It's heartbreaking to see how a baby Take away from Janine, that fragile woman who have not any option or freedom to choose anything in his life.
Moss is an incredible actor, he can express her feelings without saying a word, altough her dialogue what she talking inside her head are geniously writted.
9 Reviews
Here comes the Birthmobile!
ehaas-38 June 2017
Warning: Spoilers
A day in the life of Offred as she must serve in a variety of Handmaid duties from ceremonial rape victim to midwife. It's a big day as Janine is having a baby. All the Handmaids in the area must gather to assist in the birth which will happen in her current "owner's" house.
It's bigger than the Waterford's place, but in my opinion not as architecturally beautiful or tastefully decorated. It strikes me as decorated by someone with a lot of money but tacky tastes. Anyway, all these houses are probably just handed out to these high level figures of the revolution after their original owners were killed or imprisoned.
Inside, the wives throw their privilege in the Handmaids' faces as the gorge themselves on rich food and wine, offer treats as if they were dogs, etc. Janine, on the other hand, must give birth in an uncomfortable room crowded with all the Handmaids lead by Aunt Lydia, their terrifying overseer responsible for Janine's missing eye.
Here, though, she plays at being warm and affectionate, which is almost worse. In fact everyone has a wonder and fascination about the pregnant Handmaid. As individuals, they are outcasts, but as living fertility idols, their bodies are venerated. The lady of the house performs a weird ritual in which she play acts delivery, thus making the baby "hers".
This episode is one of the most effective in showing how grotesque Gilead is (not just violent, oppressive and reactionary but fundamentally creepy) but I guess a global sterility plague would make culture and religion take strange forms and bring out the worst in what's already there.
It's bigger than the Waterford's place, but in my opinion not as architecturally beautiful or tastefully decorated. It strikes me as decorated by someone with a lot of money but tacky tastes. Anyway, all these houses are probably just handed out to these high level figures of the revolution after their original owners were killed or imprisoned.
Inside, the wives throw their privilege in the Handmaids' faces as the gorge themselves on rich food and wine, offer treats as if they were dogs, etc. Janine, on the other hand, must give birth in an uncomfortable room crowded with all the Handmaids lead by Aunt Lydia, their terrifying overseer responsible for Janine's missing eye.
Here, though, she plays at being warm and affectionate, which is almost worse. In fact everyone has a wonder and fascination about the pregnant Handmaid. As individuals, they are outcasts, but as living fertility idols, their bodies are venerated. The lady of the house performs a weird ritual in which she play acts delivery, thus making the baby "hers".
This episode is one of the most effective in showing how grotesque Gilead is (not just violent, oppressive and reactionary but fundamentally creepy) but I guess a global sterility plague would make culture and religion take strange forms and bring out the worst in what's already there.
Episode 2 "Birth Day" Review: Better Than The First In Every Aspect
ashboomstick-505405 September 2018
One thing is certain about "Birth Day" the second episode of The Handmaid's Tale. It is better than the premiere episode in all aspects. The episode has a lot of humor, considering the show is for the most part, dark, morbid and tortorous. It also expands the characters storylines, making the viewer care for each of them more than they did by the end of the premiere.
We actually get an incredibly detailed episode, showing us the daily schedules of the different Handmaids. We see what they go through, and the torture that is inflicted upon them every single day. There are several phenonenal performances throughout the episode, which makes the episode even better.
Overall, each episode is getting better and better. The show has getting a better grip on it's characters, and the overall storyline. Count me in.
Episode 2: "Birth Day"= 93% -5 points taken off for being slow
We actually get an incredibly detailed episode, showing us the daily schedules of the different Handmaids. We see what they go through, and the torture that is inflicted upon them every single day. There are several phenonenal performances throughout the episode, which makes the episode even better.
Overall, each episode is getting better and better. The show has getting a better grip on it's characters, and the overall storyline. Count me in.
Episode 2: "Birth Day"= 93% -5 points taken off for being slow
- 2 points taken off for not having a clear understanding of the world of Gillead and it's rules
Episode 2 Birth Day Review: Better Than The First In Every Aspect
ashboomstick-566545 September 2018
The second episode of The Handmaid's Tale resonated with me long after the credits rolled, something that the first episode didn't do, as fantastic as it was when I saw it. "Birth Day" primarily work so well because it takes the viewer through a day in the Handmaids life, especially June/Offred. It shows us a little bit of the dynamics between the Commanders and their Handmaids, which increases their storylines immensely.
The greatest thing about "Birth Day" is it manages to really expand June/Offred in the sense that by the end of this episode, we understand what torture is inflicted upon her every day We understand how she use her charming ways and her intellect to get out of situations. We are also introduced to more characters who feel the same emotions that she feels, and maybe the viewer might even notice the slightest hint of a rebellion being staged.
Overall, the episode captures all of the top-notch acting, storyline and above all, its characters, in a surprisingly humorous episode with a lot of humor to it. Count me in.
Episode 2 "Birth Day"= 93% -5 points taken off for being incredibly slow-moving -2 points taken off for obnoxious fake birth scene
The greatest thing about "Birth Day" is it manages to really expand June/Offred in the sense that by the end of this episode, we understand what torture is inflicted upon her every day We understand how she use her charming ways and her intellect to get out of situations. We are also introduced to more characters who feel the same emotions that she feels, and maybe the viewer might even notice the slightest hint of a rebellion being staged.
Overall, the episode captures all of the top-notch acting, storyline and above all, its characters, in a surprisingly humorous episode with a lot of humor to it. Count me in.
Episode 2 "Birth Day"= 93% -5 points taken off for being incredibly slow-moving -2 points taken off for obnoxious fake birth scene
Unveiling the Shadows of Gilead
badeclerck8 October 2023
Warning: Spoilers
The second episode of The Handmaid's Tale continues to navigate the intricate dance between two timelines - the past and the present - offering viewers a deeper understanding of the origins of the Gilead regime. The show delves into the haunting circumstances that led to the establishment of Gilead, particularly the dwindling birth rates, a stark reality that Offred personally experiences during the birth of her own daughter. This episode reveals the desperate measures some women take to secure their place in this nightmarish society, further highlighting the bleak and merciless nature of Gilead, where children rarely survive infancy.
In the present, we witness the unfolding of a clandestine resistance network, primarily through the character Ofglen, who shares her insights with Offred. The intrigue deepens when Offred learns that the Commander wishes to see her that evening, leaving us wondering about the future of their complicated relationship. As the episode progresses, we are drawn into a game of Scrabble between Offred and the Commander, with Offred intentionally letting him win. The implications of this seemingly simple act linger, leaving us eager to see how their connection evolves.
The episode's central focus, however, revolves around the childbirth of Ofwarren, a gripping and emotionally charged scene. The successful delivery of a healthy baby girl is a rare occurrence in Gilead, and during her first breastfeeding, Ofwarren defiantly reveals to her newborn son that he has a brother. This subtle act of rebellion against the established rules adds depth to her character and sparks curiosity about the potential consequences.
The episode leaves us hanging with the abrupt replacement of Ofglen, leaving Offred bewildered and raising the question of her fate. This tantalizing cliffhanger promises a gripping storyline in the episodes to come.
Once again, The Handmaid's Tale masterfully balances poignancy and poetic storytelling, with Offred's introspective voiceovers adding a haunting layer to the narrative. Each episode leaves us yearning for more, as we are drawn deeper into the dark and chilling world of Gilead. The show's ability to evoke empathy for its characters in such an oppressive setting is a testament to its storytelling prowess. With each revelation, "The Handmaid's Tale" continues to captivate and compel its audience to explore the depths of its unsettling yet profoundly engaging universe.
In the present, we witness the unfolding of a clandestine resistance network, primarily through the character Ofglen, who shares her insights with Offred. The intrigue deepens when Offred learns that the Commander wishes to see her that evening, leaving us wondering about the future of their complicated relationship. As the episode progresses, we are drawn into a game of Scrabble between Offred and the Commander, with Offred intentionally letting him win. The implications of this seemingly simple act linger, leaving us eager to see how their connection evolves.
The episode's central focus, however, revolves around the childbirth of Ofwarren, a gripping and emotionally charged scene. The successful delivery of a healthy baby girl is a rare occurrence in Gilead, and during her first breastfeeding, Ofwarren defiantly reveals to her newborn son that he has a brother. This subtle act of rebellion against the established rules adds depth to her character and sparks curiosity about the potential consequences.
The episode leaves us hanging with the abrupt replacement of Ofglen, leaving Offred bewildered and raising the question of her fate. This tantalizing cliffhanger promises a gripping storyline in the episodes to come.
Once again, The Handmaid's Tale masterfully balances poignancy and poetic storytelling, with Offred's introspective voiceovers adding a haunting layer to the narrative. Each episode leaves us yearning for more, as we are drawn deeper into the dark and chilling world of Gilead. The show's ability to evoke empathy for its characters in such an oppressive setting is a testament to its storytelling prowess. With each revelation, "The Handmaid's Tale" continues to captivate and compel its audience to explore the depths of its unsettling yet profoundly engaging universe.
Birth Day
bobcobb30111 May 2017
Warning: Spoilers
The Handmaid's Tale appears to be one of those shows where people will love it based on the overall body of work, but week to week the episodes aren't off to a great start. We saw a great world that they created here tonight, but it was a very uneventful hour. Too slow- moving to suck me in.
The end game is what they are selling us on, but that doesn't mean we have to love every episode; we probably won't.
The end game is what they are selling us on, but that doesn't mean we have to love every episode; we probably won't.
Settling down
Leofwine_draca22 November 2020
Warning: Spoilers
The second episode is something of a step down from the first, purely because there's not as much going on here. We get a long birthing scene which feels a little bit too long, almost like padding, although the surprising board game climax works quite well, I thought. Elizabeth Moss I find slightly tiresome as the lead, bettered by the other actresses surrounding her; time will tell if she grows on me as an actress.
Nearly fell asleep
unfinishedfootsteps25 October 2021
This is a dreadfully boring episode. They drag out 30 minutes of a show into an hour & it doesn't work. Not even a catchy song at the end can save it. I am sticking with the rest of the series, but my god this episode was pointless.
Janine Gives Birth, June Plays Scrabble
vivianla30 September 2022
Warning: Spoilers
June is fearful that at any moment she is going to be taken away by an Eye. June hears the Birthmobile and knows she is being called for. The handmaidens are on their way to be taken to Janine, a pregnant handmaiden. The Marthas gather in their own room and the wife pretends to be giving labour. One of the Marthas suggest June gets a cookie and Serena Joy asks if she wants one. Later, June spits out the cookie and leaves the remainder on the washroom counter. Janine is heartbroken when her baby is taken away and named by the wife. She is later roused to nurse the baby. She is so sweet as the baby breastfeeds, telling Angela that she has a brother.
Nick tells June that the Commander wants to see her alone. Handmaidens are forbidden to see the Officers alone. She is anxious about why she is being called for. She tells her shopping partner who says he might just be looking for a blowjob.
In his office, the Commander asks to play Scrabble with June. June lets him win. The next morning she is ready to tell her shopping partner what happened but she has been replaced with a new handmaiden.
Nick tells June that the Commander wants to see her alone. Handmaidens are forbidden to see the Officers alone. She is anxious about why she is being called for. She tells her shopping partner who says he might just be looking for a blowjob.
In his office, the Commander asks to play Scrabble with June. June lets him win. The next morning she is ready to tell her shopping partner what happened but she has been replaced with a new handmaiden.
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