The Handmaid's Tale (TV Series) Household (2019) User Reviews

Surprise

[kollstrom · 9/10 · 1 July 2019]

We never saw Nick's meeting with the Swiss negotiators. Just sayin'.

A visual masterpiece

[samuel_bns · 8/10 · 28 June 2019]

This episode is the most compelling work of art in TV I have witnessed. I don't know, whether the art directors got an extra paycheck, but it was well worth it. Stunning work. The drama continues and I like the exchanges between Serena and June. Serena's transformation to her old self is a bit stretched, but believable enough, backed up by her character's history and life motivations. The Nick plot-twist did not make sense to me. There had never been any sign of such devoted behavior to Gilead from Nick's character before, which means, the writers only added this for the wow factor and to create more drama. Not a fan of that. Despite that, I enjoyed this episode very much.

Incredible cinematography

[joealbanese-53658 · 8/10 · 27 June 2019]

The cinematography gets better and better. Every frame is a thing of beauty. I thought the episode was a little slow as far as moving the plot along but the imagery was powerful throughout and I enjoyed minute.

A cinematic masterpiece

[alexgoodman-50812 · 10/10 · 27 June 2019]

This episode as well as many others this season is a pure work of art, a cinematic masterpiece. I was in tears at the end from the shear beauty of the episode.

Better than the last episode

[annyu-ca · 10/10 · 27 June 2019]

All those scary images symbolizing silence, control, helplessness will stay in my mind for a long time.

One of the best episodes, dramatically and cinematically

[kasper-ulmanen · 10/10 · 27 June 2019]

This episode held me tight and wouldn't let me breathe until it was over. It was an emotional rollercoaster. We have the scene where June gets to speak to the politicians from Switzerland. I felt hope and joy over that she might succeed in keeping Nichole safe. We have the scene with aunt Lydia on the bed with June. WOW. So gripping and so many mixed emotions. We have the scene with Serena and June in the end. A milestone of their relationship. It may end here, at least all the good. And our hope that Nichole will be kept safe is destroyed. And I have to mention the incredible cinematography in this episode. It alone should win an Oscar in the category. I am amazed. Also should mention that Mr. Waterford getting exposed to a high up commander who is gay and HITTING on him, is so god damn interesting and I wanna see what happens. And to the people who say it's getting boring, I can't understand it. At least not regarding this episode.

Can believe it

[fadimerhej · 10/10 · 26 June 2019]

This episode is really heart breaking and it deserves 10 stars. Great acting

Two Mind-blowing Scary Images in this episode

[sfdphd · 10/10 · 21 December 2019]

The shock of seeing the D.C. women's mouths sewn shut underneath their silencing red cloths was one of the scariest things I've seen so far on this show (and there have been plenty other shocking scary things done to the women on this show). That image will stay with me forever as a symbol of what the religious right wants to do.

The other really frightening thing was seeing the Lincoln Memorial with Lincoln's head and upper body destroyed. Plus the huge cross erected on the D.C. Mall, showing that the theocracy had taken over the Capitol. It was like seeing my worst nightmare unfolding. And unfortunately, it seems like it really could happen someday soon with the current administration. This episode hit me in the pit of my stomach as a foreshadowing of the future. I hope we can prevent this kind of thing from actually happening.

Absolutely shocking!

[newpapyrus · 9/10 · 28 June 2019]

Our introduction to Washington DC as Gilead on steroids is the most cruelly shocking sequence in the entire series! And the cinematography was absolutely haunting!

The portrayal of Serena is getting boring

[aubracadabra · 6/10 · 17 August 2019]

In many ways, this is a good episode but like others have mentioned, the same shot if June's eyes over and over again. And it's like she only has three different facial expressions. Serena is becoming harder to believe as a character, changing back and forth way too much. I don't think the writers are in agreement with where they want her story to go..?

Cried my heart out

[getusedit-196-554289 · 10/10 · 27 June 2019]

This episode is a masterpiece. This one confirms that this show is one of the best. It honestly deserves an Emmy! The drama the tension the love-hate the dynamics the bonds the anger the love the hope the hopelessness. This episode is everything! And you'll gag, and you'll gasp, and cry your heart out.

This show is showing it's age...it is getting slower every week.

[ericfranco · 6/10 · 26 June 2019]

We all know that starting season 2, the show runners were making the story up as the book material ran out. Well, midway through season 3, it shows!!!

This series confounds me. It simply never takes off!! The story just stumbles along with out any major development. If there was a hint of a revolution at the end of season 2, now it is completely gone.

This series is suffering the same fate than many others. The show runners do not know where, how nor when will the story end and are trying to milk the characters to death with meaningless and pointless conversations that don't add anything to the plot.

Something needs to happen

[sallyire · 5/10 · 8 July 2019]

The first season of this show was amazing. It is now moving at a snail's pace. There is still a chance to take this show where no show has gone before, but they need to do it NOW. A few things are confusing. Aunt Lydia is crying over the horrific way the handmaid's are treated in Washington? Huh? She engaged in even more brutal practices than what she is now witnessing. It doesn't make sense. We need to see active resistance. We need to see a revolution happening and June needs to be in it. Enough of her saying curse words under her breath in retaliation to her masters...like a sassy girl. Are they going to show active revolutionary activity or total capitulation? Only one way will take this series to greater heights.

Outstanding cinematography

[panoskyprianou-34478 · 10/10 · 27 June 2019]

This episode was just amazing..... some of the shots were just perfect!!!!

Outstanding cinematography

[Dropofwater · 10/10 · 1 July 2019]

Every shot is a work of art and people complaining about how "slow" the plot is moving forget that they're watching the Handmaid's Tale not some action series. Every scene is beautifully shot and acted, you rarely see this level of beauty on television. The last scene between Serena and June in front on Lincoln's broken statue was outstanding. I loved every minute of this episode. Also loved how Nick isn't such a good guy after all.

3x06

[formotog · 8/10 · 1 June 2020]

Yet another really good episode. I know I say it every review but the complexity of these characters is really astounding. I found myself smiling at the Waterfords playing with the Winslow children, and quickly had to snap myself out of it by reminding myself that they are literal monsters. The fact that this show is able to make me smile at such vile people (and I do NOT smile that often at TV) just speaks volumes. This show delivers some truly shocking moments, but the reveal of the handmaid with her mouth sewn shut was just absolutely chilling. I'm assuming that the series has until this point stayed true to Margaret Atwood's point of only including atrocities that have happened in real life, so this is just all the more terrifying when you take that into account. The pacing of the season so far has been pretty slow, although that has meant more time for character focus. Aunt Lydia showed a different side to her this episode, and I think it's plain to see that for all her discipline and strictness, she wants the best for the handmaids. Regardless, she's still an evil evil woman who will not be getting any sympathy from me. The reveal of Nick to be deeper in Gilead than we thought was definitely unexpected. I don't really have an opinion right now. I'll wait until his real motivations are brought to light. I don't think it would make sense for everything he's done up to this point to be a lie/fake, but I guess I'll see. Feel like I should mention that I'm still not really a fan of June, and I think that's the main thing that I like least about the show. She takes too many pauses, stares too much, makes silly decisions, I'm just not a fan, and when she's the main character that will obviously have an effect. Nonetheless, I'm not all that bothered as the show is far more than just her, and everything else is just amazing. The cinematographic symbolism can be pretty on-the-nose at times but the final set piece was just exceptional. The music and the visuals were just immense. It was a brilliant way to end the episode and it was like a first look at the true power of Gilead. It looks like there's no stopping Nicole's return now

Mid 8

Today's politicians don't have balls

[auct-eu · 10/10 · 7 December 2019]

Sad but true how west do whatever dictators want. Nice illustration how democracy and freedom is down by politicians that destroy values of freedom, and kissing dictators feet every second they could.

It's hard to believe that west is loosing not because of lost, but because western freedom is slowly but steadily becomes vassal of dictators.

Powerful Episode

[WanderingTog · 11 May 2021]

The end of season 2 and beginning of season 3 was questionable, but the show has regained some ground.

This was a powerful Episode. That's all I will say.

Unveiling the Shadows

[badeclerck · 10/10 · 24 January 2024]

In what stands as possibly the pinnacle of the season, if not the entire series, the sixth episode of The Handmaid's Tale serves as a visceral exploration into the heart of Gilead, particularly the transformed landscape of Washington. This installment peels back the layers, revealing the existence of the High Commanders and the torturous methods employed to silence the Handmaids.

The episode is an infuriating revelation; the Handmaids are condemned to silence, stripped of their ability to express, having lost everything in the capital. This enforced silence becomes a gruesome spectacle, orchestrated to fortify Gilead's power, a power that proves formidable and instills fear in neighboring nations, as evidenced by exchanges with the Swiss delegation seeking neutrality in Nichole's potential transfer to the United States.

June, driven by desperation, attempts to persuade the delegation to let her daughter stay in Canada, offering information through Nick Blaine, now a Commander. Yet, trust is elusive, especially for someone who has faithfully served Gilead as a soldier from the beginning.

The episode unfolds in a symphony of powerful exchanges, particularly between June and Aunt Lydia. Lydia, visibly distressed by the fate of the Handmaids in Washington, adds emotional depth to the narrative. Another standout moment is the confrontation between June and Serena in the final scene, likely the last between these two women. June's unbridled words, articulated against the backdrop of the Abraham Lincoln statue, create a visually striking and emotionally charged tableau.

This episode finally brings forth a compelling narrative, unraveling more about the world of Gilead and exploring the internal rage provoked by the injustice inflicted upon women. This episode breathes new life into the series, promising a riveting continuation as it delves deeper into the intricacies of power, resistance, and the indomitable spirit of those trapped in the clutches of oppression.

Household

[bobcobb301 · 7/10 · 18 August 2019]

The idea of a decapitated Lincoln Memorial is the perfect symbol for the show and yet they hit it too hard on the nose by showing it for the last 10+ minutes.

Some powerful moments in this episode for sure though.

still giving it the benefit of the doubt

[ajbird · 7/10 · 3 October 2019]

OK there was some powerful stuff in this episode and the show can still shock the viewer but serious where are you going with this?

We are going around and around in circles. Characters cant seem to make up their mind from one minute to the next.

How are we supposed to be intrigued but the enigmatic Lawrence and his motives while everyone else is just behaving as if on the throw of a dice. It is getting hard work.

By now we should be well into resistance and fight back but we are instead back to the beginning. It is like playing and OLD computer game where you were not allowed to save your progress.

Same same?

[ekmohlin · 5/10 · 4 July 2019]

I agree that it is going too slow, and I am sick of all close ups of June's eyes. Yes we know thar she's mad and angry and all of that, bu please no more angry crying eyes.

Hopeless

[wiseguy233 · 7/10 · 30 March 2022]

What I do appreciate about this show is it's unapologetic numbingly boring yet brilliant way it expresses itself. People move slowly like the entire world is seen thru someone's depressed defeated eyes. The show will pause, ruminate on sad, brutal images that are searing and deflating. The images sometimes blur out everything but the vivid garment color of individuals or castes. This expresses how unpopulated and monotonous their world must seem. It's a mute isolated hellscape.

I do not believe anyone is acting out of character. Aunt Lydia has shown empathy for the handmaids before. She seems real but complex and unpredictable which makes her interesting. Nick my be working both sides so maybe he helped arrange June's escape for their meeting.

What I'm beginning to believe is this show is about learning to be hopeless. It's about what it feels like to have a strong spirit that bends gradually , doesn't snap but is disfigured and broken nevertheless. There are closeups of June's face when she's in anguish. There are also closeups of her small brave victorious smiles when she believes she on a path to get justice and her anguish will be catalyst for revenge. As each flicker of revolution dies without impact and her suffering progresses - hope may become a burden. She may find more solace in routine and deference.

Bad writing - story off course

[mweratcliffe · 6/10 · 26 September 2022]

Episode makes no sense and for me the story is starting to veer off course. It is clear that Canada does not support Gilead in any way and yet we are to believe that this artificial video plea is supposed to sway Canada onto returning a child to this oppressive slave owning state. There is no reason for the audience to believe that this process is logical and would ever happen in the reality they themselves have created for the viewers. Suddenly Gilead, which from earlier shows we are told is unable to trade with Canada and is desperate to build trade relationships with other countries and that has an active and violent rebellion growing within its borders which many escaping men and women supporting the same terrifying story of oppression rape and murder under a Christian National Authoritarian government - is a mighty military power complicating the issue of whether or not Nichole can stay in Canada. Really?! Bad bad bad writing here.

What is going on?!

[jdjc001 · 5/10 · 8 July 2020]

What was the point of the rings when they could've just removed their tongues? Why is June able to get away with shouting at Serena in front of hundreds of people on top of being disobedient countless times? How exactly does Gilead work with other countries being the way that it is? What is the point of sending out all this propaganda to Canada considering that no one over there agrees with what they're doing? Why are Serena and Aunt Lydia constantly flip flopping between redeemable victims and evil psychopaths? What the hell is Nick's deal? Why does June just assume that he will be there to do exactly what she says? Why does Rita go with the Waterfords? Where are Emily and Luke? I'm sure there are even more questions but I just cannot think of them right now.

But seriously, WHAT THE HELL IS HAPPENING? Every single episode so far this season has come with a variety of seemingly inexplicable plot holes or contradictions that just go to show that the writers don't really know how to handle this world they've created. The score I've given comes mostly from the excellent cinematography and (mostly) enthralling acting, but there's only an extent to which that can save this show.