LittleRed84

Nope! 2 more!

I watched the ending a few times. I thought the gun was shot, but into the ground. They overpowered Nick and put him in the van. I’m not sure anyone took a bullet? You would think that Waterford can vouch for him but it’s probably too secret and he doesn’t want to admit it even happened? But yes- why the race off squealing tires of the eyes??? What’s the rush?? So. I thought so to. But then I watched the preview for the next episode and Which commanders house was that anyway? Maybe one that died in the bombing since it’s obviously abandoned? That’s one amazing house! And man, June is gonna freeze to death out there. Or get eaten by wolves. Or bleed to death in childbirth. Or starve. This is why she didn’t run. She has no idea where she is, is about to give birth, and it’s winter. Gahhhhh!!!

I very much enjoyed this article. Thank you for the link!

I watched an interview with Bruce Miller (producer). I previously found myself wishing they would start concentrating on other storylines as well. He addressed this in his interview, saying something like: —- The writers and I get carried away with ideas in the writing room with all the side stories and plot lines and what’s happening in the rest of the world. But then I have to pull us back in. This show is called “The Handmaid’s Tale”, not “Gilead”. It’s about the handmaid and her story. —- So, I think if nothing else, that at least explains why we are not hearing more about the world and those other supporting cast members don’t have a more substantial storyline of their own. The producers want this to be Offreds story, not Gileads story.

I thought everyone assumed it was Hannah. Not unexpected to us, but unexpected to June. I guess we will find out soon!

She never has a guard follow her around Gilead. She comes and goes as she pleases. Her and June went to the hospital, on walks, to the Putnams, etc. The handmaids are guarded because both 1- they are prized possessions that try to escape or kill them selves 2- one of them just set off a bomb The wives don’t seem to require guarding. I thought her wandering around portrayed how little Fred values her. How men are the priority and she is a decoration that knits.

Woah hold on. How did Heather re-enter the picture. I know Aunt Lydia says that she’d become a handmaid for her transgressions earlier this season. But what makes you think she returns to the screen??

Oh I know she can’t officially name her that. But I meant June’s name for the baby.

I could’ve missed it but no one had mentioned their thoughts on the titles for the last 3 episodes. 10- the last ceremony 11- holly 12- postpartum ....So can it be assumed that the baby is a girl named Holly? Is this already known in this group?

Everyone keeps mentioning who might be “the couple on the wall”. I’ve seen the Season 2 promo with the pool scene, but where can I see this wall scene you all refer to? Also. I’ve read that Hannah makes an appearance in the next episode. What do we think the possibilities are there? It has to be more than what Serena did- just showing her through the car window...? I’d love to hear some of your theories.

No education for any woman in Gilead, no matter the status. But I don’t think she’d be a handmaids, with a commander as “father”. But education is distracting from “their biological destiny”.

Soooo it could be nick and June in the pool, but she (or they) get saved last minute? Otherwise why the stunt double? If this is the act that is their demise, the I can stomach it. Like, they both finally went too far even for Gilead and the show wants us to see the crime and the punishment. That’s the only way I can justify this.

I’m just seeing this clip posted now, but the link won’t work. Anyone have an updated link so I can see? Thanks!

I think, just like handmaids, econohusbands are supposed to have sex with their wives once per month during fertile times for procreation. So that’s “when he has to”.

Her name is Erin. They introduced her on the bus when Luke first met her.

As soon as Nick told his name to Luke, I cringed. It just takes one mention of where the letters came from, one slip of “a Gilead driver” or “someone from Gilead named Nick” by Luke to press or friends, even if meant in gratitude toward Nick... could be the end of Nick. I’m hoping Luke is smarter than that. And the exchange between Nick and June in her room? The entire time I was thinking, “close your blinds! What if someone (Eden) can see you?!??” And... June’s last line? How the heck does she think she can change the location of the babies birth now, so close to delivery??? What do we think she meant? Also. When Fred spotted Moira right after the mention of the leaked letters? His look told me that he thought she may be responsible. I don’t think he will immediately suspect Nick.

Yes! Nick has a lot to deal with. I can empathize with his choices. I may not think he’s choosing correctly at times, but under stress- we all have regrets and make dumb rash choices! Hindsight is 20/20! He’s doing the best he can.

Exactly! If Warren lost a hand for some oral sex with Janine... what would Fred lose if Serena told the council about his taking handmaids to Jezebels? Sneaking them around as wives? Having sex and letting them play scrabble?? I think he might lose his life! Why isn’t Serena playing her cards??? She has a good hand to play!

Although I agree from his point this is best.... he might be driving her right into Nick might be smarter to keep her happy, even if he has to fake it. If she’s a happy homemaker singing and decorating like Snow White cleaning the house, then her mind won’t be making trouble. He’s giving her too much room for doubt. Cmon Nick. June had to let the commander have sex with her and flirt with him. And say she liked it. Man up and fake a relationship with Eden for your survival.

@rideashire I agree on all points! @Dessert I think you might be right! He’s bored of June. Eden might be an “exciting challenge” and she is desperate for attention. Man... that could be bad!!!

Im all for different opinions. But this one shocked me! Totally reread it 2-3 times. I’m curious if your hatred of Nick goes beyond his eyebrows annoying you? Hes frustrated with Eden. Doesn’t trust her. Hes not cruel, just indifferent. He’s been good to June. I think without him, her life would be much much worse. He’s not perfect, but I certainly don’t cheer for his demise like I do Fred. You seem to. Could you elaborate? @Callaphera I think we posted at the same time! I think you just answered my question before I asked it lol

I apologize. I actually was reminded of it myself from someone else’s post in which they did not tag it as a spoiler. Same for his using a belt. I was told that was in the preview. I figured anything in a preview was fair game? Since it’s content directly from Hulu? But I went back and edited my post.

Oh my goodness, I didn’t even think of this!?! That’s totally possible! It also makes me flashback to the season two trailer in which What do we think??

1) There is so much in this episode to consider! But first I have to play Devil's advocate here for a second regarding Serena Joy. Hear me out. (I just watched an interview with Yvonne Strahovski and she shed light on what makes Serena tick)... Here's something to ponder: Many people make statements about Serena like- too bad so sad this is "the world she created" etc etc. I really do NOT believe that this is the Republic she had in mind and the ideas she wanted to share that day she was turned away in the courthouse. In flashbacks we saw her speaking out publicly regarding declining birth rates and how women should return to a more "domestic" lifestyle and concentrate on raising families in the midst of a world that had become overrun by drugs, lust, greed, etc. I believe her intentions were pure. Correct me if I'm forgetting something, but I don't remember her advocating for women's enslavement or rape or being stripped of their rights when planning Gilead? Nor do I remember her saying women should be banned from writing, reading, etc. She basically admitted that to the Ambassador Castillo from Mexico in the office meeting- that she never envisioned a world in which women could not read her book. Yes, Serena was for the overthrow of the government. But she was shut out of the planning stages very very early on for Gilead. Remember the first conversation about Handmaid's in the car between Commanders Waterford, Pryce, and one other commander regarding "rounding up the fertile women and impregnating them"? That was after Serena had been shut out. By that point she had no input. Just like in this episode... we like to say "fight back!" or "don't go along with it!", but what can she really do? They could execute her or send her to the Colonies for going against the law, just like all those dead bodies hanging after the bombing. She can't bear children, so if the Commander doesn't want her, she is of no use. Anyway, I don't think this is the world she wanted. And of course I'm TeamJune all the way. But if you really think deep, if you were banned from having sex with your own husband, not allowed to think for yourself or read or write or own anything... and had to watch him have sex with another woman because you took a bullet for the cause that created this Republic... would you not also be hateful and bitter? June is the only person Serena has control over and unfortunately she takes out all her anger and frustration on her... everything else must stay pent up. Totally not saying all of Serena's actions are justified at ALL... just that she's human and people crack and become other people under this type of stress and dehumanizing. She's imprisoned in this world she rallied for... but I don't think this is the world she thought was going to happen. I don't think this is what was on those little note cards she wrote up pre-Gilead... Okay on to the next! 2) Not sure the rules about theories, so I'll hide this just in case: 3) I don't think that Eden read those letters! She knows the rules and isn't a normal nosy teenager- she's a true believer. But I bet now she's suspicious due to his big reaction! I think she really wants to be loved and do a good job. But a woman scorned..... just a thought. 4) I think a main motive for Fred beating Serena in front of June was to drive a wedge between them. When he saw the music box, and THEN that rose.... it's very easy to see that they are getting along and bonding. Red flag for him. Plus they were both gone? And then he pieced together that they were both working on the documents together. He can't have 2 strong willed and smart women bonding behind his back and breaking laws- it's a threat. And that's exactly what happened. He preferred it when they hated each other and June needed to seek refuge in his office for some companionship. So, he whips Serena in front of June. Serena was embarrassed and ashamed. It's bad enough she just now realized the monster she is married to, but also that it happened in front of June. Just as Fred wanted, Serena turned cold again towards June and sends her away. He's very manipulative. I think that was his main intention. The joy of asserting his power and beating her was icing on his cake. Sick, sick man. But I think eventually, maybe it will backfire. Perhaps he will become both of their common enemy?