In the gripping third episode of “Fellow Travelers,” titled “Hit Me,” we witness the deepening complexities in the lives of the main characters, Hawkins (Hawk) and Tim. The episode unfolds with Hawk receiving a critical tip that could potentially dismantle McCarthy’s circle. However, this professional triumph is overshadowed by personal challenges. Tim’s frustration with Hawk’s moral compass escalates, leading them to the Nomad Bar, a hub for the queer community. The bar scene sets the stage for a significant shift in their relationship as Hawk’s encounter with a drug-affected individual at the bar distresses Tim. Despite Tim’s longing for Hawk’s undivided attention, Hawk’s preoccupation with work strains their bond, compelling them to maintain a facade of familial ties in public.
Marcus’ Struggle for Identity and Acceptance
Elsewhere, the episode explores Marcus’ burgeoning relationship with Frankie, a bar performer. Their interaction is marred by a confrontation with prejudice, as a security guard’s racially and homophobic charged comments at a show lead Marcus to confront his own fears and insecurities about publicly acknowledging his sexuality. This poignant moment is further accentuated when Marcus, a budding writer, faces a dilemma over including the guard’s homophobic remarks in an article, fearing it might overshadow his focus on racial discrimination. This subplot poignantly highlights the intersecting struggles of identity and acceptance in a prejudiced society.
Political Maneuvering and Personal Sacrifices
In a parallel storyline, the episode sheds light on the political machinations of McCarthy, Roy Cohn, and David Schine. The suggestion of marriage to quell rumors about McCarthy’s sexuality leads to the revelation of David’s military enlistment. The complexities of their relationships are revealed through Cohn’s efforts to prevent David’s draft by leveraging a McCarthyist tactic, hinting at a deeper, concealed relationship between David and Cohn.
Hawk’s Discovery and Tim’s Health Revelation
The episode culminates with Hawk uncovering a scandal involving McCarthy, who is revealed to have had a sexual encounter with a military officer. McCarthy’s brutal betrayal of the officer, resulting in the exposure of his sexuality and subsequent personal turmoil, provides Hawk with crucial evidence. Parallelly, the episode takes a dramatic turn in the 1986 timeline when Tim reveals his diagnosis of Kaposi sarcoma, a life-threatening cancer, to Hawk. This revelation prompts Tim to urge Hawk to undergo an AIDS test, leading them to a poignant scene at the hospital.
