SPOILERS
The moment that got me the most in this episode is when Serena is handed an agenda and it is in PICTURES. Wow! That really got me.
12 Reviews
Outstanding
rachaelamild14 June 2018
Warning: Spoilers
This episode, in a word, was refreshing. The thought of the refugees in Canada confronting the commanders behind the horrors of Gilead was a plot I never saw coming. We also saw a glimpse of some possible regrets from Mrs. Waterford. The words never escaped her mouth, but from her soft smile at a glance of just a few people taking on the street, to her crying at the sight of the hatred towards her country's actions, we could see a part of her wished she could go back. As an audience, we started to lose sight of the people in Canada, and began to forget about the relationship between Luke and June. Nick had always known June was married before. But when Nick truly realized that June had a husband who loved her and was not giving up, a part of him was tainted by the fact. Despite this, he put June first and confronted Luke with the letters, putting his best effort to save June and their baby. This episode was a fantastic way to connect the two worlds. All we need now is a backstory on Aunt Lydia! She showed a brief glimpse of her past life when discussing her sisters baby. A backstory on this harsh ruler of the handmaids would show some true perspective on how people of Gilead got where they are.
The best yet?
Br4ve-trave1or16 June 2018
This series has remained to be outstanding-consistent throughout these 2 seasons. I applaud the team behind this series for what it does. Elizabeth Moss may have one of the best resumes in TV as an actress with her choices. This episode finally gives us a huge glimpse.... this may be the best episode of the series yet and that's saying something in a series with a handful of brilliant episodes. As a Male it's good to see women all uniting behind this show. Anything that unites us today is something special. What Atwood has continued to master is just masterful! Bravo to handmaids tale and especially to season 2 and as the episodes progress it only gets better! That's got to mean something right?
The Best Episode of the Series: YET
aaronwjschuett14 June 2018
If you thought that Margret Atwood's novel, "The Handmaid's Tale" could be better, it cannot. Although, what Miller and his writers-women-have done is beyond incredible. This episode is what I consider the best and yet the forthcoming of the best. We have the original story, we have the extended story and now we have something new that is so tearing, yet so hopeful. Well done to all of you on the THMT team. We better get five seasons: that is my guess. #GoForWomen
Treason and Coconuts
Br4ve-trave1or29 June 2018
Ofcourse, The Godmother was an obvious Title but I'll close instead with it. I loved Serena telling the representative from the US, "So far all you've offered me is treason and coconuts." What a casting choice Serena had to be to pull off a monstrous women but also a tortured person underneath that really knows it's not right. It shows in this episode clearly that she sees how badly Gilead is. But most importantly, it was so believable because of the buildup.
This episode is THE BEST OF THE SEASON!! I say that each review. Have you noticed the theme of each episdoe characters saying, "My name is..." every episode this happens. What I really found disturbing but fascinating is when June apologized to Aunt Lydia because her godson had die and she said, "It wasnt my fault." That shows how these people think and the lack of feelings they dont have. Things like that make this series brilliant!
Highlight was seeing cool hand Luke confront Waterford and the hate I felt for that man as he repeated scriptures and talked down to him when we know hes a weak little man inside hiding behind his title of commander. As he tells the man towards the end, "Coward!" Waterford is the real coward as shown from the past episode. Hes the man that shepherds his wife around to make himself look good while we know what he stands for. How he beats her with a belt.
As a Male I felt the impact of that blow to Jeanine on the side of the street.
The endlight and really the true highlight was getting to see Luke talk to, "My name is Nick." And hear about June status and recieve the letters that disrupt Waterfords plans.
Knocked it out of the park. Could the fierce monster but nanny come through forJune, her name is Aunt Lydia and shes the Godmother!
This episode is THE BEST OF THE SEASON!! I say that each review. Have you noticed the theme of each episdoe characters saying, "My name is..." every episode this happens. What I really found disturbing but fascinating is when June apologized to Aunt Lydia because her godson had die and she said, "It wasnt my fault." That shows how these people think and the lack of feelings they dont have. Things like that make this series brilliant!
Highlight was seeing cool hand Luke confront Waterford and the hate I felt for that man as he repeated scriptures and talked down to him when we know hes a weak little man inside hiding behind his title of commander. As he tells the man towards the end, "Coward!" Waterford is the real coward as shown from the past episode. Hes the man that shepherds his wife around to make himself look good while we know what he stands for. How he beats her with a belt.
As a Male I felt the impact of that blow to Jeanine on the side of the street.
The endlight and really the true highlight was getting to see Luke talk to, "My name is Nick." And hear about June status and recieve the letters that disrupt Waterfords plans.
Knocked it out of the park. Could the fierce monster but nanny come through forJune, her name is Aunt Lydia and shes the Godmother!
Finally!
norma-7750015 June 2018
Warning: Spoilers
This was a superb episode. I was on pins and needles up to the very end of the episode. What an emotional roller coaster! The refugees impromptu singing brought tears to my eyes.
Spoilers below.
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Finally, what I have been waiting for! June learns Luke's alive and loves her and will never give up and that Moira's escape was successful. The world is learning what is really happening to women in Gilead. They can't keep hiding their dirty secrets now.
I think June now feels she has a reason for hope and to live for and that she can get her life back when the depressing Gilead nightmare is over. Her husband, whom she long thought had been killed, is alive and well and fighting for her. Best day ever since being enslaved.
Spoilers below.
************************
Finally, what I have been waiting for! June learns Luke's alive and loves her and will never give up and that Moira's escape was successful. The world is learning what is really happening to women in Gilead. They can't keep hiding their dirty secrets now.
I think June now feels she has a reason for hope and to live for and that she can get her life back when the depressing Gilead nightmare is over. Her husband, whom she long thought had been killed, is alive and well and fighting for her. Best day ever since being enslaved.
Another great episode
alexm-3208613 June 2018
This show is consistently great and this episode is no exception, acting ia great as usual, cinematography is AMAZING as usual, we finally get a glimpse of the world outside of Gilead, this was a very powerful episode
Waterfords In Canada
vivianla6 February 2023
Warning: Spoilers
June is told by Serena that when the baby is born June will leave immediately. June is devastated.
Fred wants Serena to go with him to Canada. Due to the bombing it seems there is an opportunity for diplomatic ties. Fred, Serena and Nick head to Toronto.
Rita, Eden and June are watched over by a handsome soldier named Thomas. June gets Rita to promise to look after the baby when June is not here. During a walk out the soldier yell at Janine for being loud. He knocks her out of the way and tells June they are going home. Rita asks where the groceries are. Eden brings out the baked goods she made and feeds one to Thomas.
In Toronto, Serena goes to the hotel's bar where she asks the asian bartender for a Riesling. A man pulls up next to her and is interested in her. He offers her cigarettes and then says he is a rep of America. He can have her on a plane to Honolulu in an hour. She refuses and he leaves the opportunity open saying they might see each other again sometime in the future.
Fred wants Serena to go with him to Canada. Due to the bombing it seems there is an opportunity for diplomatic ties. Fred, Serena and Nick head to Toronto.
Rita, Eden and June are watched over by a handsome soldier named Thomas. June gets Rita to promise to look after the baby when June is not here. During a walk out the soldier yell at Janine for being loud. He knocks her out of the way and tells June they are going home. Rita asks where the groceries are. Eden brings out the baked goods she made and feeds one to Thomas.
In Toronto, Serena goes to the hotel's bar where she asks the asian bartender for a Riesling. A man pulls up next to her and is interested in her. He offers her cigarettes and then says he is a rep of America. He can have her on a plane to Honolulu in an hour. She refuses and he leaves the opportunity open saying they might see each other again sometime in the future.
Diplomacy and Defiance
badeclerck3 December 2023
Warning: Spoilers
In the ninth episode of The Handmaid's Tale Season 2, the narrative takes a compelling detour beyond the borders of Gilead, venturing into the political landscape of Canada. With Commander Waterford, Serena, and Nick embarking on a diplomatic mission, the episode unfolds against the backdrop of anticipated encounters and unexpected developments.
The delegation's visit to Canada introduces a diplomatic exchange between Commander Waterford and the Canadian Prime Minister. However, the cordial atmosphere is disrupted when unexpected guests emerge, altering the dynamics of the diplomatic engagement. A representative from the Free United States approaches Serena Joy with an offer of escape to Honolulu, presenting her with an opportunity to break free from Gilead's oppressive regime. Despite Serena's growing discomfort within Gilead, she remains steadfast in her loyalty to the state, rejecting the proposal.
Back in Gilead, Ofred and Rita navigate the challenges of their newfound solitude, overseen by the presence of a new guardian, Isaac. Meanwhile, events in Canada take an intriguing turn when Luke, June's husband, confronts Commander Waterford during a social gathering. Luke, unaware of the depth of Nick's involvement, implores Nick to pass on messages to his wife, revealing his commitment to maintaining a connection with June. Nick, in turn, shares letters with Luke, evidence of the atrocities endured by women in Gilead.
The episode climaxes with Commander Waterford being ordered to leave Canadian territory by the Prime Minister. As the characters grapple with diplomatic tensions and personal revelations, Nick relays Luke's messages and delivers the letters to June, marking a significant moment of connection and defiance against Gilead's oppressive regime.
This episode is a pivotal and captivating installment that shifts the narrative focus from Gilead to the international stage, providing insight into the diplomatic intricacies surrounding the dystopian state. The encounter between Nick and Luke adds depth to the emotional complexity of June's relationships, raising questions about the potential for resistance against the oppressive regime. As the season approaches its conclusion, Episode 9 sets the stage for heightened tension and further exploration of Gilead's unraveling façade.
The delegation's visit to Canada introduces a diplomatic exchange between Commander Waterford and the Canadian Prime Minister. However, the cordial atmosphere is disrupted when unexpected guests emerge, altering the dynamics of the diplomatic engagement. A representative from the Free United States approaches Serena Joy with an offer of escape to Honolulu, presenting her with an opportunity to break free from Gilead's oppressive regime. Despite Serena's growing discomfort within Gilead, she remains steadfast in her loyalty to the state, rejecting the proposal.
Back in Gilead, Ofred and Rita navigate the challenges of their newfound solitude, overseen by the presence of a new guardian, Isaac. Meanwhile, events in Canada take an intriguing turn when Luke, June's husband, confronts Commander Waterford during a social gathering. Luke, unaware of the depth of Nick's involvement, implores Nick to pass on messages to his wife, revealing his commitment to maintaining a connection with June. Nick, in turn, shares letters with Luke, evidence of the atrocities endured by women in Gilead.
The episode climaxes with Commander Waterford being ordered to leave Canadian territory by the Prime Minister. As the characters grapple with diplomatic tensions and personal revelations, Nick relays Luke's messages and delivers the letters to June, marking a significant moment of connection and defiance against Gilead's oppressive regime.
This episode is a pivotal and captivating installment that shifts the narrative focus from Gilead to the international stage, providing insight into the diplomatic intricacies surrounding the dystopian state. The encounter between Nick and Luke adds depth to the emotional complexity of June's relationships, raising questions about the potential for resistance against the oppressive regime. As the season approaches its conclusion, Episode 9 sets the stage for heightened tension and further exploration of Gilead's unraveling façade.
Freshening up
Leofwine_draca18 December 2020
Warning: Spoilers
A better episode, mainly because it gets out of the darned house for a road trip to Canada, which freshens things up and makes them interesting once again. Plus it gives Luke something to do for the first time since the flashback episode where he escaped; he's been treading water ever since, but this is more like it. The Offred material is weaker, though, as there's no indication that the Commander would ever harm a baby.
Ottawa is the capital of Canada, not Toronto.
kennethdower20 July 2018
The commander and his wife fly to Canada on a diplomatic trip which, absurdly, takes place in Toronto. Did the writers not know Ottawa is the capital or did they just not care? Still a pretty good episode considering it brings both Gilead and "Little America" characters together for a change.
Smart Power
bobcobb30123 July 2018
Warning: Spoilers
Serena being tempted at least by the prospect of a return to normalcy or the outside world does not fit with her character. Even if Frank is abusive and dismissive, at least from what we have seen so far, this is her vision and she would not abandon it.
The show needed something for its characters outside of Offred though, so for that reason it was a decent episode.
The show needed something for its characters outside of Offred though, so for that reason it was a decent episode.
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