It was a good episode except i didn't like the fact that they didn't
explain how Nick made it out
11 Reviews
Postpartum
bobcobb30125 July 2018
Warning: Spoilers
The deaths did not feel like a big deal to me, but I don't know if that is me just being numb to the great writing this show has. The Handmaid's Tale can push the boundaries and make this chaotic world feel believable somehow, crazy as it sounds.
Seeing Serena get pushed to the breaking point is certainly something to keep an eye on ahead of the finale.
Seeing Serena get pushed to the breaking point is certainly something to keep an eye on ahead of the finale.
Bradley Whitford!
PolytheneSpam10 July 2018
Warning: Spoilers
When I heard it announced on Real Time with Bill Maher that Bradley Whitford was joining the cast, I was excited to see what evil he would bring. This episode did not disappoint.
I love when shows don't just depict the black and white of a character's personality, and this episode gives us all the shades of gray in between.
I cheered for Aunt Lydia when she advocated for the well-being of baby Holly/Nicole (because breast is best).
I felt empathy for Serena, who has longed for a baby, and could likely have her own without her tyrannical husband. Of course she is unduly cruel to Offred, but in the end chose what she felt best for the baby.
Eden chose to follow her heart instead of blindly following her religion, making her a sympathetic character right before her demise.
And Whitford's Joseph is an enigma. Did he welcome his Martha after she lost her eye, or did he blind her himself? Is his wife telling the truth, or is she insane? Even if she were, he treats her with cruelty. His blunt questioning of Emily is also cruel. But his Martha's not afraid of him, openly cursing over his mess and mocking his threat to beat her.
I can't think of a better actor for his role than Bradley Whitford. He's an interesting contrast to Joseph Feinnes, whose quiet demeanour and sympathetic eyebrows belie a man struggling to keep control over the women in his life.
And that's what this show is all about, isn't it?
I love when shows don't just depict the black and white of a character's personality, and this episode gives us all the shades of gray in between.
I cheered for Aunt Lydia when she advocated for the well-being of baby Holly/Nicole (because breast is best).
I felt empathy for Serena, who has longed for a baby, and could likely have her own without her tyrannical husband. Of course she is unduly cruel to Offred, but in the end chose what she felt best for the baby.
Eden chose to follow her heart instead of blindly following her religion, making her a sympathetic character right before her demise.
And Whitford's Joseph is an enigma. Did he welcome his Martha after she lost her eye, or did he blind her himself? Is his wife telling the truth, or is she insane? Even if she were, he treats her with cruelty. His blunt questioning of Emily is also cruel. But his Martha's not afraid of him, openly cursing over his mess and mocking his threat to beat her.
I can't think of a better actor for his role than Bradley Whitford. He's an interesting contrast to Joseph Feinnes, whose quiet demeanour and sympathetic eyebrows belie a man struggling to keep control over the women in his life.
And that's what this show is all about, isn't it?
With Humanity, Comes Humility
icanbeaghost4 July 2018
This was yet another powerful episode. Everyone is saying it and it's true-- At the very least Elisabeth Moss deserves an Emmy nod. The way she composes herself, her body language, even the way her chin twitches and her eyes glaze over when confronted with impossible situations or choices as Offred, her acting abilities are beyond brilliant. Let us not forget the supporting cast and the crew as well, every single individual involved with every episode of this show deserves recognition. And can I just say, this is one of those rare times where we see Serena Joy's humanity truly outshine her wickedness and I am of the opinion that there's so much more depth to her than we have seen thus far. I also can't wait to see what happens with the eccentric new Commander and his troubled charge. All in all, another superb, yet surprising, episode that just keeps tugging those heart strings. I am saddened that next week is the season finale but I look forward to a strong, inventive third season.
Prepare for it!
anagalilea4 July 2018
Secrets Unveiled
badeclerck11 December 2023
Warning: Spoilers
In the twelfth episode of The Handmaid's Tale Season 2, the narrative takes a riveting turn with the introduction of new characters, notably the enigmatic Commander Lawrence, who becomes the new overseer for Emily. A departure from the austere and authoritative commanders seen before, Lawrence's eccentricity hints at a deeper secret-one that involves his role as the architect of Gilead, particularly the ominous colonies that consume lives for the pursuit of profit. Emily quickly discerns this hidden truth, and Commander Lawrence appears to be grappling with remorse, setting the stage for a complex and intriguing dynamic.
Simultaneously, Offred finds herself marginalized, tasked with pumping her breast milk at the Red Center. However, a surprising turn of events leads to her reinstatement at the Waterford household, facilitated by Fred against Serena's objections. This shift is primarily driven by the need for Offred's presence to facilitate breastfeeding in the child's proximity. A heartwarming encounter between Offred and Nick follows, revealing the name she bestowed upon the baby reclaimed by the Waterfords: Holly. The tenderness of their interaction is juxtaposed with Nick's proposition for Offred to escape to the idyllic beaches of Hawaii, offering a glimmer of hope amidst the dystopian chaos.
The episode takes a dark turn with the revelation of Isaac and Eden's elopement. Offred soon grasps the severity of their actions, leading to their eventual execution for the crime of adultery. The gravity of this event underscores the ruthlessness of Gilead's regime and its relentless pursuit of control.
The episode concludes with a poignant scene between Offred and Serena, the latter visibly haunted by the recent execution of Eden, whom she had come to care for deeply. In a surprising twist, Serena grants Offred permission to breastfeed her child, a gesture laden with complexity given Serena's previous refusals. This moment serves as a microcosm of Serena's internal conflicts, underscoring her ever-evolving character.
As the series hurtles towards its finale, the central question revolves around Serena's desires for her child. The intricacies of her character, marked by fluctuating emotions and conflicting desires, place Serena at the narrative forefront, making her choices and conflicts a focal point in the unfolding drama. The episode effectively sets the stage for the impending conclusion, leaving viewers in suspense about the fates of Offred, Serena, and the ominous future that awaits.
Simultaneously, Offred finds herself marginalized, tasked with pumping her breast milk at the Red Center. However, a surprising turn of events leads to her reinstatement at the Waterford household, facilitated by Fred against Serena's objections. This shift is primarily driven by the need for Offred's presence to facilitate breastfeeding in the child's proximity. A heartwarming encounter between Offred and Nick follows, revealing the name she bestowed upon the baby reclaimed by the Waterfords: Holly. The tenderness of their interaction is juxtaposed with Nick's proposition for Offred to escape to the idyllic beaches of Hawaii, offering a glimmer of hope amidst the dystopian chaos.
The episode takes a dark turn with the revelation of Isaac and Eden's elopement. Offred soon grasps the severity of their actions, leading to their eventual execution for the crime of adultery. The gravity of this event underscores the ruthlessness of Gilead's regime and its relentless pursuit of control.
The episode concludes with a poignant scene between Offred and Serena, the latter visibly haunted by the recent execution of Eden, whom she had come to care for deeply. In a surprising twist, Serena grants Offred permission to breastfeed her child, a gesture laden with complexity given Serena's previous refusals. This moment serves as a microcosm of Serena's internal conflicts, underscoring her ever-evolving character.
As the series hurtles towards its finale, the central question revolves around Serena's desires for her child. The intricacies of her character, marked by fluctuating emotions and conflicting desires, place Serena at the narrative forefront, making her choices and conflicts a focal point in the unfolding drama. The episode effectively sets the stage for the impending conclusion, leaving viewers in suspense about the fates of Offred, Serena, and the ominous future that awaits.
Most depressing episode yet
vinniethechin6 July 2018
Warning: Spoilers
This was truly the most depressing episode yet - also frustrating - there's only so many times I can keep seeing the close up shots of June's eyes and angst - what why were the writers trying to show Serena Joys humility at the end of the episode ? surely no one cares about her anymore? Is the viewer supposed to feel empathy for her? Is it only me who is feeling frustrated that June didn't blast them both through the head with the shotgun when she had the chance? Yes it's set in a Dystopian future and it is a story but last season June refused to stone a girl to death - this season she's encouraged Nicks new wife to "grab any love you can " and run off and really what is Nick doing? He should have done away with Fred Waterstone by now - he's had plenty of opportunity to do it when he's been driving just the two of them but no - he says nothing when his new wife is drowned in front of him and two psychopaths are pretending they are his own child's parents. I loved Season 1 but this Season and in particular this episode have left me feeling flat, depressed and frustrated and disappointed.
A much stronger episode
Leofwine_draca21 December 2020
Warning: Spoilers
A better episode, this one, with a lot more going on. As usual, Offred is the least interesting character - they seemingly refuse to give her any decent storylines - but the rest is gripping, from the surprise twist involving Eden to Emily's new assignment. I was disappointed with the outcome of the some of the sub-plots here, but generally the quality of the performances from Fiennes and others sees it through.
99 percent crap
moov_e_c_er29 May 2021
Warning: Spoilers
To tell any story there has to be rules. The rules set forth in this entire story is the backwards ruling of a religion that takes away women's rights. The rules of this episode are tremendously weak. Offred goes into labor in last episode, shoots off a shotgun to be rescued by neighbors to bring her back "home". Once home this episode is complete garbage with a few points of good acting like scene segments where the actor acts what is dealt in the moment with no regard for the future because there is no future beyond the scene itself. If the basis of Offred is if she runs again then it is a repeat of a past episode, or if she runs this time she can't get away because there would be no more being a handmaid, or if she runs and has the baby she can't get support enough to get anywhere. If the point of this episode is she had no choices then it was made slowly and badly. I'm so bored during this episode I leave the room many times not because of the duress of the characters but because there is no story in this episode. With the other handmaid sitting in the house of the guy who designed the colonies was the only part that should have been the episode and this should have been one moment to open the next episode. And lastly the sinners being drowned for infidelity was absolute garbage where it looks like 5lbs of weight and it didn't even sink when they hit the water - would have been so easily acceptable to smack them in the back of the head or duct tape their mouths and nose then throw them into the water. If this entire episode was part of a book more than a single line this should never have been en episode. Watch the rest of the show but skip this one entirely except note "offred gets sent back to the commanders house to tend to the baby against Serena's wishes, and the other one gets sent from the colonies to the commander who created them". I can't believe anyone paid for this episode to exist, let alone to a script, let alone directed and shot into episode, let alone cut into a boring long stupid episode. Shame on everyone involved in the show in every level. BOAR-ING!
Breastfeeding
vivianla27 August 2023
Warning: Spoilers
June is forced to pump in front of Aunt Lydia. Aunt Lydia marvels at her bravery for giving birth alone in that giant house. June is not allowed to nurse the baby as ordered by the Waterfords - Serena doesn't want it. They are running low on milk so June is brought to a room. Inside there is Fred, Nick and Holly. With Holly's cries, it triggers her breasts to produce milk which soaks her dress. Serena pretends to breastfeed Holly - she gives Holly her breast despite not having any milk. Eden and Isaac are found to be missing and a search is carried out. They are found together. Nick urges Eden in the pool's locker room to say she is pregnant - Eden says they tested her and she is not. Nick then tells her to just blame Isaac. Eden refuses to do so - she has fallen in love with him and doesn't want to have Nick's babies. Nick said they can make a baby to get this smoothen over. In the end Isaac and her don't admit to their wrongdoings and are pushed off the diving board with a heavy rock attached to their ankles. Serena allows June to breastfeed.
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