Just started A Handmaid's Tale. Questions!

[Bluewavescrashing]

Beginning of episode 2,series 1.

1. Why were all the people outside the hospital praying when Offred gave birth to Hannah? Why does the midwife say Praise Be that Hannah is healthy? Why are babies dying? I saw the Aunt's chart in episode 1 about underpopulation but why?

1. If babies are now so precious because of underpopulation (what's the reason for this?) why are only 1 in 5 babies born healthy? Lack of antenatal care can't be the reason. What's happening to the babies?

1. I understand the hierarchy and organisation of society but presumably there must still be factories, farms etc to produce food and uniforms. Where are they and who works there?

Wow. I’m watching now. Only up to episode 3 season 1. But wow.

I am enjoying the Audio book but to see things come to life is another matter.

Hi @ememem84 it's truly horrifying isn't it?

I watched the first 5 episodes in one day then felt quite scarred afterwards 😱 it's so compelling!

I think in June's shoes I would've so turned off sex from the raping that I'd have no desire to seek it elsewhere. But I guess that's how she rebels in her own way.

I think this is one of the Best tv series I have ever seen.

Yes it really is awesome. I'm catching my moments to watch it alone as DH just won't get it!

Which is a problem in itself.

Also we don't have sex anymore so it's a bit like watching post watershed programmes with your parents 😔😁😁

It is traumatic to watch. I binge watched the first 3 series and felt quite traumatised. I think it's better watched weekly. But I agree, one of the most amazing things I've ever seen on television.

It’s amazing. But awful at the same time. One of the best things I’ve seen for a long time.

Coincidentally my debit card was cloned this week so it was cancelled and a new one reissued. I'm not working currently due to illness but we have a joint account. I found myself asking DH for some cash today and felt extremely uncomfortable after the scene when June's account is frozen. The fragility of our current society and the very few events that could lead to this desperate state of affairs.

Yes!! I’m on mat leave currently. My mat pay has stopped and my debit card stopped working. (My other ones fine though) but it gave me the heebeejeebees unrationally.

MAs new book The Testaments is a brilliant read too. Set 15 years in the future, and is 'written' by Aunt Lydia, Baby Nicole and Hannah/Agnes. I couldn't put it down.

Why was Luke put in an ambulance if he is worthless under the new regime?

I think there are a lot of spoilers in the Testaments, for those that haven’t watched all 3 series.

Read the original Handmaid’s Tale, whilst watching series 1 but unless you want spoilers, leave the sequel (The Testaments) until after series 3.

Holy fuck. Finished season 1 already.

You go girls! 💪

I was quite traumatised by the opening of season 2 just to warn you!

Yes, episode 1 of season 2 is horrific.

Although it did remind me to listen to Kate Bush again.

One thing that hasn’t been mentioned is how much the soundtrack adds to the show.

I totally agree that the soundtrack is fab!

Omg season 2 episode 1 😱

Holy fuck. S2e1! What the actual...

Stick with it @ememem84 it gets easier to watch.

I felt very depressed after that episode.

I got to s2 e5 yesterday. Poor June/offred.

Absolutely brilliant show though. Really makes you think.

I've binged watched this. I'm on s2ep4. Poor June. It's such compelling but uncomfortable viewing.

I've finished season 2! Absolutely awesome.

Where can I watch season 3???

I've just finished season 2 too!! I can't find where to. Stream season 3

I think S3 is on All4 and Amazon.

Testaments was a brilliant book. I devoured it. I still think about it.