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The Handmaid's Tale Vol 3

574 replies

CruCru · 24/07/2017 21:18

Hi all

As the last thread has all but totally filled up, I've started this new one.

Bit shallow - but do you think the Wives are allowed cosmetics? I got the impression that make up is banned but they do all look very polished.

OP posts:
SomethingOnce · 31/07/2017 00:00

From the moment I read the novel at least two decades ago, I have been boring people about my most favourite novel of all time. Finally, they are listening

I know what you mean, AF, but I'm not enjoying the vindication. People are listening because it no longer feels like such an outlandish fiction. Maybe the show and its reception should be cause for optimism, but I don't know...

AnyFucker · 31/07/2017 00:03

I don't know either...

NormaDesmondsEyebrows · 31/07/2017 00:05

I really do harbour a little hope that as this has reached such a huge audience it will make people SEE.

The terrifying glory of the book, and the series, is that this is all happening somewhere, every part. And I'm so glad the series hasn't been a gaudy, gory, sexed up version. It's been perfectly direct, honest and horrifying.

It's honestly a perfect bit of tv. I don't mean to sound trite, but Star Trek shaped the present day (really, it did) and it would be great if this did to, in the opposite way.

millifiori · 31/07/2017 00:10

Bit bloody scary seeing the ad for The State in between, with all the actors in the equally medieval, identical uniforms of Isis. The correlation was too close.

Wasn't Moira brilliant? her utter bewilderment when that refugee worker treated her as a normal, valued human being

Can't bear that they left it there. But I really hope the second series does what the first did and puts in nothing that hasn't actually happened somewhere in the world. If they can meticulously research how people oppress each other, I hope they meticulously research how people resist oppression and don't resort to cheesy jail break outs for Hannah and tugs of love between Nick and June's husband.

ellenanora5 · 31/07/2017 00:21

It was done so well, a fantastic series, like I said before its many years since I read the book and I'm glad the last episode was so good, but their is only one book and everything was covered from what I can remember so I'm not sure a second series will do as well, but we'll wait and see....

The threads have been brilliant, bloody good discussions to read, thanks everyone Smile

SomethingOnce · 31/07/2017 00:22

It's going to be a bit tricky with June's pregnancy.

MaryPoppinsPenguins · 31/07/2017 00:27

It was absolutely incredible tonight. I can't believe we have to wait a whole year...

I have always thought that the book ending was a 'bad' ending for Offred.

SomethingOnce · 31/07/2017 00:34

Is there anything that anyone didn't like about series one? I don't mean to put a downer on the thread, but it was as close to faultless TV as I've ever seen so I'd be interested to hear, especially from those who work in TV and film.

illegitimateMortificadospawn · 31/07/2017 01:20

Is there anything that anyone didn't like about series one?

Young Serena, as it changed the dynamic too much, although this version was interesting in her own right.

I've got over the touchy-feely Nick & the too overt, risky relationship because it gave the adaptation some heart. However, that was a consistent bum note for the first few episodes for me (vs book).

illegitimateMortificadospawn · 31/07/2017 01:20

It was fantastic TV though & I think it should be sweeping the boards come awards season.

noblegiraffe · 31/07/2017 01:31

The ending of the book was ambiguous, you didn't know whether to trust Nick or not. I think with June's pregnancy by Nick, and scene where Nick touches her belly it removes that threat and makes the ending a happier one.

EBearhug · 31/07/2017 01:32

And the programme straight after was Naked Attraction. As well chosen as the ads.

illegitimateMortificadospawn · 31/07/2017 07:30

That's an excellent point about Nick, Giraffe. When she gets into the van in the book, her fate is far more uncertain.

Oldowl · 31/07/2017 07:57

I am glad this was the last episode and not the first, it was so graphic. I could not watch the hand amputation, found the sheer horror of the electric prod, ear tag and stoning challenging. I think I would have turned it off.

As it was Ep 10, there was no way I could not see the series through; and what an amazing piece of television it was.

It did make me think of all those very young girls married off to older men for a life of cooking, cleaning, solitude and being raped until they fall pregnant. When thy do leave the home they are covered up, so identity-less.

I recently read 'The Lightless Sky' where a man talks about being a 12 year old boy in Afghanistan and chastising and beating his older aunt (19) for being out in the family court yard too long, and teasing her for not falling pregnant, making her feel worthless and unworthy. He fled to Europe and has a new life in England, no new life for the girls. You only ever see lone male escaping the oppressive regimes, never lone females.

macnab · 31/07/2017 08:36

Wow wow wow. That was outstanding in every respect. I was dreading it because it was the last episode and I've been thoroughly engrossed throughout but they saved the best for last. I agree that on screen you did feel some hope for Offred because of Nick's reaction to her pregnancy whereas in the book you're really not sure at all if she's being take away by "real"'guards.
The scene with her watching Hannah from the car was harrowing but for me seeing Moira bring processed at the refugee centre was the most emotional, I bawled. Such small things but they were huge to her - the simple offer of reading a book in peace or having a shower... to have any choice at all... and then when she realised that Luke had listed her as family. None of that in he book and again it gives great hope that Offred and Hannah can be saved (I do like a happy ending!)
I've appreciated every single episode - I don't want to say loved or enjoyed as it doesn't seem right - everything about it from the casting, the acting, the storyline (even when it deviated from the book) the cinematography and the music. All of it was perfect and I agree it should win every award going, hands down.
I cannot wait for the next series.
It's been so interesting reading everyone's insights into the book, this adaptation and the world as it is for us women today. Thank you all for your input, this has been my favourite ever thread on mumsnet. I will join you all again for the thread on the new series. Praise be and blessed day to you all Smile

Kickhiminthenuts · 31/07/2017 08:36

I've just started watching it and got to the bit where she told nick. I'm sobbing already

Loopytiles · 31/07/2017 08:39

The book NEVER felt like outlandish fiction IMO.

woodhill · 31/07/2017 08:40

Some questions

How did the Jezebel character manage to escape so easily in the car, was she assisted by the voice we heard the end. Was that the older man who helped Nick.

Will Hannah now be in danger if June disappears as Serena and Fred know where she is.

Must read the book again. Excellent series.

Cherrypi · 31/07/2017 08:56

I hope it wins all the awards. I worry it will be overlooked as it has a majority female cast.

illegitimateMortificadospawn · 31/07/2017 09:12

If I was going to guess about the direction of season 2, I think it will be an insurgent take-down of Gilead. I think Offred's comment that "if they didn't want an army, they shouldn't have given us a uniform" was a nod to future direction, coupled with the act of rebellion at the stoning.

In that future world, if you were DNA matching handmaids & the Commanders' babies to reunite the handmaids with their children, I wonder how many (few?) were actually biologically the commanders' (as opposed to doctors' and drivers')? I originally intended to write "fathered" but state-mandated rape doesn't sit right with that term.

EvilTwins · 31/07/2017 09:17

I thought the whole episode showed little changes which pointed towards them starting to take control back in tiny ways - the fact that June told Serena she didn't want to bring a baby into that world, the way that she went to see Nick without sneaking, then went straight into the Commander's office. The fact that June & Nick didn't pull apart when Serena saw them, the fact that June slept all night in the bathroom surrounded by the letters when she could so easily have been caught. Rita taking the letters at the end. And of course the refusal to stone Janine. It almost felt like the tide was turning a bit.

The bit with Warren's hand was gross, especially when they said that his wife had been to ask for the most severe punishment. She's obviously very pissed off with him and maybe that's her trying to take a bit of control - like Serena getting the scrabble game out. Thought it very telling that the shot where Fred takes Serena's hand across the crib was the one with his wedding ring - we saw Warren's ring taken off before they removed the hand. Fred obviously trying to avoid the same fate.

Kickhiminthenuts · 31/07/2017 09:18

Ok just finished it. I'm so pleased it didn't finish like the book with a more cheerier ending.
So many questions.
How will Luke feel as that's not the commanders baby, that baby was conceived with passion
What about lovely nick
What about Hannah
Will serena ever get that well deserved punch.
Will Fred end up losing an arm
Do they just sweep it under the carpet and pack another handmaid off to them

Loved the 'what's your authorisation' and security saying "it's all in order"
Why the hell is it so important to bring all these babies into fucked up gilead.

Loved it all.

InigoTaran · 31/07/2017 09:35

Great article in The Guardian:

www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2017/jul/31/handmaids-tale-final-episode-review

noblegiraffe · 31/07/2017 09:42

Was Moira told at the refugee centre that there were lots more refugees than usual that night? Gilead starting to fall apart?

I wonder whether Mrs Putnam really did ask for the harshest punishment against her husband. It really put the wind up Waterford though, trying to be nice to Serena, talking about them being a family. A contrast to Nick and June earlier.

Both the Commander and Serena were fundamental in setting up the regime (I know the law, I wrote it). But then they are split and turn against each other.

They are driven by different things and both evil to Offred, even after you consider the regime. The Commander is drunk on power, flouting the rules and thinking he was invincible (then discovering he might not be). Serena's actions are driven by her desperate need for a baby. Her manipulation of Offred, and that awful scene with Hannah are means to that end. And at the end she has the audacity to say 'after all we've done for you'.

InigoTaran · 31/07/2017 09:46

If pp are interested in reading about how women are treated in Saudi Arabia, this is a v good book

www.amazon.com/Princess-True-Story-Behind-Saudi/dp/0967673747?tag=mumsnetforum-21