FELLOW TRAVELERS EP.7&8 REACTION!! | *FIRST TIME WATCHING* | FINALE!! (i’m heartbroken)

[@violamateo-on8pc]

The most inspiring message we need to take from this is what Tim says to Hawk in their last scene together: "You were my great, consuming love. And most people don't get one of those."

[@jondavwal13]

Tim was also Hawk's great all consuming love. He just finally faced that truth when it was too late, but he does face it. If anything I think Hawk loved and needed Tim more than the other way around. In the sex scene where he licks the milk off of Tim's chin Bomer as Hawk displays an almost overwhelming passion for Tim. He looks and sounds like he is going to pass out from desire and love.

[@poppy5487]

This show was so good and the last episode was beautiful and heartbreaking. Hawk did some terrible things but I think it was mostly from fear , he just didn’t have the courage to be himself until the very end. 💔

[@stephaniel2850]

Exactly - I honestly get so defensive of Hawk, because so many people seem to read him as some straight up villain, and I'm like... why would anyone even *like* the story if that was what it was!? If Hawk was nothing but a horrible abuser, why would anyone like a story that shows his and Tim's connection never wavering and Tim's story ending with warmth and love for him despite everything? Imo, it says a lot about a person how they treat people when they're alone without external influences getting in the way. In abusive cases, it's when the abuser's guard is down that they become their worst selves. With Hawk, it's quite the opposite: consistently, when it's just him and Tim alone together and his fears and shame brought on from the outside world aren't getting in the way, that's when he's at his most gentle and kind and sweet. So yes, of course those external pressures do get in the way for him a ton, and he makes some genuinely terrible and hurtful choices because of them, but all that does is make me want him to have gotten to have lived in a time where he didn't feel forced into those choices. I never once thought "Tim deserves so much better", I only ever thought "they BOTH deserve so much better".

[@Imetwurld_]

This show broke me ! Tim was so sweet with a good heart,He was the last person that deserved this .

[@GoddessOfWhatnot]

At the end of ep 7 I thought ‘there is nothing Hawk can do to make me not hate him’… but then Tim’s ‘great love’ speech turned me around and made me relook at him from Tim’s perspective ❤️‍🩹😭

[@hear47]

I still find it hard to believe that Tim could love Hawk so unconditionally after all Hawk did, but when I look at the early love scenes, I have to believe it.😢

[@mandipandi303]

I was nervous going into this because I love the novel, but I think the series is better than its source material. Hawk saying what he at the gala is significant. He'd already decided he was going to stay with Skippy by that point. He knows what he said to his friend could start rumors about him (essentially outing himself). Especially once Lucy leaves him, and Hawk is suddenly staying in San Francisco's gay district instead of taking his post in Milan. The kiss in public right after reiterated how Tim was finally his priority. There were a bunch of incredibly prominent people yards away who could've seen them, and Hawk still kissed Skippy and didn't dash away afterward. I think the moment Lucy realized hers and Hawk's marriage was over was upon seeing that Hawk was sleeping at the hospital to be with Tim 24/7. I'm sure Hawk never showed her that kind of devotion in 30 years. Surely, it would've made her see that the relationship wasn't one-sided from Skippy's end like she'd hoped. It was the sign she needed that Hawk was never going to be able to love her how she deserved because he already loved Tim that way. Cishetnormative society ruined so many lives. Fun fact: the AIDS quilt squares at the end were real squares from the quilt in 1987. They were lent to the show. This was already TLDR, but I could say so much more about episode 7 and this beautiful show as a whole.

[@treesny]

I do agree that in adapting the novel into an 8-hour mini-series, Ron Nyswaner greatly expanded the scope of Thomas Mallon's book in exciting and ultimately deeply satisfying ways. The significant reorientation of Tim's life journey, the enlargement of the time frame -- with scenes in the 1960s, 70s and 80s -- the addition of Marcus/Frankie/Jerome and Jackson (among other entirely new characters), the mary/Caroline thread, the fact that Lucy becomes a very real person instead of a background figure... all of this is handled with skill and insight and vividness. And every department shines: writers, directors, producers, designers, composer (and choice of "period" music), and above all the superb cast.

[@christiana7424]

I cried for 3 days after this show 😭 I'm so glad they won the GLAAD Media Award last night for Outstanding Limited Series ❤ Have you seen Jonathan in Crashing? It's hilarious!

[@rabbitfishtv]

I love “Crashing”!

[@christiana7424]

@@rabbitfishtv Me too! I wish it had more seasons

[@rabbitfishtv]

@@christiana7424 Yeah, such a great ensemble. And Jonathan Bailey’s confused, hostile, closeted love story is so funny.

[@KatiesTheName]

I watched all of us strangers right after finishing this and I cried on and off for like 2 weeks so I feel ya

[@christiana7424]

@@KatiesTheName I saw that recently too! I was like NOOO! 😭

[@palm2004]

It absolutely devastated me for weeks after. What a show

[@hear47]

Me too.😢

[@ryanpeterson7966]

I love how you really got the story and what we went through back then. I was in my 20s in the 80s and it was rough. Please embrace how far the community has come and wish you all the best! ❤.

[@jondavwal13]

I was as well and I got married. I have a lot of regrets about that period of my life but I wouldn't have my children now. I eventually came to terms with everything and lived the truth from my late 30s. Today I hope I would have embraced myself much younger.

[@nikkixo6334]

No cause this show had me in shambles back in November just broken

[@KatiesTheName]

The fact that part of the real quilt was used absolutely kills me

[@jondavwal13]

I was born maybe 30 years later than these people and I was born in a time where I could have potentially made other choices. Even though my parents were and are liberal it was obvious me being gay would have been terribly disappointing to them. When I was 19 and on the verge of being outed I did something very similar to what Hawk did to someone to protect myself and throw suspicion off of me. 40 years later I still lie awake at night wondering how I could have done something so terrible. After an awful attempt at having a boyfriend (I never really came out and he was abusive) I wound up getting married to a woman I loved even though I knew it was wrong (I think being "undesired" drove her to alcohol). Part of what motivated me was my intense desire to have children and my intense fear of HIV. I always wanted to be a father. I had two children, a boy and a girl. After living like Hawk for 12 years (I had sex with our waiter on our honeymoon, ugh) it became too much and I started falling in love with the men I was cheating with. The first was someone who was completely wrong for me. The second was someone who had fallen in love with him as well but had broken it off to stay with his bf. I also broke it off and stayed with my wife. One day someone introduced the two of us since we had a similar experience with the same individual thinking we could be supportive friends. After talking him on the phone for ten minutes I knew we would spend the rest of our lives together. 3 weeks later we were together and we have not been apart since. That was 24 years ago. My son became a heroin addict but broke his addiction in rehab without any help from anybody else, just his family's support. He has been clean for 13 years. My children are now in their 30s and I am a grandfather. My husband (we have been married since 2003) is an extremely important part of my kids' lives. My ex-wife is sober and we are now friends. My story is basically the same story with a happy ending. Hopefully we will see films like that as well. I can only say that watching this was one of the most difficult things I've ever done. All I saw was how my life could have turned out badly in almost every way I looked. I feel very fortunate to be where I am. I will add that this was the first show or film gay or straight that depicted what it is truly like to be in love at the beginning of a real love story. People who are falling in love are filthy and lusty and dirty. Romance is not pure, nor should it be. I was blown away by the sex and how they connected it to their love. As I've said I've never seen that in a straight movie or show, let alone a gay one.

[@mazfirst8091]

This is really beautiful. Thank you for sharing your story

[@hear47]

So important that happier ends are happening in real life. Confusion and dysfunction continue in so many of our lives because of shame and fear. Thanks for sharing your story.❤

[@miaolivia3730]

I hate that Hawk never told Tim (before he died) that he loved him. He didn't even wink when Tim confessed his love several times. Not even when they said goodbye forever - before the army and before the protest.

[@jondavwal13]

You don't think that kiss on the lips in public knowing that Tim has AIDS was telling him? Tim knew and as he says earlier in the series: " I have you". He always knew Hawk belonged to him even when Hawk didn't know it.

[@ShelbyBaby27]

We don't know that because of the time jump. Truth be told, a lot of people can say "I Love You" and not mean it. Actions speak volumes and Hawk's receipts are LONG. Hell, it takes Lucy at the hospital for Tim to finally see that. He always had Hawk's quality of love, yet Tim was too focused at times at what he thought he didn't have comparative to straight couples... I prefer glass half full, instead of empty 😊

[@hear47]

​@jondavwal13 I think so to. Thanks for your comment.

[@MagiBg]

I would recommend you to watch Interview with the vampire and also All of us strangers (you are going to cry)

[@cazb5777]

Thank you so much for these reviews, Niall. I can completely relate to how upset you were at the end. These 2 episodes had me bawling almost all the way through. Poor Tim 🥹😭😭. I'm so thankful that no death scene was filmed because I think that definitely would have killed me. Just hearing Tim say that he felt that he was fading away had me in absolute pieces when I first watched it.. & every time I re-watch I cry again during that scene💔. This has been an amazing series... Everything about it has been phenomenal. Please consider reviewing "All Of Us Strangers" & "Femme" if you haven't already. Love from London 😘

[@KatiesTheName]

He did All of us strangers already but as far as I know he hasn't done femme

[@sonyak.2325]

Niall I get you so much! I have been obsessed with this show and all reactions to it, since it's really great to hear the opinions of other queer people on the events and characters. And I kid you not, I cry every goddamn time. Like, it must've been more than 20 times that I've seen this finale, and I am bawling my eyes out. This is heartbreakingly beautiful and truly important story 💔

[@PSPguy2]

The ending still chokes me up every time, it's a tear jerker. On a different note...I loved your honesty saying "Gay men are so Feral"! But it's true and I love it! I've always felt kinda sorry for str8 guys having to work so hard at hooking up and group fun is usually only in their dreams.

[@v-nyx]

"Sweetheart, it wasn't a mini series...it was the series I loved." The level of devastation this show brings. But we all love it. 😭😭😭

[@mclp-wc8eg]

This show deserves all the Emmys and Golden Globes, Master piece!!!

[@Elephantasy]

I only just finished the show a couple hours ago and I am not okay. It is sad that I hadn't seen this show being advertised much or being talked about much because holy moly this show is beyond stellar. The authenticity in the stories, the acting, the chemistry, the makeup, everything was just so captivating and had my emotions in a grip hold. I haven't balled my eyes out like I did with this show in a long time. It hurt so much experiencing their journey, but it was humbling, bittersweet and important. A beautiful homage to the people in our community who helped pave a way at life for queer folks. Just absolutely dumbfounded ~ 10/10 would recommend

[@ShelbyBaby27]

There are so many heartbreakingly beautiful moments, but the fact that Jackson is who transitions Hawk & Tim's relationship into consuming love. Tim seeing Jackson in the nursery made him resolve that Hawk did what he did so he could be the father and husband he wanted to be. Tim counseling Jackson in the cabin made him pivot from the seminary to becoming an openly gay activist/counselor/ social worker. Jackson's death made Tim fly 3000 miles to save Hawk and the paperweight made Hawk fly 3000 miles to care for Tim. Tim telling Hawk to go home at the end is similar to Hawk flagging Tim from government: getting to be the best version of themselves by cutting the cord. Notice how Hawk & Tim's sex life changes once Jackson is born

[@e-linamarie]

i love the different types of strength shown by the two. hawk is able to lie and project strength, but tim is the one who’s actually stronger and braver even though he seems the opposite at the start

[@memyselfandmyers]

Awww i wanna give you a hug when i see you cry! 🥺🤗💙

[@marklouis1890]

Same

[@MagieSa-g5p]

The reason why I looking forward for your reaction to a movie or series is because you tend to get emotional about it. Which makes the movie have more interesting and fun. And yes I'm crying with you....😢😢 Support from Thailand

[@adrianneceleste5995]

Don't worry Niall we will get through this🥺😭❤️ I promise...

[@dianefurlong2911]

Nice editing Niall! I’ve already mentioned my thoughts on this on Patreon. You’re right, they were living in the wrong era. Hugs My Friend

[@Smokey1602]

Tim deserves the world! Absolutely love him

[@ozzig.2667]

Sometimes love can be something terrible. I am still sad for this love history! the gringos are amazing!!

[@cursedy__]

I really enjoyed your reactions to this show

[@GoddessOfWhatnot]

16:13-16:27 This is why there should be No Cops At Pride EVER

[@mark99k]

So, I knew if I watched this again I'd be a basket case. And I was, and still am. It's all way too real for me, especially the scenes on the Quilt, which I visited 3 times (SF/NY/DC). But I couldn't bring myself to NOT see your reaction, and as usual you didn't disappoint. Thanks, and take a big hug from me.

[@davidcm8670]

I just watched the thumbnail. I’m already crying 😭

[@DoubleBlack2.0]

9:07 Why would you?? Why would you?? Have you SEEN Matt Bomer??!?!?

[@edliwolfstar]

Loved your reaction and dw I was bawling my eyes out

[@edabillano106]

Thank you for sharing your reaction to this series. Really enjoyed it. Well done.

[@brianmccleary6278]

I just need a loop of you saying “Timmy Tim Tim”…

[@sjbennett7130]

Glad to see your tears in the end ❤❤❤ xx same x

[@dramoneikiel]

I love this show so much but I hate how Tim died without a proper I love you from Hawk after all these years…like sir just fkn say it but I was in tears when he openly told his daughter that Tim wasn’t a friend and that he loved him. The things is Hawks wife would’ve been mad if he told her straight up but I feel like she would’ve been accepting of it 😭😭

[@alocadawho5354]

i always sympathized with Hawk because we all hide parts of ourselves to protect ourselves in some way, especially as part of the queer community. We all want to be honest and authentic, but we also all just want to live peacefully. this was my third rewatch of the show and its the first time that I see myself in Tims idealism and softer ambition as well

[@sonicsean34]

Been nice to go on this journey with you Niall, it was my favourite show of last year and more ppl should see it cos it’s so powerful. Also I kinda low-key love how they lull you into a false sense of safety with how hot and horny eps1&2 are to get ppl hooked so they can then swing a sledgehammer at your heart in the second half of the show.

[@miosnikzycia2913]

I know you said no tearjerkers, but I think you should really check out It's a Sin when you are in the mood to cry and experience gay historical pain again

[@Owain2129]

Omg thank you for reminding me of this I knew I forgot a series I really wanted to watch

[@memyselfandmyers]

Im ready to cry with you babes! ❤

[@ronniesmixedmedia]

please please consider checking out it’s a sin! It is very much a tear jerker but it’s is an amazing and important piece of lgbt television that you should definitely watch sometime.

[@hannaissacarre]

Nial, If I become a patroen member, will I see uncut young royals content then? And earlier?? I am so eager to see the rest of your reactions to s3, you are the best!

[@niallnochill]

Yessss, I’ve reacted up to episode 4 on patreon with 5&6 coming on Monday! All uncut and full reactions - no need to sync your own copy etc as the shows on screen x

[@hannaissacarre]

@@niallnochill Thank you for your answer! Just became a member

[@hear47]

Think this story is providing catharsis for the entire gay world at this time. Showing us how brave and difficult the process was for our collective coming out was. We can all let go and cry at the heartbreak of Hawk and Tim and celebrate the power of the love that was meant to be through it all. Now we can celebrate the happier lives that are available to many of us. May we all have happy endings. Support each other and stay in love.❤

[@RicardoEnriqueDager]

Yes ?😊

[@wegotthechoccies]

I mean like, Tim is basically the love of my life and i know that but i just wish they could have lived in another time. Tim would have received better care and may have even lived to see AIDS be cured. Such an unapologetically beautiful queer series.

[@DarleneLesmana]

i recommend watching white collar to see matt bomer being a likeable menace (to women though) (but there are lesbians in the show)

[@kyliemax0808]

literally how i reacted

[@RubyDrye]

@niallnochill, after watching this, you need to finish binging Derry Girls. That's what I did -- I needed to laugh and binged watched the entire series in 1 sitting. It helped.

[@niallnochill]

Plan to have the final season of Derry Girls video out in earlyu April (my reactions to S3 are already on my patreon)

[@janaepugh8576]

For more Queer cinema: When We Rise (2017) and Dating Amber (2020) and Boy Meets Girl (2014)

[@Nellipusen]

If you want to process some of the emotions from this show, you should watch the fan video that Supsi did to All Too Well

[@Isfyf]

Everytime I watch movies/shows about the aids crises I cry like a baby. I will never understand how perversed people (the government) were to watch so many people got sick and die, a lot of them got their life cut short at such young age and they did nothing, absolutely nothing about it.

[@elax75]

❤

[@DoubleBlack2.0]

3:41 He’s wrong, tho. Lmao. Homo is Latin for “same”.

[@oi-oitudobom3194]

Pls Watch the Chronicles of narnia trilogy ❤

[@DoubleBlack2.0]

The Hawk hatred is reeeeeeally getting annoying. Like, for real.

[@niallnochill]

Then don’t watch!? My opinion is my own, deal with it

[@DoubleBlack2.0]

Like, how can you NOT have sympathy for someone so tragically broken?? Someone who lived their WHOLE life terrified to be themselves? It’s *heartbreaking*.

[@niallnochill]

@@DoubleBlack2.0 because he hurts people while doing so. i of course have sympathy for his situation but him tearing people apart and ruining their lives as well as his is ridiculous and I can’t get past it

[@ahsanh8187]

Hawk was getting on my mf NERRVES!!!

[@niallnochill]

Right!?? Just making all the wrong choices!!!

[@matthewk1662]

Don’t read the book, it’s even worse.

[@yasminejaberi]

I never really liked Hawk and he was always annoying to me. I'm tired of trying to sympathize with him tbh 😩 like honestly he was always on my fucking nerves

[@niallnochill]

lmao i think people give Hawk a pass cause Matt Bomer is pretty

[@RicardoEnriqueDager]

Are you, gay ?

[@sandiic877]

💖