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Handmaids Tale, Season 2: SPOILERS / VIEWING AHEAD OF UK SREENING

999 replies

Aridane · 03/05/2018 12:09

I'm starting a thread for those of us watching Season 2 and who want to discuss ahead of its screening in the UK.

So far I've watched the first 3 episodes.

God the 1st episode was grim.

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7
BG2015 · 26/05/2018 17:05

I read the article above - very interesting reading.

There's also a link to the music chosen for each episode which is interesting reading. DP and I have just spent an hour on YouTube listening to each track in turn.

Still can't get over the X Ray Spex track at the end of Ep 6 - the lyrics are perfect!

Handmaids Tale, Season 2: SPOILERS / VIEWING AHEAD OF UK SREENING
macnab · 26/05/2018 19:01

AcrossThePond I seem to remember something about there being no infertile men, only women Confused I think that's why Serena Joy set June up with Nick. She knew Fred was infertile (previous Handmaids didn't conceive?) and that Nick was her only hope. I wonder what happens in that scenario, where's there's no "Nick"? Do they just keep assigning new Handmaids? Although the regime seems to still be in its early days, maybe they make the rules up as they go along.

Praisebe · 26/05/2018 21:18

Is Alma now Ofwarren aka janines old house ? I was wondering how long they wait before requesting a new handmaid baby Angela is only around 6 months so surely a new ofwarren is off the cards for a while. Was trying to think who alma was known as and im sure its ofwarren

Praisebe · 26/05/2018 21:20

I think they do just keep assigning new handmaids in that situation its all madness but i think there thinking is if a man is infertile he is unworthy and an abomination so its simply not allowed

TheBadgersMadeMeDoIt · 27/05/2018 11:40

AcrossThePond As I understand it, according to Gilead's laws there can be no such thing as an infertile man because men are made in God's image and are therefore perfect. Women are the imperfect beings, the sinners who bear flaws and failings, so only women can be infertile.

IVF is illegal because it is attempting to interfere with God's will...almost on a par with abortion.

And yes, sex is purely for procreation so if the wife is known to be infertile the only "intimacy" between the couple should be the monthly ritual with the handmaid. This was covered in series 1 when Fred and Serena got frisky, but he was angry with her afterwards, for "leading him into temptation." Any form of pleasurable sexual activity is a sin, and it's always the woman's fault.

AcrossthePond55 · 27/05/2018 13:42

Thanks Badgers. I don't remember that scene from season 1, but I binged watched it so I'm sure I have forgotten bits and/or scene meanings went over my head. It was a pretty intense day, but we didn't have Hulu at that time and I was staying with a friend who did so took advantage of it to watch.

Dulra · 28/05/2018 08:43

Yes! But could they ever trust Serena?
This.
I cannot stand Serena she seemed awful in the flashbacks and is awful now, she is a manipulative evil cow. She constantly reels June in and then pushes her back in her place whenever it suits her. I would hate to see her join forces with June because I think Serena's motivations for overturning Gilead would be completely different to June's. I don't think Serena has any issues with may aspects of the Gilead regime just the bits that effect her. I can't see her being any kind of champion for the handmaids, the "fallen women" the Gay women and so on.

SophieCatScribbles · 28/05/2018 11:26

Totally agree Dulra.
Serena - for all that I feel for her own personal predicament (even though she did it herself) - has shown no compassion towards any other woman's situation, even when she has had the opportunity. Even when alone with June, and unobserved, she takes every opportunity to make her life hellish. Any little touches of emotion have stemmed purely from her own needs and fears for herself. She truly views the other women 'below' her as mere objects being utilised for a purpose.
The relentless religious zeal of Gilead's holders of power is as always the only reason for her emotions, the seemingly good and the quite blatantly bad.
She might manipulate June for her own advantage again if she needs to because her own situation becomes endangered, but it certainly wouldn't be for June's sake. She'd help June only if it helped herself. Unless some major change takes place, I can't see Serena EVER being a person that any handmaid could trust.

I really hope that June never has to trust Serena.

BaconAndAvocado · 29/05/2018 21:45

Just watched episode 6 - crikey oh Riley!!!!!!!!

What the bejeebers is going to happen now?!?!?!?

BG2015 · 29/05/2018 21:49

Bacon I watched the ending three times! It's just brilliant and I had NO idea that was going to happen.

Can't wait to see where it goes next!

BaconAndAvocado · 29/05/2018 21:51

It finally felt like something positive was happening to their society.....something might change.

Or not. This show is incredibly bleak!

StringandGlitter · 29/05/2018 22:00

Was it actual video tape. If you return it run a strong magnet over it first so even if he gets it back it’s unusable.

If it’s DVDs just make a big scratch in the shape of a giant knob with a sharp object.

AcrossthePond55 · 29/05/2018 22:30

I can't wait for tomorrow and the resolution of the bombing. I thought today was Wednesday (US) and was so excited until I was told it was only Tuesday! Arrgghh!!!

StringandGlitter · 29/05/2018 22:36

Ah crap, posted this in wrong thread. It was supposed to be on the porn stash found in new house!

In other news. Just watched episode 6. OMG, if Waterford survives, what impact will that have. The other handmaids lives are going to get even worse.

reeldoop · 29/05/2018 23:10

Across my whole.life now is waiting for Wednesday for The Expanse and Handmaid's Tale. Smile

AcrossthePond55 · 30/05/2018 01:23

I hear you reel. It's not the same 'excitement' as when your favourite actor/band is going to be on. It's more an 'excitement' to see what small bits of rebellion and resisting June et al are going to do against Gilead. For all the awfulness there are moments of fist-pumping "YESSS!!!" when you see that 'spark' in their eyes. It almost makes one feel a sense of triumph along with them.

BaconAndAvocado · 30/05/2018 15:27

it almost makes one feel a sense of triumph along with them

Exactly that.

We're watching ours on a Firestick ......does that mean we'll get Episode 7 today too?

AcrossthePond55 · 30/05/2018 16:25

Just watched Ep 7 so spoilers below.

Great episode. The small rebellion is starting and the little 'conspiracy' between June, Serena, and Nick is exciting! But what will happen when Fred gets home??? And how will they explain these new orders when Fred is still so very ill and hospitalized?

I was concerned at Eden (Mrs Nick) being present at the 'sharing of the names' by the Handmaids. She's a snitch if ever there was one!

And a question....the arrest of Cmdr Cushing, was that done by Serena and Nick planting false info/documents or was that just a convenient coincidence? It's hard to believe that they could manufacture and plant that much evidence (it's mentioned that there is a plethora) so quickly and thoroughly. Cushing was such a dick that I tend to think that perhaps other Cmdrs didn't want him in such a position of power (because he's an ass) and it was just luck on the part of the Waterford 'household'.

AcrossthePond55 · 30/05/2018 16:25

I don't know about firesticks Bacon. I'm in the US on Hulu.

LilCamper · 30/05/2018 17:56

I am in the uk watching via fire stick, Kodi and Incursion. Getting the latest US episode on a Weds morning. Watched After in my lunch break today.

BG2015 · 30/05/2018 19:12

I've just watched episode 7.

I'm worried about the state of Emily's and Janine's ovaries/eggs after being subjected to radiation. Emily lost a tooth - which can't be a good sign.

But it was a brilliant episode though. I loved the camaraderie between June and Serena. How can Serena ever truly believe and want the world she's created?

Again, ending soundtrack Venus!!! Perfect - Venus was the goddess of love, sex, beauty, fertility AND victory!

BG2015 · 30/05/2018 19:14

Bacon yes we're firestick/Kodi users too!

Get on it!

Tulip7 · 30/05/2018 19:14

Holy shit! Just finished episode 6 (and posted in the other thread, whoopsie.) What a f-ing ending!!! I literally screamed and cheered at my telly. Have gone back to watch that ending multiple times.

Just about to start episode 7 with baited breath...

Tulip7 · 30/05/2018 20:57

Spoiler of ep 7...

That scene in the shopping mall had me in tears. Don't trust Nick's wife though, she's definitely going to cause some trouble.

Loved the ending too. She got a pen!!! Small things lead to great things!!

OohMavis · 30/05/2018 21:10

Loved the click of the pen/click of the detonator connection at the end. Amazing.

Emily is a goner, why would they bring her back just to die of radioactive poisoning? Are they trying to flush out the Underground?

Janine may still be 'viable', but still sick.

Strange.

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