What I’m Watching: The Handmaid’s Tale

The Handmaid’s Tale: Season 1, Episode 9 “The Bridge” (B+)

There’s such a notable disparity between the pleasant, composed language of these Gilead rituals and the reactions of some who remember what it’s like to be an actual person before this dangerous cult rose to power. The cruel ceremony in which Ofwarren was required to give up her baby so that the nobler parents could raise it almost seems like a joyous occasion, until the handmaid formerly known as Janine realized that she couldn’t just let go. She has good reason for it, too, since, for all her terrible qualities, Serena at least wants to care for a child, not simply ignore it while complaining about the despicable behavior of the woman who actually gave birth to human life. Ofwarren then having to become Ofdaniel since, apparently, in this new order one child per family is just right was a traumatic experience since, even in a subjugated role like the one she had, there was some comfort in being with what she considered family that was just ripped away when she was transferred. To me, the harshest part of it all is that, after jumping off the bridge without the baby in her arms, she still wasn’t able to escape it all and is being nursed back to health to endure more of the same in this brutal world. It’s worrisome that Fred has been paying attention to what’s going on, and spotting Moira makes you wonder what else he’s caught on to. It’s at least positive to see Moira and June both taking steps to take back their lives, and I’m excited for what I hope is a satisfying season finale.