Here's the article on CBC.ca.
And the accompanying comments... wow. There are some pretty clueless men in Canada.
Some of the ones on the UK Beeb are off too
Spoilers The Handmaid's Tale (TV series)
- Thread starter Skipper
- Start date
Some of the ones on the UK Beeb are off too
Season 3 trailer:
Because of course Gilead would do that to the Washington Monument.
Because of course Gilead would do that to the Washington Monument.
First full trailer, which gives a better sense of what June will be up to:
I think this season looks phenomenal. I'm ready for some actual resistance. Trailers can be deceiving, though.
Yeah, I really hope we actually get some forward momentum on the resistance angle. There's only so much dire gloom that I can take without some form of change.
Heh, I hadn't noticed that.
It's coming out in June and the latest trailer was posted on May Day. 
What? No discussion of the season premiere yet?
I thought it was a good ride to kick things off, but was a bit disappointed that we ended up right back where we started. Like the depiction of Canada as the tolerant, rational society in light of the turmoil south of the border in Gilead. I initially thought Lawrence was a goner once he was nabbed, but it seems like he's a pretty powerful person to have pulled through unscathed (unless I missed something). Looking forward to the season!
Gimmie a few hours.
Yeah, I forgot to watch until this afternoon.
I've watched all three episodes, spoilers to follow (as this is a spoiler thread)...
I was really worried that we were going to get yet another reset of June's story with her back with the Waterfords yet again, but thankfully Serena burned down the house. Instead, June is now with Lawrence which has created a different and potentially more intriguing dynamic for June's story, but it also leaves me caring even less about Joseph and Serena. I really don't give a fuck what happens to them now.
I'm having a hard time getting a good read on Lawrence. While we knew there was a darkness in him from his appearances last season (and not just because he's proclaimed as one of the architect's of Gilead), he also has shown a caring and remorseful side with how he helped Emily escape (and June, too, if she hadn't decided to stay behind for Hannah). He's...tolerated...a Martha underground ring to operate in his house but only with certain limits and is very distrustful of anyone he doesn't know. And yet, he's been verbally cruel to June, both privately and publicly, when he deliberately humiliated her in front of the commanders.
I realize I have a certain bias towards him, partially because it's Bradley Whitford, partially because we need some godsdamn hope in this show. But the things he said and did in the third episode are hard to look pass because they were direct actions to make June feel weak and inferior. At least, June was able to find an angle accepting the "choice" of picking five women to become Marthas and new operatives based on their skills, thus saving them from the Colonies. I do wonder if Lawrence's verbal twisting of the knife of who June is and what she has and hasn't done was a subtle action on his part to push her into becoming more active in the Martha ring, but I imagine that's just my bias talking again.
I really enjoyed one particular part of these three episodes: Watching two acting giants, Elisabeth Moss and Bradley Whitford, really go at each other, showing that they had far more chemistry with each other than Moss ever did with Joseph Fiennes (his fault, in my opinion). And it's no surprise because it's been twenty years since they first appeared together in "The Crockpots and These Women" on The West Wing for her very first scene of that show. The relationship between them couldn't be any more different now, which demonstrates how great actors they both are.
We don't get to see much of Luke, Moira, and Emily in the three episodes, but what we do get is great, especially Emily's painful readjusting to a normal society. I'm glad she was able to get in touch with Sylvia in a timely fashion and we'll see more of Clea Duvall in short order. I worried during the dinner scene when Moira mentioned that she's seen her fair share of difficult reunions for those who escaped that we would see some kind of complication for Emily and Sylvia, but based on Sylvia's brief but disruptive reaction to hearing Emily's voice, makes me think that won't be such a problem. Hopefully the show gets back to them in the next episode.
I've watched all three episodes, spoilers to follow (as this is a spoiler thread)...
I was really worried that we were going to get yet another reset of June's story with her back with the Waterfords yet again, but thankfully Serena burned down the house. Instead, June is now with Lawrence which has created a different and potentially more intriguing dynamic for June's story, but it also leaves me caring even less about Joseph and Serena. I really don't give a fuck what happens to them now.
I'm having a hard time getting a good read on Lawrence. While we knew there was a darkness in him from his appearances last season (and not just because he's proclaimed as one of the architect's of Gilead), he also has shown a caring and remorseful side with how he helped Emily escape (and June, too, if she hadn't decided to stay behind for Hannah). He's...tolerated...a Martha underground ring to operate in his house but only with certain limits and is very distrustful of anyone he doesn't know. And yet, he's been verbally cruel to June, both privately and publicly, when he deliberately humiliated her in front of the commanders.
I realize I have a certain bias towards him, partially because it's Bradley Whitford, partially because we need some godsdamn hope in this show. But the things he said and did in the third episode are hard to look pass because they were direct actions to make June feel weak and inferior. At least, June was able to find an angle accepting the "choice" of picking five women to become Marthas and new operatives based on their skills, thus saving them from the Colonies. I do wonder if Lawrence's verbal twisting of the knife of who June is and what she has and hasn't done was a subtle action on his part to push her into becoming more active in the Martha ring, but I imagine that's just my bias talking again.
I really enjoyed one particular part of these three episodes: Watching two acting giants, Elisabeth Moss and Bradley Whitford, really go at each other, showing that they had far more chemistry with each other than Moss ever did with Joseph Fiennes (his fault, in my opinion). And it's no surprise because it's been twenty years since they first appeared together in "The Crockpots and These Women" on The West Wing for her very first scene of that show. The relationship between them couldn't be any more different now, which demonstrates how great actors they both are.
We don't get to see much of Luke, Moira, and Emily in the three episodes, but what we do get is great, especially Emily's painful readjusting to a normal society. I'm glad she was able to get in touch with Sylvia in a timely fashion and we'll see more of Clea Duvall in short order. I worried during the dinner scene when Moira mentioned that she's seen her fair share of difficult reunions for those who escaped that we would see some kind of complication for Emily and Sylvia, but based on Sylvia's brief but disruptive reaction to hearing Emily's voice, makes me think that won't be such a problem. Hopefully the show gets back to them in the next episode.
As usual, Canadian viewers get shafted. We don't get to see anything until Sunday, and we only get two episodes.
So this is going to be like Season 1: I'm going to be a week and a half behind the rest of you. By the time I'm ready to talk about an episode, the rest of you will have moved on to the next one.
JFC.
So this is going to be like Season 1: I'm going to be a week and a half behind the rest of you. By the time I'm ready to talk about an episode, the rest of you will have moved on to the next one.
JFC.
A
Amaris
Guest
I have the same thoughts as you regarding Lawrence perhaps pushing June to become more involved in the resistance. He claims she is not intelligent, but hits her in all the chafing ways an intelligent person would be insulted, or possibly goaded into taking action to prove her cunning. Again, like your notion, maybe it’s because I adore Bradley Whitford, and am desperately hoping he *is* trying to atone for what he helped create.
My heart breaks every time I see Emily. She seems adrift, separate, a burden to others, and lost. The part where she is being examined, and the doctor told her they could perform clitoral reconstruction left a spark of hope in me that Emily could be fully restored, at least physically, to a place where she could truly try to move on from the horrors of Gilead. When she finally made the call to Sylvia, I had tears in my eyes, and just hope the actual healing can begin.
June’s comment to her walking partner (can’t remember her name which is probably sadly the point) about another handmaiden snapping and shoving her in front of a bus did make me chuckle. June is tired of the brainwashing bullshit, and seeing another woman so abused by the system turn and wish further abuse on another woman just hit her limit for that day.
I know Luke is having trouble, but if it wasn’t for Moira, the man would be a pile of crap on the floor. I also think he doesn’t like the baby because it’s “not his.” I want to smack him because a shitload of people put their lives in danger, some dying, to rescue this baby. Be thankful, ya putz.
I don’t know, I guess I just can’t fathom pushing that baby away, or avoiding it. Thank goodness for Moira.
I also want Serena to turn the tide. She helped create this world, too. Time for her to help burn it to the ground.
Now, see, I took the goading as a charade. It's good camouflage. I took the "find this book" as a test because women aren't supposed to read. Would June be smart enough to play along with the charade and wait on Joseph to provide more direction on finding the book or would June impulsively and recklessly go straight to the book and get in trouble for reading the titles?
But, then, Joseph disappointed and confused me with his defense of this horror show he designed. Makes me wonder what he thought would have happened - how did he envision his idea to be implemented or was this just some thought exercise that was never supposed to become reality?
And Joseph is clearly hiding the fact he will never have sex with June. Or, at least, currently has no plans to do so.
Yet he defends Gilead's methods as the only hope Hannah would have of growing up and living a life. He doesn't feel he should do his part in keeping the human species going?
How are other countries dealing with the infertility crisis? It's clear that Canada isn't going the Gilead route, yet the first season depicted other countries studying how to implement the methods of Gilead.
I'm rewatching the first two episodes (two is all we got for the premiere; from now on I'm going to be waaay behind - by the time American viewers see episode 4, I won't even have seen episode 3).
Some random thoughts:
It's nice to see Emily and the baby safely in Canada. Maybe that will shut up the YouTube commenters carrying on that the kid's going to die because apparently Canada has no baby formula.
Interesting camera shot of the limited viewing area afforded by the bonnets. And that new shopping partner (Ofmatthew)... is likely a collaborator. Her whole body language and tone of voice just screams that she's waiting for June to say something incriminating. It must be frustrating when June doesn't take the bait.
Every time something happens when you'd expect people to move quickly, June saunters along in slow-motion. FFS, the house is on fire, so quit languidly waving your hand around, quit caressing the walls, just GTFO! And I'd have left Serena to burn.
Please tell me they got an older actress to play Hannah? They didn't? It looks like the same kid playing her at age 11-12 as played her at 5. Can't the showrunner count? That kid is too young.
And Bravo is running the most annoying commercial for Reese's Peanut Butter Cups I've ever seen. It's not making me want any. I may never buy them again.
Some random thoughts:
It's nice to see Emily and the baby safely in Canada. Maybe that will shut up the YouTube commenters carrying on that the kid's going to die because apparently Canada has no baby formula.
Interesting camera shot of the limited viewing area afforded by the bonnets. And that new shopping partner (Ofmatthew)... is likely a collaborator. Her whole body language and tone of voice just screams that she's waiting for June to say something incriminating. It must be frustrating when June doesn't take the bait.
Every time something happens when you'd expect people to move quickly, June saunters along in slow-motion. FFS, the house is on fire, so quit languidly waving your hand around, quit caressing the walls, just GTFO! And I'd have left Serena to burn.
Please tell me they got an older actress to play Hannah? They didn't? It looks like the same kid playing her at age 11-12 as played her at 5. Can't the showrunner count? That kid is too young.
And Bravo is running the most annoying commercial for Reese's Peanut Butter Cups I've ever seen. It's not making me want any. I may never buy them again.
What's wrong with that? Canada does have its religious fundamentalists, some with extreme ideas, and some of them do get elected. But thankfully their leaders know that any serious attempt (at least federally) to repeal any of the social advancements made during the last half-century or so would lead to their being booted in the next election (there are no term limits for our Prime Ministers; as long as they manage to keep being elected as MP of their riding and remain party leader, they can theoretically be Prime Minister for the rest of their lives).
Compared to some of what's already going on in RL, we are more rational and tolerant than the country south of us (on some issues, anyway).
A
Amaris
Guest
I actually cried tears of relief when I saw the maple leaf flag on the officer's jacket.
S3E4, "God Bless the Child," Spoilers ahead.
This was more of a slow burn episode, but I like the general direction in which it's heading. June has managed to maneuver herself between Fred and Serena, and has taken over as the conduit by which they communicate. As a result, she can nudge here and there to get what she needs: Fred relents a little behind the scenes power to Serena, while Serena works towards the goal of changing Gilead's horrific system.
Of course, getting Serena to budge, even when Janine is beaten by Lydia for daring to offer herself as a way to give the "Putnam baby" a brother, is difficult. That moment, by the way, was horrifying on so many levels. Poor Janine is trying to work inside the system she is given, and she still gets beaten. It shows that Lydia has no loyalties except to the mantra of the state, and even if she considers you friend enough, she will still beat the ever loving shit out of you if she thinks you deserve it. She is a prime example of the state: as long as you comply, you will live. Probably. Step outside the lines, and you most definitely will be punished.
Still, as I said, Serena barely budges on it, claiming the system was designed to prevent that from happening, as if what happened is somehow justified. That, my friends, is structural violence in its raw form, and so easy to see in this case where usually its hidden behind statutes and ordinances. Here we see what a patriarchal system designed to punish thinking women (and don't think I didn't hear that "smart women are trouble" bullshit, you two putzes) for not being compliant in every way to the system that favors men.
On the flipside, we see Emily trying to reconnect with Sylvia and their little boy Oliver, and the scene where he asked Emily to read to him had me in tears.
Some folks might think June is completely safe now, that by virtue of plot she is untouchable, but she's not, and she's not cavalier because she thinks she's immune or bulletproof, she's cavalier because she no longer gives a fuck. She has been beaten, tortured, abused, oppressed, dehumanized, and made an example by the State. June is out of fucks to give, and only wants to save her daughter. After that, fuck everything, burn it all to the ground. We've seen what happens when you obey, you're still beaten, abused, and mistreated. The approval of the slavemaster is not required, nor should it be sought out, because you will never be a person, just a commodity to them. So give up all of your fucks for their well-being, and work to break down the power structures that bind you and every other innocent person held within and without.
It is a liberating feeling, and one I am fully behind in every aspect when it comes to a toxic system designed to maim and kill in the name of theocratic oppression. Burn it all down. We'll roast marshmallows (low carb vegan marshmallows will be available for those who prefer them) until the ashes settle and the oppressors either flee in terror or succumb to the might of a people who have regained their own autonomy.
Of course, getting Serena to budge, even when Janine is beaten by Lydia for daring to offer herself as a way to give the "Putnam baby" a brother, is difficult. That moment, by the way, was horrifying on so many levels. Poor Janine is trying to work inside the system she is given, and she still gets beaten. It shows that Lydia has no loyalties except to the mantra of the state, and even if she considers you friend enough, she will still beat the ever loving shit out of you if she thinks you deserve it. She is a prime example of the state: as long as you comply, you will live. Probably. Step outside the lines, and you most definitely will be punished.
Still, as I said, Serena barely budges on it, claiming the system was designed to prevent that from happening, as if what happened is somehow justified. That, my friends, is structural violence in its raw form, and so easy to see in this case where usually its hidden behind statutes and ordinances. Here we see what a patriarchal system designed to punish thinking women (and don't think I didn't hear that "smart women are trouble" bullshit, you two putzes) for not being compliant in every way to the system that favors men.
On the flipside, we see Emily trying to reconnect with Sylvia and their little boy Oliver, and the scene where he asked Emily to read to him had me in tears.
Some folks might think June is completely safe now, that by virtue of plot she is untouchable, but she's not, and she's not cavalier because she thinks she's immune or bulletproof, she's cavalier because she no longer gives a fuck. She has been beaten, tortured, abused, oppressed, dehumanized, and made an example by the State. June is out of fucks to give, and only wants to save her daughter. After that, fuck everything, burn it all to the ground. We've seen what happens when you obey, you're still beaten, abused, and mistreated. The approval of the slavemaster is not required, nor should it be sought out, because you will never be a person, just a commodity to them. So give up all of your fucks for their well-being, and work to break down the power structures that bind you and every other innocent person held within and without.
It is a liberating feeling, and one I am fully behind in every aspect when it comes to a toxic system designed to maim and kill in the name of theocratic oppression. Burn it all down. We'll roast marshmallows (low carb vegan marshmallows will be available for those who prefer them) until the ashes settle and the oppressors either flee in terror or succumb to the might of a people who have regained their own autonomy.
I wish we had gotten more with Emily, Sylvia, and Oliver, even if less is more especially for a slow reconciliation. I was much more interested in every second of those scenes (tears and all) than I was with June Osborne: Gilead Marriage Counselor. I get the hows and whys of June's subtle maneuvering between Serena and Joseph and June's long game, but I was simply so much more engaged with Emily trying to adjust to the mundanity of a "normal" life and trying to reconnect with Sylvia and Oliver. Gods, I was flooding in tears every time Oliver positively connected with Emily.
My heart broke at an unexpected moment: When June's walking partner (Do we even know her name? Hell, I can't find her listed on IMDb...) said "Handmaids shouldn't be here. It's not how it works." She's brainwashed in a way not like Janine, who is lost a twisted madness that doesn't make sense for anyone no matter what she does. Instead, June's walking partner seemingly embraces all of Gilead for what it is, not just out of necessity as suggested by her comment about trying to survive without making trouble, but she seems to genuine accept and maybe even enjoy the role she's been enforced into when she beamed gleefully that she has given Gilead three children.
But of course, my breaks even more for Janine, who can't seem to ever catch a break. All she wants to do is love and cherish her baby, regardless the nature of that children's conception, regardless of all of the shit they've put her through, regardless the cruel things Lydia aggressively and passive aggressively has said and done to her. As Amaris noted, she tries to work within the mad rules of the Gilead system and she's beaten for it simply because she broke protocol and the thin illusion of the cruel and real world they're all living in. If it weren't for the room quietly turning on Lydia after the beating, I fear Janine has gone a step too far again and there would be no saving her this time.
Which leads to an interesting prospect: I've wondered since Emily pushed Lydia down the stairs if Lydia might begin to have a turn of heart, but this season has made it clear that she's doubled down on her resolve. And yet, she may have gone too far in that resolve with her open beating of Janine during the house party. Her stature might suffer some, but I don't think she'll be directly punished. But I wonder if that situation will shape her resolve in a new matter?
My heart broke at an unexpected moment: When June's walking partner (Do we even know her name? Hell, I can't find her listed on IMDb...) said "Handmaids shouldn't be here. It's not how it works." She's brainwashed in a way not like Janine, who is lost a twisted madness that doesn't make sense for anyone no matter what she does. Instead, June's walking partner seemingly embraces all of Gilead for what it is, not just out of necessity as suggested by her comment about trying to survive without making trouble, but she seems to genuine accept and maybe even enjoy the role she's been enforced into when she beamed gleefully that she has given Gilead three children.
But of course, my breaks even more for Janine, who can't seem to ever catch a break. All she wants to do is love and cherish her baby, regardless the nature of that children's conception, regardless of all of the shit they've put her through, regardless the cruel things Lydia aggressively and passive aggressively has said and done to her. As Amaris noted, she tries to work within the mad rules of the Gilead system and she's beaten for it simply because she broke protocol and the thin illusion of the cruel and real world they're all living in. If it weren't for the room quietly turning on Lydia after the beating, I fear Janine has gone a step too far again and there would be no saving her this time.
Which leads to an interesting prospect: I've wondered since Emily pushed Lydia down the stairs if Lydia might begin to have a turn of heart, but this season has made it clear that she's doubled down on her resolve. And yet, she may have gone too far in that resolve with her open beating of Janine during the house party. Her stature might suffer some, but I don't think she'll be directly punished. But I wonder if that situation will shape her resolve in a new matter?