Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Only the apps you allow.

Meet the Other Phone.
Only the apps you allow.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Telly addicts

Related: Film discussion forum.

Original poster

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:
ittooshallpass · 03/08/2017 19:19

I wondered earlier in the thread whether Serena was fertile and knew Fred was the problem. She will have been very jealous of June and the fact that she 'could' sleep with a fertile man when she herself could not.

TeaStory · 03/08/2017 19:26

It's a silly thing, but I really want to point out the difference between a salvaging and a particicution.

The one at the start of the series was described on-screen (by Offred, when she told Rita that she had to attend it instead of going to the shops that day) as a "salvaging", which matches the book - it's where Handmaids get physically involved in the death.

A particicution wasn't shown on-screen but was described in the book - Wives attended this event as well as Marthas etc and were seated. It was a hanging on a stage in front of the crowds, and a coil of rope wound between the rows of Handmaids. They put their hands on the rope at the moment the hanging was carried out in order to show they consented to/condoned it (not that they could do much else).

I think the differences in style and name used are worth looking at because of the changes in power balances and the outlet for rage v calm acceptance between the types. In the salvaging a man was executed, in the particicution it was a Wife and two Handmaids.

Sorry, I'll stop being petty now.

MsPassepartout · 03/08/2017 19:49

Serena can't tell aunt Lydia or the eyes that she is pregnant as it will hi-light that she was involved with contraband.

She could tell them that June's period is late so June might be pregnant.

pixieg1rl · 03/08/2017 19:51

While I enjoyed the change to make Serena and the Commander younger in the tv adaptation, I think it makes the infertility question much muddier. In the book Serena is older (post menopausal) so she cannot have children and Fred would need another woman to procreate (presuming he can). I cannot understand the logic of a celibate marriage in the circumstances of the book. As pointed out up thread there is biblical precedence for previously barren women bearing children, so presumably you would still try, in expectation of a miracle.

pixieg1rl · 03/08/2017 19:53

Oh and someone asked whether in the book Nick knew about the pregnancy - he did; there's a scene in the book where June tells him she thought it had happened. I think the pregnancy is Nick's main motivation in protecting June and removing her.

Natsku · 03/08/2017 19:56

Glad I can finally read this thread now that I've caught up (watching from abroad). Absolutely amazing adaption (read the book as a teenager and re-read it soon after Trump was elected) and can't wait until season 2. I reckon there will be more about the wider society in Gilead, like the children and how they are divided and their futures decided, and of course Mayday bringing down the regime (though I suspect they'll stretch it out for a 3rd season as well)

InigoTaran · 03/08/2017 20:11

Well if you believe The Express, they've reported that there may be ten seasons!!

badbadhusky · 03/08/2017 20:16

Nah. If you get to 7 seasons, you can syndicate it - which is why a lot peter out after 7 seasons or limp on to get to 7. Ten seems a bit like overkill.

Natsku · 04/08/2017 07:39

I highly doubt they will stretch it out that long, people will lose interest. I reckon three seasons, four tops.

nigelsbigface · 04/08/2017 17:28

I just watched the last one.Im in bits and I don't really know why.Ive found this so affecting-even more than the book which stayed with me a long time after I read it.

As with the book I like to think that Nick has somehow managed to save June. At least with the TV we will get to find out I guess...

This is one of the best things I've ever seen on TV...just brilliant all round.

Wiifitmama · 04/08/2017 19:36

Like many others, I bought the book last week after watching the series. I had never read it before. I have only just started but wanted to let people know that the kindle version I bought has a forward by the author that was written in 2017 AFTER the series was made. It refers to it. I found it really interesting to read.

badbadhusky · 04/08/2017 19:57

Is the foreward part of the free Kindle sample?

morningtoncrescent62 · 04/08/2017 20:08

Oooh, I'd like to read that. I might buy it even though I've got the (real) book - unless anyone knows of a place it can be downloaded for free?

TizzyDongue · 04/08/2017 21:02

The latest Penguin verison has it too from what I can figure out.

I'm half way through - loving it - I've a library book but thinking of buying the above mentioned version!

ElenaGreco123 · 04/08/2017 22:46

Thanks Wiifitmama.

badbadhusky · 04/08/2017 22:53

I just watched E10 again with DH. Our Apple TV box is glitching & after THT it fritzed again - DH said it had "dropped the rock."

ladybird69 · 05/08/2017 02:48

Just watching last episode on 4 oh wow what a last episode. All hint of sympathy for Serena has flown out of window the sick bitch. Its just pure power over offred. I can't wait a year til it continues

QueenieGoldstein · 05/08/2017 08:10

Is it going to come out on DVD at all? There's nothing on Amazon and usually they are pretty quick with pre orders.

CoolCarrie · 05/08/2017 18:43

I bought the whole series n Amazon Prime.

Abra1d · 05/08/2017 19:45
  • badbadhusky Tue 01-Aug-17 15:57:23 Ann Dowd is also really, really good in The Leftovers (all 3 seasons currently on NowTV). It's so 'out there' her character's story arc calls for huge versatility & she just chews up the scenery/other cast. She's a fantastic actress.*

Thank you, badbad for this recommendation. I have been binge watching The Leftovers. Brilliant TV.

badbadhusky · 05/08/2017 19:50

My pleasure. It's as weird as hell, but there are some stand out performances and characters you care enough about to Stick with it. I discovered it whilst I was off sick earlier this year. I can't say the themes helped my low mood, but there was plenty of scope for cathartic crying.

Abra1d · 05/08/2017 20:03

Yes, it makes you think about some hard themes--how we grieve, how we deal with grief and loss. But I found the finale uplifting in a quiet way. Ann Dowd was fantastic. What a a character .

badbadhusky · 05/08/2017 20:08

I also have a 'thing' for Justin Theroux after The Leftovers. He was really good too and I liked the dynamic between his and Ann Dowd's characters. Great stuff.

/derail

Abra1d · 05/08/2017 20:50

Agree--so great to see them in scenes together.

MyGastIsFlabbered · 06/08/2017 15:17

Just caught up with it all, wow...is about all I can say right now