McCarthyism and queerness in 'Fellow Travelers'; plus, IBAM unplugged with Olivia Dean
Dec 1, 2023
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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.
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.
Deep dives
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.
The Immersive Quality of Historical Drama
This paragraph discusses the immersive qualities of historical drama. It emphasizes how characters are shaped by historical circumstances and how the show effectively traces the progress of gay identity over time. It highlights the relatable and authentic portrayal of characters shaped by their era, and the tension between personal desires and societal expectations. The paragraph also emphasizes the complexity of characters like Tim, who is constantly searching for purpose, and the compelling performance by Jonathan Bailey that adds depth and nuance to the character.
Exploring Queerness and Negotiation of Identities
This paragraph explores the complexities of queerness and the negotiation of identities within the gay community. It highlights the absence of a set definition of queerness during the time period depicted in the show and how characters grapple with their desires amidst societal pressures. The conversation touches on how characters like Marcus, a black journalist friend of Hawk, negotiate their blackness and their gayness in public and in their professional lives. It delves into the character's decisions to either embrace or hide their queerness, and the unique challenges they face in self-expression.
Olivia Dean: A Soulful Perspective in Pop Music
This paragraph focuses on Olivia Dean, an up-and-coming singer-songwriter, and her music style within the global pop landscape. It highlights how her music stands out for its introspective and reflective qualities, encouraging listeners to connect with their emotions. Her sound draws inspiration from soul music, influenced by timeless artists like Bill Withers and Carol King. The paragraph also emphasizes her preference for crafting songs with live musicians and a diverse range of instrumentation, creating a unique and organic sound. Olivia's approach to music prioritizes storytelling and emotional depth rather than following current trends in pop music.
This week, Brittany chats with New Yorker television critic Inkoo Kang about Showtime's historical romance, Fellow Travelers. The show follows the lives and love of two closeted men - Hawk and Tim. It starts in 1950s Washington DC, at the height of McCarthyism and the lavender scare and continues through the AIDS crisis in the 1980s. Brittany and Inkoo discuss how the politics of the time shape the characters and how survival isn't always pretty.
Then, we switch gears and meet an artist that's been bringing Brittany joy in the cold winter months. Singer-songwriter Olivia Dean joins the show to talk her debut album, Messy, and gives IBAM an unforgettable live performance from her catalog.