VLASquared

I apologize if this has been mentioned, but I haven’t read it anywhere: after the ceremony scene Commander Lawrence is no longer wearing his scarf. Of course in real life it would be strange to have it on after such an encounter. But in the world of “The Handmaid’s Tale” I believe this is the first time we see him without it. In interviews Bradley Whitford has mentioned how compelling he found the costume fitting for this character. I believe it’s meant to signify that Lawrence feels there’s no longer any reason to protect himself (“save his neck”). Because his worst nightmare has come true: he’s broken his promise to his wife, hurt her irreparably, and permanently damaged their love. Of course from Eleanor’s perspective he became another person and ruined their life as soon as he created and implemented the atrocities of Gilead. But just because he’s brilliant doesn’t mean he’s wise.

That article does help explain some of the inconsistencies. I hadn’t heard that Andrew left behind vials of testosterone at David’s apartment. Steroid use could have been a trigger for his rage and explosive violence.

The facts are even more confusing than what we saw dramatized. The official story is that Andrew and David were together for 6 days and that David’s body was found the day after he died. There is some speculation that Andrew headed toward Chicago and then turned back. But the book this series is based on suggests that David died several days earlier. It’s just another mystery in this sad story.