Not everything has to be exactly like the novel,
And yet as the series continues, there are still parts of the novel that are used. The part about "ladies in reduced circumstances" and June musing that at least she still has circumstances, for example. That's from the novel, just a few pages in (I have a copy of it handy).
Something that Obama allowed to still be the reason the border's not like it used to be pre-9/11 (
the only policy of his I have a problem with)-that said,
this list shows how amazing Obama was and what he accomplished that won't be equaled by Trump.
Did I ever say Obama was bad? He had a high approval rating here, and when he came for a state visit and addressed Parliament (something I guarantee Trump will never be invited to do), the MPs gave him the accolade of "Four More Years!". That's something said to indicate strong approval for party leaders and a wish that the leader in question will run again in the next election. Of course Obama isn't the leader of any Canadian political parties, and he couldn't run again. But he definitely had our respect and good will.
Those darn Canadian surrender-monkeys, they almost sold the farm.
No, they didn't. From beginning to end, the Canadian officials were crystal clear in indicating their contempt for the Waterfords, in everything they said, and through their body language.
I found it interesting that the man from the PMO (Prime Minister's Office) bore a superficial resemblance to Justin Trudeau, but when you're greeted by someone from the PMO it doesn't mean it's anyone who is necessarily that important - just someone who's delegated to carry out certain tasks and report back. There's no way the Prime Minister or his senior cabinet ministers would ever meet with the Waterfords or any other Gilead official.
Giving Serena that itinerary of pictures was priceless! I wonder if she really thought she would be allowed to read.
Interesting that the Commander speaks French.
How Waterford could talk about tourism with a straight face I don't know, but there is a scene in the novel where Offred and Ofglen are out shopping and they encounter a group of Japanese tourists.
Is smoking allowed in bars in the U.S.? It isn't anymore in a lot of Canadian cities, so that scene was just bizarre. If that American guy had been in Canada for any length of time he'd have known that. It's not the establishment that makes the rules, it's actually a matter of laws.
It wasn't shown, but I have to wonder if the Waterfords were given a room with two beds or just one... since apparently a wife sleeping with a husband is considered immoral if they're not trying for a baby.
As to the negotiations... remember, it was Waterford who claimed the talks were going well. Whether he told the truth is another story.
One missed opportunity in the final dialogue between the Canadian officials and the Waterfords was when Serena told the Canadian woman, "Go in grace." If I'd been the Canadian woman, my reply would have been "Go to hell." But of course that wouldn't have been the diplomatic thing to say.
As for that swarming on the way to the airport... Now Serena knows her husband hasn't only been unfaithful with June and their previous handmaid.
"I would never, ever allow anything to happen to a baby."
Those are the first genuine words Aunt Lydia has spoken this whole series. I mean, I do think she truly believes all of the insane, awful bullshit has said since day one, but this time it's different. It was said with honesty. It was said with conviction. It was said with compassion. Between that moment and what she said about being a godmother a few moments later demonstrated that June made a real connection with Aunt Lydia and the truth was finally spoken between them. I don't hold any illusions this will change Aunt Lydia in the greater scheme of things, but it's nice to see some deeper nuance to her character.
Agreed, but what jumps out is that Aunt Lydia said, "It wasn't my fault."
That's significant, given all the
blame she puts on the handmaids, and how the way they're trained is intended to make them distrust each other and
blame each other if something goes wrong. It's Janine's fault for her teenage pregnancy, it's June's fault that Alma was hauled into the kitchen and burned.
I wonder if Aunt Lydia was blamed for her sister's baby's death, and if it was unfairly put on her, that's why she seems to enjoy this "blame" thing with the handmaids?
Now I have a question... where was the guard when the Waterfords came home? I didn't notice him there. And just how far is this flirtation going between him and Eden? Was she alone in the apartment when he looked up and saw someone in the window?
Seriously, Rita needs to set some mouse traps to keep Eden out of everything. Or set out something tempting, like sugar so Eden will steal it, make something with it, and it's not sugar but salt. Or maybe let slip where the alcohol is kept, and she'll turn up drunk.
Maybe Serena should teach Eden to knit. Then she'll have the fun of dealing with the brat when she steals Serena's yarn.
Some YouTube comments are just ridiculous, being all boo-hoo over Eden, and how mean Nick is. Well, on the one hand he's being stupid by not showing her a little bit of attention. He's missing the usual social cues, but on the other hand, I have to respect him for not lying to her. The truth is that he
won't miss her, and is probably relieved to be away from her for a few days.
