the globe! Such strange times we are living in. I’m in my mid-60’s and thought all this ugly was behind us, but here it is rearing its xenophobic head once again. Don’t want to go through a second round of this stuff. I do hope you younger people are paying attention and ready to fight the good fight. Peace and strength…

[@Aliciaish]

I've never seen anything more emotional and real in my life. This is so groundbreaking and beautiful.

[@giuliadenobili5334]

I’ve watched these 8 eps over and over and I’ve watched multiple reactions because I can’t shake the pain away and I feel I need to share it with someone… I don’t think I’ve ever seen a show have such a deep impact on people!! This show deserves all the awards and I hope everyone will watch it. I know I will show it to my son when he’ll be old enough because for the world to change everyone needs to understand this message! I’m so deeply impacted by this show. So beautifully written, acted and filmed. It’s a little gem.

[@nazarkgb1]

The finale really drove home how brutal it must be to have spent so long loving someone who so consistently makes you the second priority. Imagine beefing with your boyfriends wife for 30 years 😂😂. Tim’s last monologue about “consuming love” was beautiful, but I’ve never been there and I guess I can’t understand it 😂😂. I wish Tim could have had a fuller life.

[@rayname908]

It was a beautiful touch to put his AIDS quilt panel next to Klaus Nomi, the fist famous death from HIV. Watch his songs Cold Song or Total Eclipse for a taste of 80s new wave opera

[@poppy5487]

I have loved this series even though it broke my heart many times over but I think this last episode was truly beautiful . I understand people not liking Hawk , he did do some awful things but deep down he always loved Skippy ❤ he just didn’t have the courage to make the right choices.

[@fdavis1841]

I think this episode tore us all apart. The ending killed me. I have cried so much.

[@gamozzie]

I’d be interested to see the show again but in chronological order. There’s a lot of exposition on their motivations which would make more sense. You can understand Tim’s resentment at accepting Hawks help at the cabin.

[@richill4545]

Having lived thru the 80’s the end broke me. I cannot wait to purchase this on blu ray when it comes out.

[@yessica4932]

we could all learn a thing about holding multiple perspectives at once from you, i swear ♥

[@edabillano106]

Thank you for reacting to Fellow Travelers and showing all your emotions. I grew up 70's, saw the AIDS crisis myself and the series ending with the AIDS quilt. During it's national tour, the AIDS quilt came to SF and when it was heartbreaking and angry to all the people that were lost. I had the same response that Hawk when seeing Tim's quilt. Again, thank you.

[@cazb5777]

Luke, I have to thank you so much for your reactions to these episodes. Honestly the only thing that would be better than watching your reactions on KZbin would be actually watching the show with you! You've been absolutely amazing & I love seeing your thoughts on Fellow Travelers. I subscribed to your channel just because of this show, but I'm going to stay subscribed because you are great. Best wishes from London 😊

[@VicRez135]

Poignant, heartwrenching, but essential series. So much of the facts of the times were hidden, making this type of storytelling now even more important. Thank you for your heartfelt reactions and allowing us to feel along with you. Bless.

[@RayGoodspeed]

Beautiful sensitive reaction Luke. I am 64, was at school in the 70s and lived through the AIDS crisis (I was a London Lesbian and Gay Switchboard volunteer at the peak of the panic in the mid 80s). I went to way too many funerals and I when I found my close friend's quilt at the London version in Hyde Park cried like a baby.

[@The_Black_Caps]

U r an amazing human, sir

[@PSPguy2]

I had to wait a week before watching your video, couldn't take seeing the end again so soon after watching the last episode. Thanks for doing this one.

[@sonicsean34]

Also thank you for your reaction Luke they have been very heartfelt. I truly think this has been the best show I’ve watched all year and it’s good to see others appreciate it. I hope it wins all the awards and gets more eyeballs on it

[@Selcovass]

Thank you so much for your reaction to this series ❤ you have no idea how much I’ve enjoyed coming back every week to watch your reactions I’m gonna miss them 😢 I hope everyone has a chance to watch this series 💖🥹

[@robertstohr5275]

Thank-you! I lived through that period and I feel seen now. And I appreciate that you understand.

[@NottsLaad]

That’s no problem Robert, as i say it’s so important to educate yourself on these issues. Thank you so much for the super chat it doesn’t go unnoticed ❤️❤️

[@jomarch1085]

I sooooo appreciated your humor and vulnerability while reacting to this series. I also appreciated how you educated yourself and took time to educate us, too. I know Hawk betrayed Tim, but, ultimately I’m glad that Tim didn’t stay with the state dept and went on to make a much bigger difference. The dc toxicity might have tainted him. Once he was free from threats of people snooping in his underwear drawer, he became an amazing activist. Can’t wait to see what you do next! 💜💜💜 from the states.

[@NottsLaad]

Thank you ❤️❤️ i’ve got plans for 2024 so you shouldn’t be disappointed

[@benlila7585]

Hawk knew if Tim had that job at the same place their relationship would be clearly outed , he reported him directly so there wouldn't be any fbi investigation and tim wouldn't pass the polygraph test

[@NottsLaad]

When i was editing i did get this, i just believed he could have gone about it a different way instead of reporting him to the m-team

[@salemoh9759]

A perfect ending ❤

[@jnewmark41]

Hi...New subscriber. Your review of this series has caught my attention....you are so authentic and warm.....I predict that your channel is going to grow quickly!

[@thatgirlnextfloor]

what Hawk did to Tim ohmygod i have no idea how he survived that fcckkkk. Beyond Measure :(((( what an amazing show wow

[@Tuckerz5d]

OMG - cried my eyes out the first time I watched this episode and again watching your reactions. Thanks so much for your honesty. One homophobic trope has always been that gay people are “soft,” cowardly, etc. This show is a great reminder of the strength and courage in the LGBTQ+ community. It takes both to be true to yourself. Huge kudos to Matt Bomer and Jonathan Bailey for taking on these amazingly honest and unapologetic gay roles and doing such fantastic work. I came out in 1972 at 18 (hard to believe it’s been 50 years) and spent my adult life in living in New York, a few blocks from Stonewall. Hell, my husband and I even got married on Fire Island 28 years ago (before it was legal). From my perspective, the show really captured the feeling of the times. Again kudos to everyone involved in creating the series. Thanks again!

[@mizhelzweig]

OMG! I need read the book I want more details.

[@Larry.cupcaks]

My life wouldn't be the same after Fellow Travelers... But, I'm not gonna forgive Hawk! I can't not to hate him! He literally destroyed Tim's life! I hope he suffer in guilt and loneliness....

[@NottsLaad]

So I can’t change you mind 😂 I do get it but Hawk is very complex and a product of his circumstances

[@ShelbyBaby27]

What Hawk did was inexcusable, but he didn't ruin Tim's life, Hawk made it more fulfilling. Tim would have been in Vietnam instead of protesting the war. Tim would have to stay closeted working in DC instead of being an openly gay activist/social worker in SF. Tim found his calling and it wasn't in the seminary. The Lord works in mysterious ways...

[@slothochdonut3099]

I'm ruined too...

[@BovitosumiBovitosumi]

Why we are unable to switch this movie.

[@AmanCreatesArt]

Love your reactions! You should react to "Man in an Orange Shirt" from 2017...

[@jomarch1085]

Ty for this rec!

[@jackierobinson-v9q]

Thanks!

[@NottsLaad]

Thank you for the super chat ❤️🔥

[@mocha2717]

I just rewatched this episode and something came to my mind. What if Tim wasn't actually dead because they didn't show the scene when Tim died or the funeral. Maybe the memorial with Tim's name written on it was just a trick created by Tim to make Hawk think that Tim had died, because Tim wanted Hawk to really leave Tim and return to his family. I don't know, I just want a happy surprise if there is a season 2😭😭

[@sylvissime]

Are sincere in your reaction or is it like theatre? At moments it's like watching a football match supporter reacting.

[@NottsLaad]

Well, my reactions are genuine even if it is ‘theatrical’ if you don’t like you should probably go elsewhere 👍

[@sylvissime]

it's more awkward than theatrical. At least for this show @@NottsLaad

[@SpaciousSelf-gx9hc]

You interrupt too much

[@NottsLaad]

You should stoping watching reactions

[@instasingingvids3529]

The only thing I wish we got to see more. Was what happened to Lucy’s brother. What happened after he went to conversion therapy? Or how Mary’s life was in present day. We heard Hawk say give my regards to Phylis but never saw her partner.

[@jomarch1085]

Thanks!

[@NottsLaad]

Thank you so much for this, honestly i’m lost for words ❤️❤️