The Handmaid’s Story “Progress” was written by the staff of Eric Tuchman and Aly Monroe and was as soon as once more directed by Elisabeth Moss (June). The episode offers us some solutions concerning the destiny of Janine (Madeline Brewer) and Esther (Mckenna Grace). Luke (O-T Fagbenle) exhibits simply how badly he needs Hannah again. A number of guests from Gilead arrive in Toronto…
The episode picks up the morning after June has lastly advised Luke the reality about Hannah. The episode begins – as so many others do – with a detailed up of June’s face. She appears devastated. Then we get a detailed up of Luke’s face – he doesn’t look significantly better. Clearly, they haven’t slept. There’s no music and never dialogue earlier than the title card.
June is the primary to talk and says she’s sorry. Luke insists it’s not June’s fault. “They” put Hannah in that scenario – “the fucking animals.” It’s on them. June tells Luke that Hannah is protected again house – Nick (Max Minghella) advised her. Luke doesn’t imagine that Hannah is protected anyplace in Gilead – and he’s not flawed. Extra importantly, “house” is there with them. He insists that they’ve to search out her and convey her house. Luke insists that they will do it collectively. He guarantees her that they will do it, and he reaches throughout the desk and takes her hand. Them speaking over the kitchen desk, bathed within the mild of a brand new day is supposed to distinction with June going to Luke of their bed room the earlier evening – the sunshine of day following the darkish truths of the evening.
Luke exhibits June what he’s tried to date. Luke sits on the sofa whereas June kneels on the ground within the heart of a circle of Luke’s analysis. It mimics the opposite ‘truth-telling’ circles we’ve seen, nevertheless it additionally locations June on the heart of Luke’s efforts. He’ll use her like all the opposite info he has.
Moira (Samira Wiley) involves the door of the lounge and asks why all of the analysis is out. June tells her that she’s advised Luke the whole lot now. Luke says he has a VIP on his facet now, and Moira factors out that June received 83 youngsters out of Gilead – she has energy and will use it. It’s a peace providing after the friction triggered over June primarily hi-jacking Moira’s group.
Luke is already planning a technique. He talks about banging on doorways once more, after which admits that to date no person in Canada has confirmed to be a lot assist. June suggests contacting somebody in Gilead.
June calls Joseph (Bradley Whitford) whereas Luke and Mark (Sam Jaeger) watch. We get one other shut up of June’s face. Now it’s decided. She sits on the sofa with the satellite tv for pc telephone in entrance of her and Luke and Mark dealing with her. Luke appears anxious – however extra excited than anxious. Joseph is his standard mild method, overlaying his eager perception. He says hey June – and hey Canada. He is aware of she’s not alone. He cuts via any small speak and acknowledges that she needs one thing.
She doesn’t attempt to disguise it and asks for his assist in getting Hannah. She insists she’s her mom, and he tells her she’s been nothing however a nightmare to her. She ought to “go away the poor child alone.” June insists that Hannah must be house together with her dad and mom and that nobody will love her as she and Luke do. Joseph tells her that her love cuts folks up – she’s “a fountain of heartache and bother.” He then tells her that Janine is protected and sound on the Purple Middle. Joseph is aware of precisely find out how to damage her – he tells her that Aunt Lydia (Ann Dowd) is there to tuck her in at evening. It does precisely what Joseph wished it to – it devastates June and knocks her off her sport. He is aware of that June considered Janine as her cost; he is aware of about their lengthy historical past.
Mark alerts at June to maneuver the dialogue alongside. June affords to assist with the commerce sanctions. Joseph tells her the Individuals don’t have something to commerce or any energy – he’s not fascinated by what she’s promoting. Mark is disillusioned. He affords to get Hannah if she’ll return 10 of those he took. He is aware of that a few of them are struggling, making you marvel the place he’s getting his info from. Luke and June stare at one another. June is now in agony – however does Luke need her to agree? June tells him that he’s by no means getting these youngsters again. Joseph tells her that the June he is aware of would no less than cut price – perhaps 5 of these youngsters for Hannah. He says she’s gone gentle in Toronto. June, clearly in ache now, says once more that they love Hannah.
At this level, the cameral shifts to the opposite facet of his face, taking him out of the shot by which the solar behind him partly obscures his face. Joseph is clearly moved. She tells him that they’re her household. She tells him that she is aware of he’s a superb man. He’s nonetheless uncovered, so there’s actually nothing he can do with out additional endangering himself. He makes use of her line to tug himself collectively and distance himself emotionally from the scenario. He quotes Flannery O’Connor and says he hears “they’re onerous to search out.” He tells her that he can’t fire up bother now. He tells her that she’s free and to attempt to transfer on. He hangs up earlier than he provides “when you can.” He is aware of how onerous it’s to maneuver on from these you’re keen on. The scene ends on a detailed up of June’s face.
The scene shifts to the Purple Middle. Janine is scrubbing the ground, whereas Aunt Lydia prepares to self-discipline a brand new Handmaid who’s refusing to eat. Janine is shocked when she sees that it’s Esther! Aunt Lydia has clearly set the scene and is clearly in full management once more. When Esther defies her by pushing her breakfast tray away and to the ground, she has two different Aunts take her away once more. She has Janine clear up the mess, telling her that God loves them for his or her labor.
Again in Toronto, Fred (Joseph Fiennes) and Serena (Yvonne Strahovski) open child items – despatched by their new followers, together with a Maple Leafs hockey jersey and a little bit go well with for the ‘future Commander.’ Serena was envisioning a unique child bathe – perhaps the one she had with Nichole? Fred is happy that individuals see their mission as pure and that the newborn evokes them. They’re “beacons of hope.” He offers her a card and tells her to learn it – she bitterly asks if she will be able to now. Nobody’s wanting… Fred admits that he made errors. However individuals are able to hear once more – they’re prepared to listen to her voice once more, and he means that she write one other e-book. It’s a pleasant parallel to the best way Luke is utilizing June to get what he needs – and Aunt Lydia is utilizing Janine…
The following scene is clearly set to imitate the Final Supper – with Aunt Lydia within the heart spot and Janine serving water to the seated Aunts. They’re discussing the issue of Esther. Aunt Ruth (Jeananne Goosen) suggests a feeding tube so malnutrition doesn’t have an effect on her capability to conceive, and Aunt Elizabeth (Edie Inksetter) means that Esther doesn’t want her tongue – making Janine gasp. It appears like Aunt Lydia is being sort when she dismisses Janine from water obligation – however she’s already completed what she wished to. Janine has heard the destiny which will await Esther. Aunt Lydia excuses her by saying she’s attempting. The opposite two remark that she is – and Janine is fruitful. Aunt Lydia can’t preserve her favourite there endlessly – and Aunt Lydia agrees. Aunt Ruth factors out it could be onerous to get her a posting, given Janine’s historical past… No Commander will need her. Aunt Elizabeth suggests sending her to the breeding colonies as per the unique plan, however Aunt Lydia insists Janine is simply too helpful to their district – mentioning Janine’s position in saving her (the Putnam’s) child. I can consider one Commander who would take her, can’t you? Joseph, maybe? Or perhaps even Nick… Aunt Ruth’s closing remark is that particular remedy units a foul precedent. Aunt Lydia pushes her dinner away, clearly having had her urge for food ruined.
Later that evening, Janine brings Aunt Lydia tea, and he or she tells Janine that she is going to take care of her. Janine hesitates, after which tells Aunt Lydia that Esther isn’t as powerful as she appears. She explains that Esther is simply scared after having a extremely onerous life on the farm. She tells Aunt Lydia that she ought to know that Esther was abused by many males. Aunt Lydia appears considerate, unsure what to make of Janine telling her this. She tells Janine that they’ve tried to be affected person however Esther is tough.
Janine turns away from Aunt Lydia at this level, and we solely see her face mirrored in a mirror. She means that Esther must really feel protected. Possibly it might assist if somebody defined what would occur if she didn’t obey – somebody who misplaced a watch, perhaps? Janine turns round to face Aunt Lydia once more as she says that Esther deserves an opportunity earlier than… being mutilated goes unsaid. Aunt Lydia appears considerate – she tells Janine that she’ll put her ‘correction’ on maintain for now – after which means that Esther would possibly profit from Janine’s ‘distinctive’ perspective. Does she remorse having taken Janine’s eye? She tells Janine to take Esther her breakfast within the morning – they will have a little bit chat.
June goes via Luke’s supplies and stumbles upon a polaroid of Hannah. Did Luke not understand that it was his personal daughter? Why is it buried in the remainder of the paper? June is as soon as once more on the sofa be herself. It’s evening. Luke involves the door, interrupting her. He’s introduced her a drink. He’s been excited about the decision with Joseph. June apologizes once more, and Luke interrupts saying that it’s not her fault and that Joseph is “a fucking asshole.” But, we all know that neither Nichole, Emily, or the opposite 83 youngsters would have made it out of Gilead with out his assist.
Luke noticed the toll speaking to Joseph took on June, so it’s clear that he additionally has to know that when he suggests she attempt to get Nick to assist, that can also be going to take an enormous toll on her. He’s uncomfortable when he asks it, and it’s clear that he’ll do something to get Hannah, together with hurting June. I beloved how the digital camera slowly begins to tug in on each characters, guaranteeing that we see their reactions. June is aware of what’s taking place. Luke factors out that Nick is a Commander now – he has entry. June additionally clearly needs to guard Nick. Luke doesn’t care what occurs to him. Luke’s face is tough and unemotional as he presses her. She is emotional as she agrees, and he or she tells him that Nick would do something for her and Nichole – and it’s clear that she realizes that Luke wouldn’t do the identical.
Luke appears down – clearly feeling some disgrace – after which appears again up as he says he doesn’t assume she ought to name. She ought to meet him in particular person – is he suggesting that she ought to do no matter it takes to get his assist? Is he actually pimping her out? He means that they make is protected, someplace protected… June is clearly stunned. She asks – you need me to fulfill up with Nick? Luke laughs and says that he doesn’t need her to fulfill up with Nick however June stated he’d do something and that is their finest probability to get Hannah. He even means that she take Nichole. “How can he say no to you when you convey him his daughter?” Is he suggesting that she commerce Nichole for Hannah?!?! June simply appears at him – a half smile compelled on her face as her eyes fill with tears. He asks what she thinks. She tells him that she thinks that they must attempt the whole lot for Hannah. She’s clearly saying it due to the guilt that she feels. He stands up, kisses her on the brow and pats her again – like a superb canine – and leaves to ‘go wash up.’ June takes care of him, shocked. She’s clearly shocked at what’s simply occurred – and what it reveals about Luke. He clearly does nonetheless blame her for Hannah – and maybe for the whole lot she’s achieved.
Serena is shocked by a go to from Naomi Putnam (Ever Carradine). She tells Serena that she’s been attempting to get to go to for months, however with Serena’s due date approaching, they lastly received permission. Warren (Stephen Kunken) is together with her to see Fred. Serena is clearly not likely pleased to see her. Selena asks about Angela, and Naomi tells her that she’s operating round, studying phrases, and has a little bit of a difficulty with biting… she wonders if it’s genetic, and I really like how the present dovetails again to Janine once more.
Naomi notices the pad of paper the place Selena has been beginning to write her subsequent e-book. Neither says something about it, and Naomi modifications the main target by beginning to unpack the bundle she carried in. It’s a bag stuffed with little knit sweaters – one from every of the ladies. Naomi tells her that they’re all thrilled for her, and Selena says she wasn’t certain after having turned towards Fred. Naomi says they perceive that she did what she needed to do to be with Nichole – and Naomi says if the great Lord blessed Serena with a baby, who’s she to evaluate. After all, Naomi would by no means have achieved something to be with Angela….
Serena tells Naomi that she’s all the time been a superb pal. She did, in spite of everything, help her going to the Council for the ladies. However then Naomi reveals her true function. She tells Serena that if her “ordeal” isn’t over by the point the newborn is born, she and Warren can be honored to boost the newborn of their house. Apparently, she hasn’t met Serena! Serena takes a deep breath – she will be able to’t fly right into a rage or accuse Naomi of blatantly attempting to steal her child as a result of she and Fred might want to dwell someplace in the event that they aren’t sentenced to jail. Naomi tells her that he’s nonetheless be her son… Serena tells her that whereas Fred’s prospects are grim, she expects to be free, as soon as the proceedings are over, to begin a brand new life together with her son. Naomi says that’s fantastic, and Serena can come house as a result of each she and the newborn belong in Gilead. Serena doesn’t imagine the Commanders will really feel the identical means. Naomi tells her that she’ll return together with her personal youngster – like a hero! However Serena isn’t silly. She is aware of she’d be made an instance and Naomi and Warren Putnam would have the son they need.
Whereas Serena and Naomi sit within the chilly, institutional detention room, Fred and Warren sit exterior – and it’s clear that Fiennes is freezing! Warren has introduced him a field of Cuban cigars and tells Fred that each one the Commanders admire how he’s dealt with the scenario. He commends him for staying true to Gilead and God. Fred says that he feels God with him each second – not one thing he can say about Gilead. Warren apologizes for not reaching out sooner. Clearly, the supporters for Fred and Selena are what have actually introduced them out of the woodwork.
Warren tells him that there are plans for retaliation for the youngsters who have been taken, however previous battle horses like them are being put out to pasture – in different phrases, they don’t really feel they want Fred and aren’t listening to Warren. Fred needs to know if there have been any negotiations over him. Fred suggests a prisoner alternate, extra humanitarian help, however Warren says negotiating would solely encourage extra kidnappings! Warren tells him that each one he’s getting is extra ideas and prayers – and Fred is aware of that he’ll get no assist from Gilead.
Janine takes breakfast to Esther, who’s in a room chained to her mattress space – simply as June was when first recaptured when pregnant. Esther is pleased to see Janine. Janine tries to get her to eat earlier than answering her questions. Esther assumes that Janine has stolen the meals from the kitchen. Janine tells her that she and June received to Chicago, however she was relieved when she received caught in Chicago as a result of she was ravenous. Janine is telling herself a narrative as a lot as she’s mendacity to Esther, attempting to persuade herself that the Purple Middle isn’t so unhealthy. Esther tells her that nothing is worse than there. And we all know what she’s lived via… Esther remains to be obsessive about June and desires to know the place she is. Janine tells her to overlook June – they must take care of themselves now; they will’t depend on June. She tells her that there might be penalties if she doesn’t eat for them in addition to for her. Esther realizes that Janine has been despatched – and stops consuming. It’s a pleasant parallel to the scene by which Esther compelled Janine to eat Mr Darcy. It’s additionally additional proof of Janine’s being a superb particular person.
Esther insists that she doesn’t care what the Aunts do to her. And Janine appears at her – together with her ONE eye – and tells her she does. She tells Esther that the Aunts gained’t let her die – they’ll preserve hurting her till she offers in as a result of that’s their job. Grace is just fantastic on this scene. Her eyes fill with tears – clearly terrified behind her bravado. Janine tells her that it’s no massive deal. However we all know that she wished to die. She tells Esther that she must eat in order that she might be there when issues get higher. Janine tells her that she’ll preserve attempting till Esther eats. Then she will be able to inform Aunt Lydia and he or she’ll allow them to go exterior – it’s a very nice day. That is one other signal of Janine’s empathy – she’s seen Esther standing on the finish of her chain, wanting on the window, when she got here in. Janine leaves and Esther is plunged again into darkness. However her face is considerate – she’s seen the sunshine of reality in what Janine simply stated.
Mark and Luke see June off as she goes to fulfill with Nick. Luke has packed a bag with snacks and additional diapers. Mark sends officers to observe her and preserve an ‘eye’ on her. He tells her to maintain it temporary when she will get there. Luke follows her to the automotive. He follows her virtually uncomfortably intently. She tells him to not fear – and he asks how he’s not purported to. Gee. Possibly not suggesting this within the first place? He kisses her and tells her that he’ll be there when she will get house – and the place else would he be? Luke waves good bye to Nichole – and I used to be nonetheless questioning if he didn’t assume she’d be coming again. Would he commerce her for Hannah?
As June drives away, she smiles. Is it ideas of Luke, whom she simply left, or Nick? She arrives at a farmhouse. It’s eerily paying homage to the farmhouse the place she was first allowed to see Hannah. There’s a stupendous shot of June via a paned window, framed as she will get out of the automotive. She places Nichole in a stroller and heads into the home on her personal – with the officers watching from their automotive. June appears for Nick. Her face is in shut up and he or she’s starting to look anxious. Out of focus, Nick might be seen stepping out from between buildings behind her. She closes her eyes in reduction and smiles – the smile within the automotive was for him.
Nick tells her that freedom agrees together with her. The 2 stand exterior – they’re standing far aside – framed by the constructing behind them. June is sporting a crimson coat – you’d assume she’d by no means wish to put on that shade once more! She asks him how issues are moving into Gilead. He tells her “hanging in there,” and he or she jokingly replies “poor selection of phrases.” They each know actual hazard – and may chuckle within the face of it. She thanks him for assembly her, and he thanks her for the invitation. He’s clearly moved by seeing his daughter. June remarks that she’s so much greater, and Nick says she’s a complete completely different particular person – and that’s clearly what he needs for her – to not be trapped by Gilead. June tells him she will be able to’t keep lengthy. He invitations her inside to speak.
As soon as inside, June says she expects he’s curious as to what the assembly is about. She additionally says that she doesn’t wish to put him in any hazard, but when he might get any information about Hannah… however Nick is aware of her as no person else does. He knew she’d preserve wanting, so he’s put collectively a complete file on Hannah. It has her location – AND he has info on “friendlies” within the space – Colorado Springs – that would assist. Nick guarantees to do what he can. June is aware of that he did all of it for her.
Nick sits down within the window beside her, placing his arm round her. The 2 are framed within the window and bathed within the daylight behind them. He tells her that he ought to have run away together with her when he had the prospect. She means that they most likely ought to have gone to that seashore in Hawaii – an attention-grabbing selection – and much from Luke. The 2 kiss. June shakes her head – she is aware of there isn’t any means for them to be collectively. They’re interrupted by Nichole getting stressed. June picks her up and brings her over to him. She tells him that she’s cussed – and he’s not shocked. He’s introduced her a present – a doll from Gilead. He tells her that he loves her – and the three are framed within the window.
Outdoors, Nick and June say good bye – as soon as once more with their heads pressed collectively. Nick tells her to maintain herself protected. She walks away, after which turns as Nick says, “Hey, June. Try to be pleased.” She smiles at him and laughs – as she turns her head, she nonetheless has the Handmaid tag in her ear. She tells him, “Yeah. You too.” Will they ever see one another once more? June drives away. As soon as she’s gone, Nick takes out a marriage ring and places it again on his finger! He’s saved it from June – so as to not damage her? It’s unlikely to be a wedding for love in spite of everything. As she drives off, June smiles, but additionally fights again tears.
Selena and Fred are within the Chapel. They’re each livid at how they’ve been handled. Serena factors out that they might come for his or her son. The state might come for a son with a mom alone. Serena clearly is aware of that Naomi’s invitation to come back again would finish in her being despatched to the colonies or being made a Handmaid. Fred vows to do the whole lot in his energy to guard her. Serena sneers at him – what energy. Fred tells her to have religion.
Again on the Purple Middle, Janine has tamed Esther. She presents her to Aunt Lydia who’s with Aunt Ruth and Aunt Elizabeth. She tells Aunt Lydia that she is grateful to the Lord for the meal she simply had. Aunt Lydia kisses Esther’s head and praises Janine, telling her that they’re fortunate to have her there. Aunt Lydia sends the Handmaids exterior to benefit from the day – and units the Aunts again to work. She appears to be again in type as Joseph wished her.
Luke is sitting on the porch steps when June arrives house that evening. He’s hopeful, nevertheless it’s clear that he additionally is aware of the harm he’s achieved to his relationship with June. He’s put her in peril – whereas nonetheless not likely appreciating that hazard. June sits within the automotive. There’s no speeding into one another’s arms right here.
As Luke appears via the file, it’s Moira sitting beside him on the sofa together with her hand on his shoulder. Mark is there additionally and says he’s pleased for his or her success. June thanks him for making it occur. She is standing in a single doorway to the lounge, whereas Mark is throughout the room within the different. Luke needs to know what occurs subsequent. Moira says they’ve a superb man in Gilead now too to assist. She of all folks must also know the hazard that Nick can be in. Nevertheless, Mark tells them that they now have a brand new asset in Toronto – somebody who is aware of the system… FRED!
June can’t imagine it. Mark tells them that Fred has agreed to share all his information. June needs to know why he’d do it. Mark tells her that Fred had all prices dropped in return. And now Moira is lastly indignant. Luke is indignant too – however for Moira or June or himself? June accuses Mark of realizing that her testimony would spook Fred and utilizing it to flip Fred. Mark tries to elucidate that generally it’s a must to let one fish go to catch different, greater fish. He tells June to convey the brand new info to his workplace within the morning they usually’ll undergo it collectively.
Mark leaves, and it lastly happens to Luke that perhaps he ought to go to June. We get “the” look from June – and he or she goes after Mark, with Luke sizzling on her heels attempting to cease her. June utterly loses it. She begins by saying that Fred is a rapist and Mark is aware of what he did – after which she tries to assault him – the key service and Luke intervene. June’s face turns into virtually animalistic as she screams that she’ll kill him! We get a detailed up of Moss’s face and the episode ends on her screaming: “I’ll kill you!”
As soon as once more, kudos to Moss for an excellent episode – splendidly directed, but additionally splendidly carried out. I can solely think about how exhausted she is after filming. What number of feelings did she undergo on this episode alone? Solely Fred and Serena might have been shocked by Gilead turning towards them – you reap what you sow, proper? In the event you dwell in worry, you deal in worry. What’s going to June do now? Luke will in fact preserve working with Mark as a result of he solely cares about getting Hannah again. What’s going to Janine and Esther do? Esther doesn’t strike me as somebody who will merely give in. I absolutely count on her to observe in June’s footsteps. Theis was an amazing episode – stuffed with some twists that set us up for the final episode of the season! What did you consider the episode? Let me know your ideas within the feedback under!
