The Handmaid’s Story returned for its fourth season with “Pigs” written by Bruce Miller and directed by Colin Watkinson. The present picks up proper the place it left off after June (Elisabeth Moss) was shot. I might be reviewing every episode individually – although they dropped 3/1 or 2/2 relying on the place you might be watching. My apologies for getting these up a bit late, however it’s by no means too late to debate this sensible present, and everyone knows what “actual” life could be like as of late!
The present stays as sensible as ever with attractive cinematography and musical decisions. “I’ll Say A Little Prayer for You” performs over a montage of the handmaid’s carrying a wounded June, making an attempt to save lots of her life as she bleeds alarmingly from her bullet wound. White and crimson combine and blur. That is her sacrifice and her punishment for getting the kids out. Staying itself can be a metaphorical wound.
We get the shut up of her face that the season all the time appears to start out with. This time we see her eye open from the facet – only one – there’s water across the eye, sliding off, after which the digital camera shifts to her viewpoint and Janine (Madeline Brewer) – additionally of the one eye – is there making an attempt to consolation her. The music stops as June lastly involves herself. June tells them they should preserve transferring and go west. Alma (Nina Kiri) appears to have taken cost and tells her they’ve somebody to assist get them out of the town and who’s on the lookout for a protected home for them.
After horrifically cauterizing June’s wound, they’re smuggled out of the town in a hidden compartment in a truck. Brianna (Bahia Watson) nearly has a panic assault and provides them away when they’re stopped and a Guardian inspects the truck. June manages to maintain her quiet and provides her power by taking her hand and smiling at her.
In the meantime, again in Toronto, Serena (Yvonne Strahovski) and Fred (Joseph Fiennes) have an unscheduled assembly. I beloved how all of the scenes in Toronto are shot in lengthy, sterile trying rooms. Fred is lead right into a room the place Serena is sitting, smoking. He tells her she seems drained – and he or she actually does look horrible. Her hair seems unwashed and unbrushed. She clearly wasn’t anticipating him. Mark (Sam Jaeger) comes into the room. He tells Serena she will be able to’t smoke in there, and he or she asks him if he’s going to cost her with smoking now. She tells them they’re each within the mistaken place – she’s ready to see her lawyer. She clearly doesn’t view both of them as an ally anymore. Mark tells her that her listening to is being moved, and he or she asserts that her rights are being curtailed. Mark asks for persistence and when Fred says he’s not giving him or his spouse a lot selection, Serena angrily tells Fred to not converse for her.
Mark tells them that the delay is due to the airplane load of youngsters that June despatched. Fred writes off the 9 Marthas as apostates – that Gilead is effectively rid of. However the 86 youngsters actually get each their consideration. Serena says the poor households, and Mark factors out that they’re being reunited with their households at that second. I really like this dichotomy that the present interrogates for these first few episodes anyway. Who ARE their households now? And what final injury has been completed to those youngsters? What’s the function of nature versus nurture and the way does this additionally apply to the adults – like June – who’ve additionally undergone an entire transformation?
Fred says it’ll trigger a battle. Mark ought to return the kids as shortly as attainable to their houses. Mark says he’d like nothing higher, however their houses are gone – they usually destroyed them. Serena asks how they did it, and Mark tells her they don’t have all the main points… however they consider it was June. Fred seems troubled and says “Offred. They’re going to search out her. And their going to kill her.” He’s clearly nonetheless obtained emotions for her, however Serena is sort of smiling as she says, “Could God present her mercy.” Serena is clearly being ironic…
In the meantime, the handmaids are on the lookout for a safehouse, wandering by means of winter woods with June getting sicker from her wound. I really like the pictures from above within the present and we see them from above with their crimson capes trying like drops of blood on the snow, transferring by means of the barren bushes which may very well be veins in white pores and skin.
After they get to the farmhouse, there’s alleged to be a lantern out to allow them to understand it’s protected. They’ll’t see it from the place they’re, and June insists that she is going to go nearer as a result of she’s not sending anybody else. She is sort of all the best way into the farmyard earlier than she will be able to see the lantern. David (Samer Salem) meets her and needs her a blessed night. He asks if she’s from Boston and says there was alleged to be extra of them. June holds up her blood-soaked hand to inform them it’s okay. The person asks in the event that they’re okay – after which is she’s okay. As quickly as he tells her that she’s protected, she collapses.
June is delirious because the handmaids deliver her in and begin to have a tendency her. Esther (Mckenna Grace) crouches by her. She’s the Spouse and welcomes her. We hear her say disjointed issues like “I dreamed of you…” The opposite handmaids look involved as a result of they’ll hear all the things she’s saying and it’s fairly clear that she’s disturbed mentally.
The scene shifts to Aunt Lydia (Ann Dowd) showing earlier than the Council. It’s one other lovely shot because the council sits throughout the entrance of the room. We see Lydia from behind, standing within the middle of the shot within the prisoner’s field. She’s framed by two Gilead banners that cling over the Council. The primary shot of her face is surprising. Dowd has misplaced weight and her face is gaunt – however she’s additionally clearly been overwhelmed throughout the 19 days she’s spent with the Eyes. Actually, she corrects Commander Putnam (Stephen Kunken) when he says she was there for two weeks – it was a bit extra… I hoped at this level, that possibly, simply possibly, Aunt Lydia had seen the sunshine and turned towards Gilead… foolish me.
Putnam tells her that she received’t be the topic of additional investigation, however Calhoun (Jonathan Watton) says that she’s not exonerated – the kids had been taken by ladies underneath her care. Lydia says that she’s humbled by their mercy, however she’s additionally clearly indignant after they say that her frailties had been thought of of their judgement. She swallows her anger – and Dowd is great right here as she nearly does it bodily. She seems away earlier than trying up and declaring how empathetic of them. She clearly doesn’t have a lot – or any – respect for them. They inform her to return to her good works. She turns to go, however then Calhoun says, “Handmaids. Sinful whores. Extra hassle than they’re value.” And he or she stops, trying considerate – and right here I used to be actually, actually hoping…
Lydia turns again and agrees with Calhoun however clarifies – “extra mislead than sinful on this case.” She likens June to Delilah – an achieved liar who has lead all of the others astray. She proceeds to berate the Council – June has eluded them for 19 days. Justice can solely be completed when June is hanging on the wall. She tells them to deliver June to her – and a frail girl will sleep higher at evening. She tells them that she leaves them to their “work” – and her disgust is evident within the phrase. She’s clearly bitter an indignant at them – however it additionally turns into clear that she’s additionally nonetheless devoted to her personal work. She holds her head excessive and her again stiff as she leaves the Council.
June wakes in ache. We hear her in voice over. The room is gentle and the main focus blurred. It appears very like the room at Fred and Serena’s. She tells us that she used to consider her physique as an instrument for the accomplishment of her will. To run, choose issues up, make issues occur. There have been limits, however her physique was one together with her. It obeyed her instructions. Principally with out grievance – however not any extra. And may’t most of us relate to that! Now there’s tending to be completed – she tells us how they’ve been treating her. Selfmade penicillin, comfrey and marigold to assist the pores and skin heal. She tells us that she nearly died of sepsis when she arrived and that Janine informed her she was speaking to Hannah. She tells us that ache makes your world very small – and her complete world has been this room. Once more, similar to at Fred and Serena’s. However as we speak, June goes out as a result of her world can’t be small – she has handmaids to take care of. Gilead continues to be on the market – and goes to maintain coming.
June enters the farmyard and sees all of the handmaids – dressed like Marthas as she is herself – fortunately working away at numerous duties. Janine is main a pig into the barn. She calls him Mr Darcy and it’s hilarious! June makes her method throughout the sector to the place Alma is protecting watch. Alma tells her that she will be able to see 6 miles or so to the sting of the farm. She asks June how she is, and June says she looks like shit and there’s some type of pus popping out of the wound… however apart from that she’s nice! Alma is relieved that she’s again and instantly palms the binoculars – and management – to June.
June comes into the home. She hears one thing thumping and follows the noise into one other room. The Commander (Invoice MacDonald) is standing on the window, thumping his cane on the ground. When she needs him a blessed day, he merely seems her method and walks away. There’s clearly one thing not fairly proper about him.
Esther is outdoors smoking when June comes out. She runs to her and throws her arms round her. She’s clearly a baby. Mckenna Grace is a tremendous actor and this can be a fantastic transitional function for her – she’s a baby pressured to be a lady – and Grace can be on that cusp. She doesn’t fairly promote the smoking (glad she hasn’t been training that!), however in any other case this can be a terrific efficiency. Esther is thrilled to see June away from bed and instantly needs to know what the plan is.
Esther tells June that there are drones. June rolls her eyes and says they’d be too distant to see. Esther insists that they’d see all of the Marthas. June factors out that Marthas are engaged on all of the farms within the space. Esther will get impatient after which her temper adjustments on a dime. She’s thrilled that June is there – she’s not afraid in any respect. She needs to harm Gilead, the boys, so badly. June says it’s too harmful to do something proper then. However Esther is impatient. June is Mayday. They DO issues!
June says it’s not truthful. Esther – who she calls Mrs Keyes – shouldn’t should be this courageous. Esther is insulted and I beloved that she holds June’s eyes as her face turns chilly and he or she stands up, declaring that she’s mistress of this home. And June merely says sure ma’am. Esther asks whey she got here there’s she’s not going to do something. She ought to have simply allow them to take her and stalks off. June takes care of her – do all of the wives should be loopy? On this case, after all, there’s ample purpose for it…
Nick (Max Minghella) visits Joseph (Bradley Whitford) in jail. He needs him a blessed day, and I really like Joseph firing again, “Not from the place I sit.” Joseph asks for information, and Nick says he has none that he can share, however he’s there to thank Joseph for his service to Gilead. Joseph clearly is aware of what meaning. There’s been a trial – and Joseph asks how he did. Nick simply thanks him once more, and tells him he’ll obtain extra data tomorrow. Joseph asks how the invasion plans are going, and Nick admits that he’s had no such orders. Joseph asks how he feels about invading Canada. Nick says it’s not his choice, however they should deliver the kids dwelling. Joseph declares it’s a diplomatic alternative – if they’ll persuade the others to let the kids go as an act of fine religion. Nick listens however appears unconvinced till he tells Nick – “It’s June’s legacy.” Nick doesn’t give something away, he simply thanks Joseph for his service once more and leaves.
Janine leads June into the barn forward of two Guardians and Esther to see Mr Darcy. Janine prays with him after which June leads her away. Esther watches, frowning, as June leads Janine away after which watches because the Guardians shot the pig.
Everyone seems to be having fun with the feast that night (truthfully, I’m fairly optimistic you’ll be able to’t slaughter and eat a pig the identical day…). When the pork chops get to Janine, she is upset and passes them on to Alma. Mrs Keyes insists that Janine take one. Janine says no thanks… ma’am. Mrs Keyes tells her to take one – she wouldn’t have needed to kill him in the event that they weren’t there. She tells Janine that life is treasured on a farm. Janine takes a pork chop and takes a giant chew out of it. When she will be able to’t deliver herself to swallow it, Esther tells her to not spit it out after which jumps up, placing her hand over Janine’s mouth. June says “Mrs Keyes.” And frowns at her. She doesn’t increase her voice or say anything, however Esther instantly removes her hand and runs from the room, adopted by June.
The 2 go into the barn, and June tells Esther that she doesn’t need her messing with Janine. Esther has grabbed a knife from the wall. June asks Esther if she is aware of what they make handmaids do, and when Esther says sure, June tells her to point out some compassion and a few respect. June is leaving when Esther shouts after her that the Commander “couldn’t do it.” June turns again with an indignant “excuse me?” Like all indignant mom. However Esther goes on to clarify that when she was first married, the Commander tried – with drugs and pictures – however couldn’t make her pregnant. So then he introduced in different males – Guardians, Eyes, even different Commanders. Esther clearly is aware of what it means to be raped.
June sits down beside Esther and tells her she’s sorry. Esther factors out that wives are handled badly too. June tells her that none of it’s her fault. June tells her that she thinks that God is simply and He’s going to make these males pay for what they did to her. Esther provides June the knife. June takes Esther into her arms and comforts her. She hangs the knife on the wall as she leaves the barn. And right here it looks like there’s some continuity glitch.
June is on the lookout for Alma and desires to know the place she’s been – she ought to have been “managing” Mrs Keyes – whereas June was sick? At the moment? Then June needs to know the place Janine is. Alma is flippant – studying a guide? Getting laid? Having fun with herself? June tells Alma that they aren’t free, and Alma says possibly that is pretty much as good because it will get. June continues to be clearly not effectively. She goes into the barn the place they’re staying. There are individuals dancing – Alma and Janine – as different sing and play devices. Brianna is watching and laughing from the loft, others are gathered round a desk – however all are joyful. The sunshine is diffuse – June watches however doesn’t take part.
Guardians come to gather Joseph from his cell. A door is open and a chair is framed in it. It seems like a dentist’s chair. Nick is ready within the room, which has ceramic tiles and aluminum on the partitions – the higher to wash up blood? I beloved how threatening the whole scene is. Joseph stays cool all through. Nick tells him that he thinks there’s extra that Joseph can do. He’s satisfied the Council to deliver Joseph in as a marketing consultant – on the invasion. Nick tells him – “some males must be lead” – and Joseph declares it “The Tao of June Osborne.” The chair seems to be a barber’s chair.
June goes on the lookout for Esther and finds the knife again within the kitchen. The Commander wanders in as she has it in her hand. He needs her a blessed day and sits down on the desk. He apologizes for not remembering her title. She says Martha. He says there’s one other younger girl on the home, and he doesn’t bear in mind her title both. June tells him Esther, and he remarks that she’s such a fairly lady. June has the knife, and it’s clear that she needs to kill him. He confesses that he’s afraid of her at instances, and June leans in shut as she says he ought to be! They’re interrupted by David, who tells her she’s wanted outdoors. June tells him to stick with the Commander.
The canine are going loopy. Esther has captured one of many Guardians (David Thompson) who raped her. Alma lastly sees what June was speaking about. Esther means that she may have him arrested within the title of her husband. June turns round to suppose, and the Guardian knocks her down making an attempt to flee. We see the handmaids descend on him and it’s completely paying homage to a particicution. June tells them to cease and to take him into the barn.
They cling him up by his palms. Alma lastly admits that she wanted to concentrate to her. June tells Alma it’s not her fault. Esther’s household despatched her there to be raped and handed round – clearly the supply of her trauma and present way of thinking. David is available in and affords to take him to the river and take care of him. June tells him no. David helps her up. She walks calmly as much as the hanging Guardian, and says “Women. This man betrayed his personal nation. The US. He’s a traitor. And this man raped a baby. Repeatedly. The punishment for these crimes is demise.” Her eyes fill with tears.
She turns and walks again to Esther. She tells Esther that she was proper. They’re Mayday. The don’t disguise. They battle. And on this place, all of them battle. She provides Esther the knife. From behind her she leans in and tells Esther, “Make me proud.” Esther says she is going to – and June leaves the barn. It’s like launching a missel.
June retreats to her bed room. She’s clearly in ache. The digital camera zooms in to her face as she lays on the pillow and the music begins once more – this time it’s “(You Make Me Really feel Like) A Pure Girl.” Esther exhibits up, blood protecting her. She asks if it’s okay and crawls into mattress with June – bloody garments and all, and spoons her. She tells June that she loves her and June tells her she loves her too – including an endearment she used with Hannah. Clearly, she’s recognized Esther with what may simply occur to Hannah within the not too distant future. She’s given Esther justice – and he or she’s going to proceed to battle to save lots of Hannah. Which goes to have dire penalties for lots of people.
This was an ideal begin to this season. I’ll be catching up the opposite episodes as shortly as attainable, however I actually need to give them the eye they deserve. This present is so finely crafted that it’s onerous to contextualize all the things that’s occurring till we’re somewhat method into the season and the threads begin to come collectively. Appearing kudos on this episode for SO many! Moss, after all, but additionally Grace, Dowd, Minghella and Whitford. I’m actually excited to see the place the staff of Nick and Joseph may find yourself – will they continue to be allies or flip towards one another? What did you consider this primary episode? Let me know your ideas within the feedback beneath!