The Handmaids Tale
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The patriarchy part, yes, but also the relative power and limitations of political institutions versus political violence.
Serena and Aunt Lydia believe in the system; their system.
Its a system they helped build and have devoted their lives to uphold, after all.
In a way, Luke and June are both right.
But this time, for whatever reason, Janine has abandoned her usual meek demeanor for real talk.
c’mon stop talking about the Bible.
My legs dont work, she barks at Lydia, and Im cackling.
She is a child!
Who was hurt and abused!
I told you that!
I warned you about her, Janine says.
Live a life of service and grace, or else you would let her rot in the colonies.
I see what you really are.
Ive still got one good eye, remember.
You gonna take that one too?
Moved as she is by Janines takedown, however, theres only so much Aunt Lydia can actually do.
Its still government-sanctioned rape, obviously, but it would at least protect the Handmaids from Commanders like Putnam.
She says she doesnt know anything of the kind.
Lawrence says, Dont you.
And suddenly, Lydia is more personally allied to her Handmaids than to the Commanders.
Well, well see.
She asks Janine to help her take care of the girls, and she seems sincere.
Examining stationery: They were out of the ecru?
Posing for her official portrait: Was there no option for natural light?
Her nastiest, but ultimately toothless, attack is against June, of course.
Serena sends her a note announcing the grand opening of the Gilead cultural center, addressed to Offred.
Either way, its not like anybody gave Serena a choice of where to go.
In therapy (at last!!!!
Also not helpful: Officer Good Guy!
The possibility that Serena really is a good Gilead mascot.
The episode wraps up following a violent altercation between dueling protesters outside the center.
They round the building just in time to see Serena about to get in her getaway car.
If June was going to kill her, now would be the moment.
Other Observations
Im really loving the June and Luke relationship coming together.
Instead, she lets him in and lets him help her through it.
This seems incredibly healthy and a much-appreciated departure from a secret-keeping-spouse narrative I was expecting.
Speaking of June and Luke,thatis a sex scene!
Im still hot and bothered!
I kind of feel that this episode was greatly helped by the absence of Nick.
Can I say Im tired of Nick?
Im tired of Nick.
Mrs. Wheeler, Serenas new host, seems incredibly sinister.
