From the last episode I had really high expectations for this one but it didn't really meet them. I'm not saying it was bad. Having Moria and Luke finally face the Waterfords without being behind a fence made me happy. Made them understand their place in Canada.
I can't comment on the ending though, I really liked that character.
18 Reviews
Subverting expectations (?)
petrow-313088 August 2019
That episode took really bold steps, turning June into a semi-Walter White by basically sacrificing an innocent for the greater good.
We've seen already from Moira's and Emily's story what Gilead makes with people . And as Fred told Luke, June is indeed changed an surely isn't the June Osbourne anymore who had been caught while crossing the border.
I really hope the producers and writers have the gut to flesh out the same good-to-bad story arc as we had seen in Breaking Bad, making the once-protagonist June into a morally ambiguous person who thinks the end justifies all means, and may even turn out to be just as bad as those she fights against.
We've seen already from Moira's and Emily's story what Gilead makes with people . And as Fred told Luke, June is indeed changed an surely isn't the June Osbourne anymore who had been caught while crossing the border.
I really hope the producers and writers have the gut to flesh out the same good-to-bad story arc as we had seen in Breaking Bad, making the once-protagonist June into a morally ambiguous person who thinks the end justifies all means, and may even turn out to be just as bad as those she fights against.
I'm disappointed in June....and Serena...and a bit confused
tealeewoo23 February 2020
Warning: Spoilers
Maybe I'm not understanding her motivation, but I'm disappointed in June. She seems to be very selfish lately. Poor Eleanor was suffering, but 1) June could've saved her and then helped her escape to Canada where she could get the real treatment she needed. 2) Without Eleanor, what does Lawrence have to live for? Why was June so sure he'd still help her when the whole reason he agreed was because he wanted to get his wife out?? Eleanor was becoming a bit of a liability, but they could've controlled her for just a little longer. I don't like how this played out at all.
Also, I was starting to like Serena at one point, but now I don't. She, too, is purely selfish. First she wants Nicole out of Gilead for a better life, then she's desperate to have her back and will stop at nothing to get her? I appreciate that she loves Nicole like a real mother (I think?....I'm still not completely sure), but now that she's out of Gilead, what does she think is going to happen? She can't live happily ever after with Nicole in Canada. SHE ISN'T NICOLE'S MOTHER. And she CERTAINLY can't go back to Gilead with her.... especially without Fred. Serena should be kept locked up. She's not sorry about anything and still believes in Gilead and her husband. Makes no sense.
It's like everyone went rogue and lost sight of the endgame. Guess I'll see in the last episode.
Also, I was starting to like Serena at one point, but now I don't. She, too, is purely selfish. First she wants Nicole out of Gilead for a better life, then she's desperate to have her back and will stop at nothing to get her? I appreciate that she loves Nicole like a real mother (I think?....I'm still not completely sure), but now that she's out of Gilead, what does she think is going to happen? She can't live happily ever after with Nicole in Canada. SHE ISN'T NICOLE'S MOTHER. And she CERTAINLY can't go back to Gilead with her.... especially without Fred. Serena should be kept locked up. She's not sorry about anything and still believes in Gilead and her husband. Makes no sense.
It's like everyone went rogue and lost sight of the endgame. Guess I'll see in the last episode.
Eleanor
anagalilea8 August 2019
Warning: Spoilers
She was my favourite character. I am sorry for her death. Suffering so much. And truly June has changed - seems she just want to fool her commander to go to Canada with attention when nowadays he has no reason to go there. In fact he would better be in Gillead. Oh June, terrible mastermind. I like that Serena is reminded that she is not Nicole's "mamma" at all. She has left for very little. She would have a much better and happier life with the American man though.
3x12
formotog3 June 2020
Warning: Spoilers
Another very good episode. However, I think there's one glaring problem. Was THAT really necessary? June pulled off a Walter White there when she really shouldn't have. So Eleanor could've blabbed, but it was just a week to keep her contained. Joseph was doing this mainly for her, to get her out. I suppose we know now that he's just trying to do good and June knew that but I don't know how she could be so sure that he'd leave the border open. Also, how could she do it? In a way she goes against June's character. Eleanor was one of the few innocent (probably) souls in Gilead and June let her die? I'm not sure about that one. Regardless, the episode was still very good. We got great scenes from the Waterfords. Fred proved himself for the 638588th that he is insurmountably twisted by literally taunting the husband of the woman he abused. I'm not quite sure how a man like Lawrence could be behind such a grotesque society. I just can't help but feel sorry for the guy. I'd love to know more about his past. The funeral scene was really nicely shot, as was the whole episode, and the finale looks set to be thrilling
Low 8
Low 8
Woooow
panoskyprianou-344788 August 2019
Momentum
ComradWinston8 February 2021
Much of this series is spent trodding from one day to the next, slowly laying groundwork with it's minor turns or peculiarities. These last two episodes have finally begun taking the monolith that is Gilead and expose it to the one truth: even in a stale world, the moments of grand change can come out of nowhere or birth from the slightest decisions.
So so.
jennfinn7 August 2019
Warning: Spoilers
It looks like June has gotten away with the murder of Winslow since everyone seems to think he's missing. Poor Eleanor finally found the peace she's been searching for with a little help from June. Waterford may be the biggest POS but he was right when he told Luke that June is not the June Osborn he knew. I'm so glad I was right about Serena setting up Fred although I think she's a little delusional about her role in Nicole's life. This episode was pretty boring but hopefully it's setting us up for an amazing finale.
Things are happening
jadams-547797 August 2019
Degrading the story
ahmadyhadi8 August 2019
I loved how the events of the previous episodes came one after another hitting like bullets , but it would make this episode a lot more interesting if they put some of the previous episode events into it , just to balance each episode instead of losing potential.
Can't we just get this shit done and move on to another plot!? The plan being f**ked and then unfucked repeatedly. So you don't have enough material to fit 13 episodes , fit it on 8 episodes for example without filling nonsense each week.
God knows how much i loved this series , but the creators apparently insisted on ruining it.
Can't we just get this shit done and move on to another plot!? The plan being f**ked and then unfucked repeatedly. So you don't have enough material to fit 13 episodes , fit it on 8 episodes for example without filling nonsense each week.
God knows how much i loved this series , but the creators apparently insisted on ruining it.
Something borrowed
Leofwine_draca6 March 2021
Warning: Spoilers
The penultimate episode of season three and it's another problematic one. The whole episode hinges on a crucial plot development and I would have been impressed by it had I not already seen the exact same twist play out in season two of BREAKING BAD; a rip-off, in other words. The rest is reasonably good.
"There is no success without sacrifice"
UniqueParticle8 August 2019
A lot of incredible emotions and truths imbued in perfect timing too -- an episode before the season finale! Handmaid's Tale is an excellent show and it's not like GOT where I wanted that to be over 3 years ago - now I am glad it did end. This show actually gets better as it goes, at least to me. Lol those eyes again too!
A Web of Deceit Unraveled
badeclerck3 February 2024
Warning: Spoilers
Episode 12 of The Handmaid's Tale serves as a necessary interlude, easing the tension from its predecessor while delivering crucial revelations. The narrative unfolds on dual fronts, elucidating recent events and setting the stage for a climactic finale.
In the aftermath of the Waterfords' arrest, a prison confrontation between Serena and Fred exposes her orchestration of the trap to reclaim Nichole. The enraged Fred, contemplating retribution, finds himself at a crossroads. Serena's ambiguous status as both a perpetrator and a traitor to her gender adds layers of complexity to her character. The exchange with Moira, who confronts Serena about her role in Gilead, hints at the impending reckoning for the erstwhile architect of the regime. This narrative thread propels anticipation for Serena's fate.
Simultaneously, Gilead grapples with the fallout from the Waterfords' arrest, amplifying tensions among the Commanders. The disappearance of Commander Winslow further exacerbates the panic, prompting a desperate call to Lawrence for leadership. Lawrence's return to authority facilitates the influence needed to expedite the departure of 52 children, a plan he sanctions by forbidding the closure of the border. Eleanore's tragic suicide, a consequence of her inherent purity in an unforgiving world, adds a somber note to the episode. The final scene at her graveside underscores June's genuine affection for the departed Commander's wife.
As the penultimate episode concludes, lingering questions intensify the anticipation for the season's denouement. The success of the impending mission, potential character deaths, and the return of Rita into the narrative's forefront contribute to a palpable sense of impending upheaval. Episode 13 promises to be a riveting climax, leaving viewers on the edge of their seats with anticipation and apprehension.
In the aftermath of the Waterfords' arrest, a prison confrontation between Serena and Fred exposes her orchestration of the trap to reclaim Nichole. The enraged Fred, contemplating retribution, finds himself at a crossroads. Serena's ambiguous status as both a perpetrator and a traitor to her gender adds layers of complexity to her character. The exchange with Moira, who confronts Serena about her role in Gilead, hints at the impending reckoning for the erstwhile architect of the regime. This narrative thread propels anticipation for Serena's fate.
Simultaneously, Gilead grapples with the fallout from the Waterfords' arrest, amplifying tensions among the Commanders. The disappearance of Commander Winslow further exacerbates the panic, prompting a desperate call to Lawrence for leadership. Lawrence's return to authority facilitates the influence needed to expedite the departure of 52 children, a plan he sanctions by forbidding the closure of the border. Eleanore's tragic suicide, a consequence of her inherent purity in an unforgiving world, adds a somber note to the episode. The final scene at her graveside underscores June's genuine affection for the departed Commander's wife.
As the penultimate episode concludes, lingering questions intensify the anticipation for the season's denouement. The success of the impending mission, potential character deaths, and the return of Rita into the narrative's forefront contribute to a palpable sense of impending upheaval. Episode 13 promises to be a riveting climax, leaving viewers on the edge of their seats with anticipation and apprehension.
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