THT Spoilers

[babykin]

Quote

ON 7/6/2018 AT 10:40 AM,  STIGGS SAID: 

I don't have kids and have never wanted them and just listening to my mom friends talk about their schedules exhausts me. But if something happened to my BFF and her kid needed taking care of, there's no question I'd do whatever I had to do for him.

Exactly. I don't really even like kids and have never wanted any. But this is Gilead. You take care of your best friends and family if you even can.

Edited July 9, 2018 by babykin

[ClaireS]

6 hours ago, Deputy Deputy CoS said:

I can't say I am looking forward to the coronation for this generous act by Serena Joy.

Well she could have stopped June but she did what was best for Nicole...

Edited July 10, 2018 by ClaireS

[GraceK]

23 minutes ago, ClaireS said:

what was best for Nicole...

For Holly. Her name is Holly. That’s what her mother named her . ? 

Just saying. Not to be combative! ?

Edited July 10, 2018 by GraceK

[ClaireS]

5 minutes ago, GraceK said:

For Holly. Her name is Holly. That’s what her mother named her . ? 

Just saying. Not to be combative! ?

Just wait.  I called her Nicole for a reason.?

[GraceK]

1 minute ago, ClaireS said:

Just wait.  I called her Nicole for a reason.?

Oh geez Louise! ?? I’m not sure I wanna know lol!

[ClaireS]

1 minute ago, GraceK said:

Oh geez Louise! ?? I’m not sure I wanna know lol!

No it’s sweet IMHO just a small gesture by June.  I’m like you I won’t call June by that other O name either!?It’s all about principle!

[AnswersWanted]

6 hours ago, Deputy Deputy CoS said:

I can't say I am looking forward to the coronation for this generous act by Serena Joy.

 

I have a bad feeling the show might try to use this, giving up the baby and losing a finger, to try and now spin Serena in a more sympathetic light in season 3. 

The woman is returning a child that she stole in the first place, a child that she bred through rape, if they attempt to downplay that...to me it’ll just be more dumbing and watering down of Atwood’s true vision. 

And her losing a digit is just a mere ounce of what she deserves, imho. She’s taken actual lives, a finger is nothing in Gilead. 

[ClaireS]

6 hours ago, GraceK said:

Does Nick survive?

As far as I know...he could be in trouble for holding Waterford back but he said it was for his protection because there was a fire and chaos nearby.

2 minutes ago, AnswersWanted said:

 

I have a bad feeling the show might try to use this, giving up the baby and losing a finger, to try and now spin Serena in a more sympathetic light in season 3. 

The woman is returning a child that she stole in the first place, a child that she bred through rape, if they attempt to downplay that...to me it’ll just be more dumbing and watering down of Atwood’s true vision. 

And her losing a digit is just a mere ounce of what she deserves, imho. She’s taken actual lives, a finger is nothing in Gilead. 

All valid points but I think the show is pivoting direction to show that ALL women in Gilead are doomed.  This may force tge women to rise up and revolt???

[mamadrama]

According to a podcast with Miller: (from another poster)

 

They asked him about a redemption arc for Serena in the podcast too! Miller said he doesn’t believe in redemption. Life doesn’t work like that, so he wouldn’t intend for the characters to move into a “moral character” box. He said Serena will do what she thinks is right coloured by what she thinks is best for her.

He thinks the depth Yvonne brings is the reason why Serena has become more sympathetic.

Also, that this season June has been trying to teach Serena to be a mother. June needed to be closer to Serena, to be more understanding, because this is the person who will be raising her child.

I think they will go one of two ways- Serena will become more oppressed within Gilead or Gilead will be forced to get the women more on side and she’ll gain power.

[BellyLaughter]

I am relieved reading that Bruce Miller doesn’t believe in redemption....I really think keeping Serena where she has always been on the “baddie” scale is important for this story....as unpleasant as this show can be to watch at times it needs conflict and Serena most definitely doesn’t need to be redeemed to be a strong and interesting character....

[alexvillage]

57 minutes ago, mamadrama said:

Also, that this season June has been trying to teach Serena to be a mother. June needed to be closer to Serena, to be more understanding, because this is the person who will be raising her child.

Not sure if that was well written tough. If that was the intention, the writing seemed disconnected from he directing/acting.

[mamadrama]

11 hours ago, alexvillage said:

Not sure if that was well written tough. If that was the intention, the writing seemed disconnected from he directing/acting.

I think Miller is out of touch with intention vs. reality. This is the same guy who was surprised that viewers thought that Serena Joy was shot in the ovary. To him, it was obvious that it was the hip. 

[PepSinger]

On 7/3/2018 at 11:17 PM, GraceK said:

In the case of Fred she’s been an idiot, because she’s done nothing to take advantage of his feelings for her, except antagonize him. She doesn’t even pretend that she likes him cause she’s a dumbass. Helping Hannah emotionally? How? Last time she saw her all that did was traumatize her all over again. Secondly, all she has is the “promise” from Fred that he will let her see her more. No guarantees. With their house being burned down, the baby being “kidnapped”, Lydia being  stabbed , Serena being so bold as asking to read and having her finger chopped off, chances are the Waterford’s are not going to be in such a great and powerful position next season to even have a handmaid, which makes June’s choice even more r*******.

1. Using r******* as an insult? Really?

2. June isn't one traumatizing Hannah. That would be Gilead.

[NoSpam]

10 hours ago, mamadrama said:

I think Miller is out of touch with intention vs. reality. This is the same guy who was surprised that viewers thought that Serena Joy was shot in the ovary. To him, it was obvious that it was the hip. 

I can't watch the "Inside the Episode" features because he always sounds so smug and full of himself. 

[Umbelina]

At least he didn't do all the talking this time. 

This show needs women in charge, women who can write and care enough to follow up on storylines.

[Shaynaa]

1 hour ago, Umbelina said:

At least he didn't do all the talking this time. 

This show needs women in charge, women who can write and care enough to follow up on storylines.

It seriously does.  I just don't think I can do these anymore.  The source material is gone and Miller is no feminist but thinks quite highly of himself.  I just can't with June.  I understand not wanting to leave one of her children but she has no power in her position.  She's going to end up on the wall in the Colonies.  Well, if the writing actually followed the laws of the universe she would.  She will have no chance to help Hannah in any way.  Thanks to her note on the wall she couldn't even try a BS excuse about being kidnapped for the gazillionith.  The Marthas who risked everything to help her will be so thrilled she implicated them.  I am glad Serena doesn't get redeemed at least.  She helped rape June a few episodes ago.  I feel like people have short memories because Yvonne is such a good actress.

I've got a year to decide but I think I am done with this torture porn.

[Umbelina]

The frustrating thing is that they have PLENTY of book materiel they could and should be using. 

The epilogue needn't wait for some finale episode 10 years from now.  They could be including the wars, the Jezebel's contests, Fred getting executed for all of his crimes, that Fred designed the odious uniforms, let June escape to the cabin with Hannah, and maybe another handmaid or a Martha or a guy for interest (and no, it's time to dump Nick, the actor seems like a very nice guy but he has probably the most compelling role on the show and he's doing nothing with it.)  Or, send Nick away to fight in the wars, and have him desert and join the rebels.

They could do a time jump next season, start it off with the Nick/Fred confrontation continuing and Nick turning him in.  Send Serena to Jezebel's.  Have something dramatic happen to Aunt Lydia, maybe even something that makes her consider this has all been a sham, her life wasted and demeaned.  More of the underground female railroad with the Martha's and bring that doctor back.  Show Alaska and the US government negotiating with other countries to do more than boycott Gilead.  Get the UN involved on Human Rights grounds, and have Moira tell her story to the world.

The HAVE story to tell, they just want to drag it out for 10 years.  Someone needs to smack the show runner in the head and tell him he's killing his golden goose.

[Sara2009]

Good news for people who enjoyed Commander Lawrence:

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.thewrap.com/handmaids-tale-bradley-whitford-season-3-commander-joseph-lawrence-emily/amp/

[PepSinger]

Yay!! I will say that news does make me want to come back for season three.

[alexvillage]

Speculation: season 3 will be played a few years in the future. They will either show very briefly who escaped, and how - or didn't escape and why - or give us crumbs via flashbacks.

The season will focus in the future though, and I kind of hope they do that because, since they decided to ignore all the possibilities the book offered, maybe they can get a boost and start telling other stories that are not the endless  Offred-tries-to-escape,-oops,-she is back  and the equally endless June-Serena conflicts. And hopefully fewer close ups.

I would like to see an older Hannah, a teenager or pre-teen, and what she might have become. 

But I don't trust the writers to actually improve much.

[AnswersWanted]

Just hearing the opinions of those in charge of the show, the directors and had writers, I get the feeling that they are still going to be very focused on June’s side of the story.

They seem so, stupidly, determined to keep her at the forefront, and I think that means the rest of them get to come along, Serena and Fred and Nick.

So, instead of skipping to some point in the future, which I think would be pretty much one of the only saving grace the show could pull out right now, for season 3 they will come right back to Nick holding Fred at gunpoint, maybe with an assist from Rita, June finding her way alone now in the darkness to who knows the hell where, while Serena wanders about the garden, hugging a plant and singing to it. 

[jhjhjh]

Well we'll go back to the Colonies and Jezebels apparently. That's something. Something good or something bad is unclear.

[Umbelina]

3 hours ago, Sara2009 said:

Good news for people who enjoyed Commander Lawrence:

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.thewrap.com/handmaids-tale-bradley-whitford-season-3-commander-joseph-lawrence-emily/amp/

That's AMAZING news!  I'm so happy about that, and encouraged.

The show desperately needs a time jump, but I don't think we will get much of one.  BUT, it's time to kill Fred, he's been sailing too close to the wind, and we know he's executed from the books.  So, a great idea would be:

Nick finally turns in Fred, they were nose to nose at the end.  Fred's humiliation, trial, and execution.  Send Serena to Jezebels.  June moves in with Commander Lawrence and his fabulous wife and Martha.  Nick is either promoted to Commander or goes off to fight the wars and, of course, joins the rebels.  Canada people perk up and start interacting with the world, and especially with the USA.

[Brn2bwild]

I picture a scene like Doc Brown in the Back to the Future Trilogy:

LAWRENCE: Wait a minute, I sent you off to the future!

JUNE: Yeah, I know.  But I'm back, and I need your help.

[Umbelina]

I'm SO very happy he's coming back!!!

[Joana]

12 hours ago, Umbelina said:

Have something dramatic happen to Aunt Lydia, maybe even something that makes her consider this has all been a sham, her life wasted and demeaned.  

Honestly, I hope she's dead. Not that I don't enjoy Ann Dowd in this role, I do, a lot, but I'm so over this show destroying all logic so it could keep certain characters around. Aunt Lydia has been stabbed, pushed down the stairs and savagely beaten. She should be dead, or at the very least, severely handicapped and unable to continue her work.

But then again, a whole bunch of other characters should have by all accounts been dead by now and they're not, so I have no doubt our Auntie will be alive and kicking (literally) come next season as well. 

Edited July 11, 2018 by Joana

[Umbelina]

There is no chance in hell that she's dead.

That's another frustration of this season for me.  Emily would have finished the job.  You don't go that far, repeatedly, then stop.

They need to clean up their acts (and the reviewers are mostly letting them have it, YAY!) and one of the things is Aunt Lydia.  Decide who she is and stick with it.  She gives me whiplash with her mood swings, hell, give her a mood swing disorder if you are going to keep that shit up.

Like the other actresses on screen, she is making gold, but with terrible writing and inconsistent characterization. 

I'd love to see her have a break down.  Realize what shit Gilead really is, go on a murder spree when she finds out about the Commanders and Jezebel's.  Or have her sent to the colonies, she's capable of so much, let her do it.  What they need to stop doing is having her, for no apparent reason, go from cuddly to cutting off clits.

[secnarf]

7 hours ago, alexvillage said:

I would like to see an older Hannah, a teenager or pre-teen, and what she might have become.

This would end up being a race against time to get Hannah out before she is married off (or who knows what else).

[Umbelina]

https://www.thewrap.com/handmaids-tale-season-2-finale-june-offred-stays-gilead-nicole/

About season 3:

1.  “So Jezebel’s and also perhaps those kinds of places in Gilead’s secret places that men have built for themselves to escape the other world they built from themselves, which I just think is sad and awful and also fascinating,” Miller said.  (Of course he does, he's a dude.  Still, I think Serena belongs in Jezebels and she should get pregnant there.)

2.  “In terms of Jezebel’s also, I would really like to return to Jezebel’s. The machinations of that place were so fascinating, kind of just everything about it was seen, kind of made into this concentration that you have in one place,” he adds. “And all the scene in Gilead is going through there, the drugs and the black market stuff, and sex, and sex as trade and perversity, and all sorts of heretical sexual gains, and it’s a mess. And I like a mess.”  (I like the black market stuff, and again, we need a character we care about there, and Serena Joy would be perfect.  I wonder what name they will give her?  Destiny or Chardonnay would be good!  Then again, Trixie might be fun, or they could annoy her and call her by her real name, Thelma or Pam.)

3.  “In the book, it’s underlined that, there are colonies that are where teams of women are taking care of toxic waste and there are colonies where teams of women are picking apples and working in the economy and doing all sorts of other things,” Miller says. “I’d love to see the factory where they make Handmaid costumes, but that’s just me because I figure it’s terrifying to see a whole wall of Handmaid costumes and realize each one represents a woman in June’s position.”

“But we will be revisiting the colonies,” he added. “It was really a such a stunning achievement in terms of art direction and cinematography and directing. It was so beautiful and I would love to continue to dive deeper into kind of how Gilead uses the discarded people, how they used the discarded women.”  (No asshole, it's not just discarded women, it's black people as well.  Still, more colonies means more of Gilead so I'm all for that.  Maybe Aunt Lydia can be assigned to a crop growing colony?)

4.  But Emily is a fascinating character, Alexis just has brought her to life in a way that is subtle and complicated and strong and very believable and a really remarkable performance. Subtle beyond subtle and just heartbreaking beyond heartbreaking. And I think that Nicole is quite a popular young girl. There’s lots of people who want her including a whole country of Gilead if she happens to get out.” (Sounds like a custody battle brewing, and ugh, especially if this ushers in Canada sending refugees back.)

They really need to put Fred on trial and execute him, it happened in the books, it needs to happen soon.  That confrontation with Nick can't be hand-waved away.  Also, that frees up Serena Joy and June to move out of that house.

Serena to Jezebels, and June to Commander Lawrence's please.

Edited July 12, 2018 by Umbelina

[NoSpam]

1 hour ago, Umbelina said:

One thing I know is that this show runner will never, ever, kill off a main actor. Maybe in the last five minutes of the last episode.

And clearly he's more enamored with the set design and the cinematography than he is the writing.

[Umbelina]

7 minutes ago, NoSpam said:

One thing I know is that this show runner will never, ever, kill off a main actor. Maybe in the last five minutes of the last episode.

And clearly he's more enamored with the set design and the cinematography than he is the writing.

Nah.  He's got to kill Fred.  It propels too much story, and his fate in the book is definite.  Also, all season he's shown how close Fred's flirting with the edge in Gilead, that has to be for a reason.

Furthermore, Nick turning him in is the most logical outcome of their confrontation in the house, and I know they don't really "do" logic on this show very well, but honestly, it vastly opens up the story for June and for Serena if he dies, at least by the end of season 3.  Serena in Jezebel's and June with Commander Lawrence is just too good to pass up.

ETA since it's confirmed he's coming back, who else would the put with him?  Janine would add nothing in that house of nuts, but June would shine with him, and also propel the story forward.

Edited July 12, 2018 by Umbelina

[alexvillage]

6 hours ago, Umbelina said:

Nah.  He's got to kill Fred.  It propels too much story, and his fate in the book is definite.

That's why they will not kill him or only kill him at the end, because the writers don't really care about propelling the story, unless is the story of June/Serena love and hate.

But I am all for killing him, not only because the character deserves it, but also because I am not liking the actor in this role.

[revbfc]

Luke needs more to do than “exist” in Canada.  Much like how the Gilligan’s Island BS with June is wearing thin, so is Luke’s moping.  Free US army?  Cool.  Start working with the US State Department?  Also fine.  Just give him a purpose.

Moira? Same thing.

[Umbelina]

5 hours ago, alexvillage said:

That's why they will not kill him or only kill him at the end, because the writers don't really care about propelling the story, unless is the story of June/Serena love and hate.

But I am all for killing him, not only because the character deserves it, but also because I am not liking the actor in this role.

As I said though, the reviewers, or most of them, weren't exactly giving them raves for this season though, and I think those criticisms, for example, one even said "10 years of this, hell no."  I think they are getting the message that you can't drag out misery and be stingy about exploring the world of Gilead and keep your audience.

The book implies Fred is executed long before Gilead falls.  That actor playing Fred is also not getting raves, far from it.  He's also keeping two of their best actresses in the "rinse and repeat" storyline, also widely criticized by the reviewers. 

So, that one move, getting rid of a so-so character, which could allow Serena and June to do more things?  Seems pretty logical to me.

Or, I'm just being wildly optimistic, one of those things. ;~)

Edited July 12, 2018 by Umbelina

[alexvillage]

16 minutes ago, Umbelina said:

Or, I'm just being wildly optimistic, one of those things. ;~)

I think you are but I hope you are right ??

I saw some of the reviews. Maybe the writers will listen.

[AnswersWanted]

Joseph just grabbed an Emmys nomination for this season, his first, so I doubt he is leaving anytime soon now. His stock worth just shot up immensely.

The show is not basing their Fred off the book so much, if at all at this point, he is being used to tell their story now.

If Yvonne and Serena can stick around, I definitely think Joe and Fred will.

The Waterford’s are a twosome that they seem determined to keep around. 

The guys that need to be worried, imo, are the actors portraying Nick and Luke. 

They didn’t get acknowledged at all and both their characters don’t seem to have great prospects in place for season 3.

No way do I think they would pick Nick over Fred if they decide one has to go, especially now. 

[Umbelina]

The showrunner deliberately, at the expense of story and believability, gave every actress/actor on screen their showcase "episodes/moments" to submit. 

Fiennes sucked.  He still had great scenes to submit.  Not a chance in hell he wins.  Even the usually kind reviewers are panning him.  Ditto the show this season, which I also think is a wild long shot at winning.

It's sad that the supporting actresses may cancel each other out in the voting. 

Moss may not win this year, some good competition, and also Keri's last chance at an Emmy for The American's.

We shall see.

[chaifan]

What bothers me most about the interviews with Miller is he's all "I think..." and "I'd like to see..."   Dude, you're the showrunner.  You're the one planning this thing out.  So either say it or don't say it. 

[Umbelina]

10 minutes ago, chaifan said:

What bothers me most about the interviews with Miller is he's all "I think..." and "I'd like to see..."   Dude, you're the showrunner.  You're the one planning this thing out.  So either say it or don't say it. 

He's so annoying.

[madpsych78]

At first I was wondering why it seemed many of the posters on this board wanted Serena to go to Jezebel's. I wondered, is it because Yvonne was really attractive? But then I realized, Serena going to Jezebel's would actually be a great plot for the character, who is so ultra right wing and self-righteous that I doubt she imagined herself ending up in skimpy clothes giving her body to Commanders. Jezebel's is so far out of the realm of what Serena was likely envisioning when she helped co-create Gilead.

[Umbelina]

13 minutes ago, madpsych78 said:

At first I was wondering why it seemed many of the posters on this board wanted Serena to go to Jezebel's. I wondered, is it because Yvonne was really attractive? But then I realized, Serena going to Jezebel's would actually be a great plot for the character, who is so ultra right wing and self-righteous that I doubt she imagined herself ending up in skimpy clothes giving her body to Commanders. Jezebel's is so far out of the realm of what Serena was likely envisioning when she helped co-create Gilead.

Exactly.

Also, because I'm heartily sick of the Commander's house, and I don't want to see her in that colony.  Imagine her being called "Trixie" or given her real name there (Pam or Thelma) and it also connects her with the Black Market, the underground, and completely wipes what remains of her dream of Gilead as a God fearing devout nation away. 

On top of everything else, she's considered sterile, so they may not bother with that.  It would be fantastic if at some point she became pregnant there.

Jezebel's will come into the story, it did in the book, remember the contests and how "famous" some of the whores became, traded and all of that?  The showrunner wants it back as well.  Who better, in our cast, to make that compelling and more than just an excuse for T & A?

Edited July 12, 2018 by Umbelina

[AnswersWanted]

22 minutes ago, chaifan said:

What bothers me most about the interviews with Miller is he's all "I think..." and "I'd like to see..."   Dude, you're the showrunner.  You're the one planning this thing out.  So either say it or don't say it. 

 

That is his brain thinking ahead to “ten seasons later”. 

He is a real piece of work, imo, I don’t understand his thinking about things. 

I have a feeling he truly believes this show will last many seasons more and he will get to tell this story for years to come. 

His arrogance is going to prove to be the show’s downfall as I see it.

And now that he can croon on about them getting so many nominations for their sophomore season, whether they win or lose, he is going to brag about how great things went and feel justified for his choices.

[Joana]

1 hour ago, madpsych78 said:

Jezebel's is so far out of the realm of what Serena was likely envisioning when she helped co-create Gilead.

Yes, which is why I don't think she'd last long there. I don't see her as a survivor type doing whatever it takes to stay alive. She's much too proud for that. Becoming a Jezebel would probably be the ultimate humiliaton for her, and realistically, it can only end in a miraculous rescue from that place very quickly, or suicide. 

[Umbelina]

9 minutes ago, Joana said:

Yes, which is why I don't think she'd last long there. I don't see her as a survivor type doing whatever it takes to stay alive. She's much too proud for that. Becoming a Jezebel would probably be the ultimate humiliaton for her, and realistically, it can only end in a miraculous rescue from that place very quickly, or suicide. 

Or a baby.

Actually, she might like it in many ways.  She could smoke, drink, read, listen to the radio, talk freely, all kinds of things she can't do now.  There are worse things than being a whore, and she wouldn't have to wear teal.

Edited July 12, 2018 by Umbelina

[NoSpam]

7 minutes ago, Umbelina said:

Or a baby.

Actually, she might like it in many ways.  She could smoke, drink, read, listen to the radio, talk freely, all kinds of things she can't do now.  There are worse things than being a whore, and she wouldn't have to wear teal.

She could quit knitting, too.

My prediction for season 3 is a love triangle between Fred, June, and Nick.

[Joana]

7 minutes ago, Umbelina said:

Actually, she might like it in many ways.  She could smoke, drink, read, listen to the radio, talk freely, all kinds of things she can't do now.  There are worse things than being a whore, and she wouldn't have to wear teal.

That might actually work - as in, after losing everything, absolutely everything she ever stood for and believed in, she finally finds her freedom. It's happened to people before.

However, they would need be VERY careful with how they'd pace such a storyline. I'm afraid she'd simply go through an Eden-esque transformation, which would be grossly unbeliveable. 

[Umbelina]

Of all the positions for women in Gilead, and I know this will be a wildly unpopular statement, but I'd rather be in Jezebels than anyplace else.  At least they have some freedoms, and their "jobs" aren't 24-7.  The food and drink looks better too.  There would be room to negotiate as well, become a favorite of a powerful man or two, and you could be untouchable by guards there, and possibly even by other customers.

The only other option would be a Martha, and no, not for me.  The show keeps "saying" how busy Rita is, but all we ever see is her cooking, and finally, last episode, hanging laundry.  I wish they would show the workload they have, washing clothes by hand, hand making bread daily, all the cleaning without benefit of most cleaners, or things like vacuum cleaners, dishwashers, Lysol.  They probably sew as well, and I wouldn't be surprised to see foot pedal sewing machines.  Either way, constantly on guard, unable to read, or have any freedoms at all, in many ways just as much at the mercy of their Commanders, and guards as anyone else. 

Edited July 12, 2018 by Umbelina

[IndyMischa]

5 minutes ago, Umbelina said:

Of all the positions for women in Gilead, and I know this will be a wildly unpopular statement, but I'd rather be in Jezebels than anyplace else.  At least they have some freedoms, and their "jobs" aren't 24-7.  The food and drink looks better too.  There would be room to negotiate as well, become a favorite of a powerful man or two, and you could be untouchable by guards there, and possibly even by other customers.

You and me both. Nothing else even comes close. But then, I was a kid that was threatened with "we'll take your books away for a day!" when I was bratty, so I'm maybe not the most impartial judge of the situation.

[Umbelina]

2 minutes ago, IndyMischa said:

You and me both. Nothing else even comes close. But then, I was a kid that was threatened with "we'll take your books away for a day!" when I was bratty, so I'm maybe not the most impartial judge of the situation.

I know!  Other women there can't even read labels on food for entertainment, they are all pictures now.

[chaifan]

Someone else posted this on the media thread, but I think it fits the spoilers thread so I'm posting it here, too. 

https://www.harpersbazaar.com/culture/film-tv/a20127456/the-handmaids-tale-season-3-news-date-cast-spoilers/

I had to laugh at this line, from Bruce Miller, about June:  "She's ready to rise up, and ready to take some chances and use all the skills she's learned over the last three years."  Ummm... what would those skills be?  Looking out windows when she's supposed to be hiding?  Wasting time when she's supposed to be fleeing?  Antagonizing people who could get her executed with one wave of the hand? 

Also, can anyone identify the picture of with June and Aunt Lydia about 1/2 way through the article (under header #6)?  Is this a picture from season 1 or 2, or one from season 3?  I don't recognize the setting, and it looks like it could be a courthouse or a church.  But I don't know if they've shot any of season 3 yet.