User Reviews

The eighth episode of The Handmaid's Tale Season 2 continues the compelling exploration of the evolving relationship between Ofred and Serena. Centered around the illness of baby Angela, the Putnams' child, who happens to be Janine's daughter, this episode delves into the complex dynamics and poignant emotions tied to motherhood in the dystopian world of Gilead.

The narrative unfolds as Janine discovers Angela's illness during a shopping trip, prompting a visceral reaction. Ofred, understanding Janine's distress, attempts to reassure and comfort her in the face of the child's deteriorating health. Back at the Waterford household, Ofred seeks Serena's guidance, leading to the revelation that the best doctor available is a woman-an act forbidden by Gilead's strict rules.

The subsequent narrative arc unfolds at the hospital, where Janine is granted a poignant reunion with Angela. The woman doctor, despite the gravity of the situation, provides little hope, advising the removal of life-sustaining machines. Janine, overwhelmed with grief, pleads for a final kiss, a request reluctantly granted by the Putnams.

The episode takes a dramatic turn when Commander Waterford confronts Serena and Ofred, revealing that he is aware of Serena's decision to allow the woman doctor access. In a brutal display of authority, he violently whips Serena in front of Ofred-a visceral reminder of the cruelty ingrained in Gilead's power structures.

The heart-wrenching conclusion sees Serena, emotionally shattered and yearning for connection, rebuff Ofred's attempt at empathy. The closing scene, with Janine holding a revived Angela, contrasts the personal triumphs and tragedies within Gilead's confines.

This episode is a masterful exploration of complex relationships and human vulnerability within the oppressive Gileadean regime. It unravels the inner struggles of Serena, highlighting her internal conflict as a woman trapped in the very society she helped shape. Her tears reflect not only the pain of her own predicament but also the realization that she, too, is a victim of Gilead's ruthless constraints.

The Handmaid's Tale continues to captivate audiences with its poignant storytelling and nuanced character development. Episode 8 serves as a powerful reminder of the intricate web of emotions and moral quandaries woven into the fabric of Gilead, providing a compelling foundation for the episodes that follow.

The Janine character always entertains me whether she is being happy go lucky or fighting back against the machine. This episode really hit home how sad the situation is for these women with their babies, and if we didn't realize that already this showed us that.

Not the best episode, but a bit of a break from the normal routine and we did need that.

Generally a good episode, although it takes a long time to actually get going. There are new dynamics going on here and sometimes it feels a little bit jarring given how strict and repressive the new society has been depicted as previously, but I'd rather a lack of consistency over padding and boredom. The 'sick baby' sub-plot feels extraneous until a moving climax, but the real power in this episode comes from Serena who gets some very strong moments.

Serena and June work together in Fred's office doing illegal work - writing and signing on behalf of Fred. She plays music and the song is lovely.

Nick comes home to Eden asking about sprucing up the place. She wants to know what colour he likes. He replies to her in a curt manner and leaves. We see June quickly hold his hand and lets go when passing. He looks at his hand as if he wants to hold on to the memory.

Janine and Emily were brought back due to the lesser number of handmaids from the bombing. Janine hears about Angela being ill from June. Serena wants to transfer a Martha who was the best doctor in neonatal care in her field.

At the hospital the Martha changes to sterile white clothing to enter the room where Angela is. While leaving down the stairway Serena yells at her for not knowing the solution. The Martha replies that she was the best in her field and there is no physical reason why Angela is like this.

Janine is invited to kiss Angela. Janine takes off her mask and gloves for skin-to-skin contact.

Serena and June arrive home. Nick informs them the Commander wants to see them both in his office. The Commander found out about the transfer of the Martha. He is not happy Serena and June wrote and forged his signature. He forces Serena to hold onto a chair as he whips her with his belt.

Serena goes to the master bedroom where she takes off her green attire. She is wearing a modern bra and panties. In the mirror we see streaks of bruises on her behind. She cries and tells June to go back to her room when June asks if she can do anything outside her door.

June goes to the Commander and apologizes for her actions. She is playing politics here. Serena and June's alliance is no longer a thing if there ever was. June wants to be in the favour of the Commander again.

Lydia wakes up to find Janine in her panties and white tank top holding a cooing Angela by the windowsill. It is so wholesome to watch Lydia talk to the baby.