WARNING: SPOILERS ahead for Fellow Travelers.
Hawk’s cautionary message to Tim in the Fellow Travelers series premiere indicates that he already knows how their hidden romance will play out. The sharp and seductive Hawkins Fuller (Matt Bomer) was direct yet discreet with idealistic college grad Tim Laughlin (Jonathan Bailey) about starting their passionate affair, which soon developed into something more than just physical attraction alone. Tim starts to feel a deep attachment toward Hawk, who returns the gesture with a cold and calculated shoulder.
Fellow Travelers episode 1 depicts how Tim and Hawk got to the point of romantic interest after a series of spontaneous flings. Hawk, who comes off as somewhat of a player, tries to tell Tim at a bar that their involvement was nothing more than a short-term affair. Tim, whose outspoken passion is honest yet reckless, won’t accept Hawk’s insensitive treatment of him after he starts to develop genuine feelings for him. The intensely conditioned and self-preserving Hawk finally let his guard down in a desperate move to win back Tim’s affection at the end of the Fellow Travelers premiere.
Hawk’s Warning To Tim Reveals His Self-Awareness That He’s A Monster
After Hawk tells Tim the emotional story of his first love Kenny and the meaning of his cherished Washington D.C. paperweight, he asks Tim if he can come up to his room to spend the night. Tim tells Hawk that he’s not only afraid of the risk of the Lavender Scare and McCarthyism but he is also terrified of Hawk and what he is capable of doing. Hawk’s desperate plea to see Tim that night does feel somewhat orchestrated and manipulative, especially as he gives Tim an honest warning saying, “My advice: go inside, shut that door, and lock it behind you.”
Hawk’s warning appears genuine on the surface, earnestly warning Tim about the troubled road ahead that will inevitably come from being romantically involved with him. Hawk’s story about Kenny revealed that he is prone to abandon his loved ones, but his ostensible attempt to be transparent with Tim actually works toward his benefit, as Tim ultimately invites him up by saying, “Unfortunately, the lock is broken.” Hawk’s exceptional skills of persuasion are in full effect in the scene, taking advantage of the fact that Tim can’t turn him down while appearing to give him a way out upfront.
Tim’s Response Indicates His Foolish & Destructive Desire For Hawk’s Affection
Fellow Travelers episode 1 proves that Tim is a hopeless romantic and is essentially a fool for Hawk’s affection, which is why Hawk’s strategy at luring Tim back in was successful. It remains unclear whether Hawk loves Tim or is using him for personal gratification. Hawk’s vulnerability and sentimental backstory add much-needed depth and access to his heavily guarded emotional side. However, underneath his rare transparency is the ugly truth that he can be heartless and cruel to his loved ones. Hawk may be giving Tim an early indication of his true intentions in Fellow Travelers with his warning but in doing so, leaves Tim no other choice than to take the bait and discover their fate for himself.
