What I’m Watching: The Handmaid’s Tale

The Handmaid’s Tale: Season 2, Episode 10 “The Last Ceremony” (B+)

This show doesn’t take a lot of time to break down what has become the new norm in this scary future and how those who think it’s completely absurd and unacceptable have to cope with it. Showing how all the handmaids are raped by the commanders and their wives on a regular basis was made all the more impactful and devastating when Fred and Serena held Offred down while she was protesting to try to induce the baby. Emily refusing to move to help her passed-out commander was a sign of a far more removed and resigned response, one that pairs with her sense of having given up when Offred tried to give her some bit of hope. While I don’t think that Offred knew she wasn’t going into labor, Serena was probably right that she was happy the baby didn’t come, if only to prove how ridiculous the simulation of labor that Serena went through was. Fred telling Serena that he’s spoiled Offred made his subsequent decision to allow Offred to be reunited with Hannah puzzling, but it’s possible that he used it to get rid of Nick and to be able to punish Offred for the crime of trying to run away again. Nick not even pretending to care that Eden kissed another man was hardly a smart choice, and it seems that he’s going to pay for it dearly now. Hannah not recognizing June and then becoming so attached to her within moments was difficult to watch, and the amount she comprehends about what is happening is really very disturbing.