Monday, September 26, 2022

What I’m Watching: The Handmaid’s Tale (Season Premiere)

The Handmaid’s Tale: Season 5, Episode 1 “Morning” (B+)

The aftermath of that intense mass execution of Fred isn’t going to have implications in Canada, apparently, since the murder didn’t actually happen within the country and all June got was an $88 fine she could pay online for transporting an unsecured biological sample. Theoretically, it’s that kind of behavior that allows so many nations to get away with human rights abuses since other countries just say “it’s not my problem” or don’t want to wade into potential war-declaring territory. I remember when Emily, who is now no longer part of the show following Alexis Bledel’s departure, first arrived in Canada only to have her record of crimes in Gilead trotted out like she was somehow living in a moral society. That’s what makes Serena’s demand to go bury Fred all the more hypocritical, declaring that any “civilized country” would have the decency to allow it, as if Gilead would do anything like that and not just execute someone on the spot for any alleged crime. June is going to have to find a boundary between being a killer for hire and taking a more nuanced approach to her revenge mission, and Luke, Moira, and Mark are all sending her mixed messages of disapproval and approval. The huge vigil for Fred is indicative of how much support for a totalitarian regime exists out there for those who either don’t understand how bad it is or don’t care. Nick talking to his wife somewhat honestly was interesting, a look at people who are able to survive within Gilead without fully buying into it, not expressing nearly as much disdain as someone like Lawrence.

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