Offred, formerly known as June, became separated from her husband, Luke (O.T. Fagbenle), and daughter, Hannah (Jordana Blake), when they all tried to flee to Canada. There are occasional flashbacks to Offred’s previous life that gradually fill in the events that preceded her current grim situation. We meet some of the other handmaids, including Janine (Madeline Brewer), Moira (Samira Wiley), and Ofglen (Alexis Bledel). Their lives are rigidly supervised by Aunt Lydia (Ann Dowd). Any deviation from the prescribed routines is punishable by banishment to the “colonies” where they will clean up toxic waste. More serious breaches of the laws, like endangering a child, are punishable by stoning to death. Offred often carries on an inner monologue of sentiments that can be openly expressed only on those rare occasions when she is alone with another handmaid.
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The Commander takes a fancy to Offred and she becomes more proactive in their relationship as they enjoy the pleasurable environment of the club where the “Jezebels,” including Moira, work . When it is suggested that the Waterfords’ fertility problem may reside with Fred, Serena Joy recommends that Offred get intimate with Nick (Max Minghella), the Commander’s chauffeur. Offred gets a brief ray of hope when the Mexican trade ambassador, Mrs. Castillo (Zabryna Guevera), visits the Watersons and tells her that Luke is living in Canada and someone will take a brief note that Offred has just written to her husband.
As Season One proceeds, the atmosphere of The Handmaid’s Tale darkens and there are more examples of the mental and physical abuse meted out to the very women charged to repopulate their “new” nation. Justice is redefined as adherence to extremely harsh “scriptural” principals (think literally “an eye for an eye”). After Offred uncovers the contents of a mysterious package that she has been given, the handmaid immediately resolves to help the Resistance take back the world that they all once knew.
The Handmaid’s Tale is an extremely well crafted and gripping series, possibly the best that Hulu has released to date. The objectification of women makes numerous scenes quite difficult to watch and yet the power of this well-directed cast, led by Mad Men’s Elizabeth Moss, makes this a must-see television show. With numerous storylines that still remain up in the air, viewers will eagerly anticipate a Season Two that is slated to air sometime in 2018.
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