User Reviews

Well, at least they're not showing the fields so much like they did in Season 2, but the show is not hooking me in like it used to. We need something fresh and different for this season and I did not get it.

Aunt Lydia is such a psycho. She's a great character. I can't wait for her to die a gruesome death. I'm hoping she gets electrocuted and then stoned to death. I also like Commander Joseph a lot. I agree with a lot of people. June is the worst character show. The show would be better if there was a chance she could die. But you know she won't. Glad Aunt Lydia shocked her and said she belongs on the wall. Cuz she does.

Good episode. It was a bit of a "filler" seeing as the plot was a bit of a departure from the main story, more of a standalone that took a closer look into both Gilead and adjusting back into normalcy. The episode was pretty plot heavy but the plot itself wasn't really all that relevant in the grand scheme of things which ultimately held it back, but nonetheless the music, cinematography and most of what this show is so good at remained on point. I'm really liking Joseph, we saw a bit of a different side to him. The whole Martha subplot I just didn't really care for. The Canada subplot is a slow burner but I like it. Seeing someone as traumatised as Emily readjusting into an actual society requires a slow pace, and I really appreciate the realism this show invests into its characters' psyches and experiences

High 7

Massive shifts here. The first episode was exceedingly slow and nonsensical whereas this one feels rushed. Offred is already deeply involved in a plot with the local cooks? She's barely arrived. However, I much prefer rushed to slow and padded, so I enjoyed this despite the gaps in the writing and the seeming sea change that nothing gets investigated anymore (the fire?) and nobody ever seems to atone for their transgressions, unlike in the first season.

Because she's the protagonist, she can push any button and she gets a spanking in her feet, not death and a wall hanging. Nop.

I really like the Emily arc. As I stated before, it is more realistic and interesting than June's.

It is really unrealistic that baby Nicole (awful name. She should have kept her real name, Holly) stay with June's husband and friends. Makes no sense at all.

Only 6 because I like what's happening at Joseph's house and with Emily.

In the second installment of The Handmaid's Tale's third season, the narrative ventures into the forbidden zones, shedding light on the intricacies of this dystopian world, where certain spaces are off-limits to the Handmaids due to the pervasive pollution. Within this backdrop, a secondary plot weaves seamlessly into the primary narrative, introducing us to a Martha desperate to escape. Supported by the Marthas of Commander Lawrence and June, she endeavors to defy the established order.

Commander Lawrence, in a nuanced portrayal by Bradley Whitford, seemingly turns a blind eye, feigning ignorance, as if seeking redemption for his grave sins, particularly his role in the creation of the brutal colonies. June becomes an unwilling accomplice in Lawrence's efforts to assist the Marthas, unraveling a clandestine mission with motives beyond her initial understanding. The mission is not an escape to Canadian freedom, but rather a commitment to serve the revolution, as the Martha, a chemistry professor, is coerced into aiding the construction of explosive devices.

The Lawrence household remains an enigma, fraught with tension between the Commander and his wife, a tension exacerbated by the events of the episode. As June and the Marthas extend their aid to others, tragedy strikes within the Lawrence residence, creating fault lines in the relationship between June and the Commander.

On the other side of the border, in Canada, Emily grapples with her traumatic past, surrounded by a team of supportive doctors. Her journey to recovery intertwines with the broader narrative, marked by a poignant phone call to her wife, heralding her liberation from the clutches of Gilead.

While the episode delves into compelling subplots and provides a glimpse into the complexities of the Lawrence household, it still struggles to establish a cohesive narrative thread. The lack of a clear throughline leaves the viewer grasping for a more defined direction, hindering the episode from reaching its full potential.

In about a 20 minute period during this episode, June found a bunch of Marthas openly plotting in front of her in the kitchen, revealed their plotting to her commander, forced her way into the plot, carried out a mission dressed as a Martha, came home, saw the Martha they tried to move underground come in the door bleeding from a gunshot (did I mention she was a bomb-maker?), tried to hide her in the basement, was discovered, had to deal with the body, etc., etc.. In other words, a show based on atmosphere turned into an absurdly paced action thriller with no time taken to establish any characters or explain any of the events. Dire!

Season 1 was excellent, dark, moody, gripping and well paced. Then season 2 decided to up the pace a bit, which was OK, but a little annoying as some parts of the story felt like they didn't have enough time to develop, making them feel rushed and outcomes feel unearned.

Sadly this seems to have continued into season 3, but even moreso.

This particular episode is ridiculous. June has literally just moved into the house and is all of a sudden not only involved in their underground plans, but when things go awry, she is the one calling the shots. I mean I get that she's the protagonist, but come on, it makes no sense for her character and feels grossly unearned.

I really hope this episode is just a blip and not a sign of things to come.

I will say, however, Emily's story is great and far more intriguing at this point.

June gets visited by Aunt Lydia who now uses a wheelchair. When on the stairs and falling down a bit, June suggests another day. Aunt Lydia zaps her with the taser saying to shut up. She should have been on the wall for what she did at the Waterfords. The Marthas have another Martha they are going to move. June dresses as a Martha to join them and see how it all works. The Commander doesn't like it because to them they are strangers. June and Lydia wonders what is wrong with the Commander's wife. The Martha is being sent to help make bombs. She comes back to the home, shot. They take her downstairs where she pleads for them to not let her die. Alas, she does pass away.