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McCarthyism and queerness in 'Fellow Travelers'; plus, IBAM unplugged with Olivia Dean
Dec 1, 2023
New Yorker television critic Inkoo Kang joins the podcast to discuss Showtime's historical romance 'Fellow Travelers' set during McCarthyism and the Lavender Scare. They explore how the politics of the time shape the characters and how survival isn't always pretty. Singer-songwriter Olivia Dean also joins the show to talk about her debut album, Messy, and gives an unforgettable live performance.
49:48
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Quick takeaways
- The TV show 'Fellow Travelers' explores the human cost of politics and charts the progress of gay identity from the 1950s to the 1980s.
- The characters in 'Fellow Travelers' negotiate queerness and self-expression amidst societal pressures and navigate the complexities of their identities during a time of homophobia.
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Summary of the podcast episode
One of the main ideas discussed in this podcast episode is the TV show 'Fellow Travelers', a mini-series on Showtime that explores a tumultuous relationship between two men in Washington, D.C. during the time of the Lavender Scare. The show highlights the importance of examining the human cost of politics and traces the progress of gay identity and acceptance from the 1950s to the 1980s. Another key point is the compelling character development of Tim, who navigates his own identity and desire for belonging. The podcast also touches on the cultural and historical influences that shape the characters, as well as the themes of regret, adaptation, and the effects of homophobia on personal growth.
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