The episode is about two main characters : Serena Joy and Commander Lawrence ..two founders of Gilead that June is trying to recruit as her allies. If she succeeds, it will be the frist step towards the end. I know that people find the series to be too "slow" but I personally enjoy every moment of it. So many memorable scenes already like the house burning or Emily being applauded at the hospital.
16 Reviews
Useful
bobcobb30118 August 2019
Warning: Spoilers
Giving two powerful actors like Elisabeth Moss and Bradley Whitford time to showcase the emotions of their characters was a smart move. It led to an impactful and memorable episode and a strong way to usher in the third season.
Welcome Change of Pace
ComradWinston4 July 2019
This episode disposes with the plain black and white moralizing, finally punishing the protagonist's shallow boldness with what should be an easy ethical question. It also exemplifies how Commander Lawrence is by far the best addition to the show, adding a flair and unpredictability to the stale distopia that is Gilead.
"How tempting it is to invent a humanity for anyone at all"
samuel_bns9 June 2019
This episode had me gripped from start till the end. I want to applaud whoever wrote the script, as the dialogues between the characters are engaging and intelligent; some lines gave me shivers, making me want more. All this would be useless without the brilliant delivery by the talented actors who have great chemistry. Namely, I love the interactions between Ofjoseph and Lawrence, and Serena with Ofjoseph. The characters develop, and they're not what they used to be in the first season. That keeps the show interesting, and I'm very curious where it goes. Combine that with beautiful music, cinematography, and symbolism and you get a masterpiece that the Handmaid's Tale is.
3x03
formotog1 June 2020
Warning: Spoilers
Excellent episode. First of all the scene where Lawrence made June get the Darwin book was just exceptional. Acting and tension was just brilliant. Furthermore, the dynamic between the two characters throughout the episode was so refreshing and already Lawrence has really proved himself to be an extremely intriguing, three-dimensional character with amazing dialogue. The dynamics with Fred and Nick were also really well done and it's sad to see Nick go but it looks like that might be it for him. Serena's handling I'm less of a fan of. June seems to have forgiven her but I'm very much in the 'you get what you deserve you evil woman' camp. At the moment she just seems to be wallowing about and not doing much else. The episode as a whole felt like it really set the season up nicely, more so than the previous two episodes. Definitely looking forward to the rest of the season
High 8
High 8
Nick and June are so sweet together
u-77608-616991 June 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Nick and June are so cute togehter <3 He's so freaking hot and I literally can't take my eyes off him lol. I particularly like how the director filmed the part when Nick stormed out of the room but chose to stay outside silently, knowing that she would come out of that door. As June opened the door sneakily she found her love standing against the wall waiting for her. Instead of filming a passionate scene with kissing and crying the director let her grab his hand as she stook inside the room pressing her body against the wall. And clicking sound they made when she grabbed him inside and locked the door just sent the the entire scene to another level of romance.
Best tv show in past year
matiasbockerman8 June 2019
This three episodes opening of the Handmaids tale was very impressive. I have read the book where first season based on.
Absolutely loved both seasons and Handmaids tale is in my top 10 list what becomes tv series.
Second season is even better than season one: it developes in every way, and in final episodes series manage to be epic. Plots, characters, enrivoiment, layers, hierarcies in politacal or "street" level are very well build up.
I don't know what to expect in following season.
I have doubt's but not anymore..intensive, bloodcurdling twisted atmosphere is near almost every minute and only that keep viewer an edge of seat.
Every characters are phenomenal, but Elisabeth Moss did so good performance (by far) I ask only this: is there anybody female actor at the moment who are that good?
She has multiple ways to express how he feels. It amazez me how she can - without speaking single word - tell not only shes eyes but every inch her face is like a mirror her feelings. And when he speaks: I absolutely love those inner dialogues and conflict between those words and the way she actually speakes. He had endless ways to say what she had go say. He don't repeat herself, he has Fresh thoughts witch make me think.
And in very first episode was visually stunning, beautifully shooted and music and every soundedit or music were perfectly made. This was BIG. Now it's going to be Huge.
Off topic: I follow emmy, golden globe and oscar galas every year. To me it is important who wins or get nom. As we all know first season got multiple wins. Second season didn't, cause of thrones, westworld or the rest decent shows. But this. There are few shows who deserves more attention..I doub't Daredevil season three and Punisher season two doesn't get there. That is wrong. And disricpectful. The very best are Better call saul, the last kingdom The Haunting of the Hill house, Chrernobyl, Cobra kai 2, After Life, the act and couple first episodes on thrones. Hopefully dinklage don't get political win like he did last year. Hopefully Moss walk Emilia clarkes over in galanight. If this keep this great level of storytelling going, this is the very best series entire year.
And in very first episode was visually stunning, beautifully shooted and music and every soundedit or music were perfectly made. This was BIG. Now it's going to be Huge.
Off topic: I follow emmy, golden globe and oscar galas every year. To me it is important who wins or get nom. As we all know first season got multiple wins. Second season didn't, cause of thrones, westworld or the rest decent shows. But this. There are few shows who deserves more attention..I doub't Daredevil season three and Punisher season two doesn't get there. That is wrong. And disricpectful. The very best are Better call saul, the last kingdom The Haunting of the Hill house, Chrernobyl, Cobra kai 2, After Life, the act and couple first episodes on thrones. Hopefully dinklage don't get political win like he did last year. Hopefully Moss walk Emilia clarkes over in galanight. If this keep this great level of storytelling going, this is the very best series entire year.
The Balance
lirmihn24 November 2022
Warning: Spoilers
I'm rewatching from the very beginning before diving into season 5, so I've seen this episode 3 times now. Some viewers find it more filler than substance it seem. But what I see is why I continue to love this series.
June in all her Of-iterations & Serena Joy continue to be diametrically opposed, then come together. It frustrated me once, I was caught in a simple June good Serena despicable loop from being overwhelmed by the first season.
Now this episode reminds me that neither woman is perfect; June can be transactional (Commander Lawrence) & Serena Joy still has quite an intellect despite having subverted herself for Fred. (An aside, don't think I'll ever be able to watch Finnes again without a knee jerk projectile vomit response. He played his part far too well.) Serena reflects on her husband willingly and self-righteously beating & mutilating her, June is given the opportunity* to save five women.
While it seems there are not as many story points here, this episode bolsters the where-with-all of several characters with some great reminders that even in Gilead, it's rarely black & white.
June in all her Of-iterations & Serena Joy continue to be diametrically opposed, then come together. It frustrated me once, I was caught in a simple June good Serena despicable loop from being overwhelmed by the first season.
Now this episode reminds me that neither woman is perfect; June can be transactional (Commander Lawrence) & Serena Joy still has quite an intellect despite having subverted herself for Fred. (An aside, don't think I'll ever be able to watch Finnes again without a knee jerk projectile vomit response. He played his part far too well.) Serena reflects on her husband willingly and self-righteously beating & mutilating her, June is given the opportunity* to save five women.
While it seems there are not as many story points here, this episode bolsters the where-with-all of several characters with some great reminders that even in Gilead, it's rarely black & white.
It is quite obvious that this series is losing steam...
ericfranco6 June 2019
It is falling into the crevice all successful TV series have. And this is, that the show writers do not know how and when to end it.
We have fallen into an unnecessary circular drama with nothing moving it ahead. This last episode seems stale and with out merit.
My take is that the show runners show really pick up the pace and get to it. We don't want another "Game of Thrones" or "The Walking Dead" ridicule.
We have fallen into an unnecessary circular drama with nothing moving it ahead. This last episode seems stale and with out merit.
My take is that the show runners show really pick up the pace and get to it. We don't want another "Game of Thrones" or "The Walking Dead" ridicule.
Power Play and Redemption
badeclerck18 January 2024
Warning: Spoilers
In the third episode of The Handmaid's Tale's third season, the narrative takes a captivating turn as it explores the dynamics within the Lawrence household and delves into Serena's struggle for redemption.
The tension within Commander Lawrence's residence becomes palpable as he subjects his Marthas and his Handmaid, June, to a psychological power play. Lawrence's calculated maneuvers heighten the unease, creating an atmosphere charged with uncertainty. A gathering of Commanders at Lawrence's home unveils significant changes in Gilead's power structure, with Nick, June's former lover, elevated to the rank of a Commander, while Commander Waterford faces a demotion. June's attempt to extract information from Waterford proves futile, revealing the complexities of the shifting political landscape.
The episode unfolds Serena's journey as she seeks solace at her parents' home, grappling with the aftermath of recent events and the heart-wrenching decision to send her daughter away. However, her mother forces her to confront the consequences of her choices, compelling Serena to reckon with her own culpability.
Back at the Lawrence residence, a tense exchange between June and the Commander leads to an unexpected outing. Lawrence takes June to a warehouse where women destined for the colonies are stored. In a pivotal moment, June is presented with the opportunity to save five women from this grim fate, a choice that adds another layer to her complex character. The decision not to intervene speaks to the intricate moral calculus June navigates in her quest for rebellion.
Upon returning home, June encounters Nick, who reveals his impending departure for Chicago, adding another loss to June's list of personal tragedies. Undeterred, June seizes a moment with Serena, attempting to manipulate her through the fragile connection with her daughter. This aspect of June's character, using others' vulnerabilities for manipulation, raises ethical questions and adds a layer of moral complexity to the narrative.
As the episode unfolds, June successfully persuades Serena to assist in freeing five women marked for the colonies. These women, now potential allies in the resistance, exemplify June's strategic cunning, highlighting her ability to leverage the weaknesses of others for a greater cause.
In this episode, The Handmaid's Tale masterfully navigates themes of power, redemption, and the intricate dance of morality within the oppressive world of Gilead.
The tension within Commander Lawrence's residence becomes palpable as he subjects his Marthas and his Handmaid, June, to a psychological power play. Lawrence's calculated maneuvers heighten the unease, creating an atmosphere charged with uncertainty. A gathering of Commanders at Lawrence's home unveils significant changes in Gilead's power structure, with Nick, June's former lover, elevated to the rank of a Commander, while Commander Waterford faces a demotion. June's attempt to extract information from Waterford proves futile, revealing the complexities of the shifting political landscape.
The episode unfolds Serena's journey as she seeks solace at her parents' home, grappling with the aftermath of recent events and the heart-wrenching decision to send her daughter away. However, her mother forces her to confront the consequences of her choices, compelling Serena to reckon with her own culpability.
Back at the Lawrence residence, a tense exchange between June and the Commander leads to an unexpected outing. Lawrence takes June to a warehouse where women destined for the colonies are stored. In a pivotal moment, June is presented with the opportunity to save five women from this grim fate, a choice that adds another layer to her complex character. The decision not to intervene speaks to the intricate moral calculus June navigates in her quest for rebellion.
Upon returning home, June encounters Nick, who reveals his impending departure for Chicago, adding another loss to June's list of personal tragedies. Undeterred, June seizes a moment with Serena, attempting to manipulate her through the fragile connection with her daughter. This aspect of June's character, using others' vulnerabilities for manipulation, raises ethical questions and adds a layer of moral complexity to the narrative.
As the episode unfolds, June successfully persuades Serena to assist in freeing five women marked for the colonies. These women, now potential allies in the resistance, exemplify June's strategic cunning, highlighting her ability to leverage the weaknesses of others for a greater cause.
In this episode, The Handmaid's Tale masterfully navigates themes of power, redemption, and the intricate dance of morality within the oppressive world of Gilead.
Beyond Ridiculous!
paul-571-90122513 June 2019
Know this is supposed to be based around a dystopian future, but come on! This show is a shadow of the first season. Even my wife, who has been a real fan, is starting to raise her eyebrows and express her incredulity at how far off track the writers are taking us.
File Under Hero Complex in Dictionary
ttgttg30 April 2021
Warning: Spoilers
We get it - June is invincible and everyone else is expendable. So far, June staying behind in Gilead is turning out to be nothing more than an ego boost instead of being about getting Hannah back and burning the place down. The only thing getting burned down is the number of handmaids as so many are sacrificed so that June survives. This latest episode reminds us of the constant contradiction of how valuable the handmaids are until they try to escape, only to be shot in the back. The Fred and Serena storyline is showing some potential with the revelation of her pregnancy. Other than that, the show is not making any progress.
More interesting than entertaining
Leofwine_draca25 February 2021
Warning: Spoilers
An interesting episode, but more interesting than entertaining. Some of it rings hollow, like all of the green screen stuff with Serena literally sitting on the edge of a stormy ocean without even a single strand of hair blowing out of place. The discussion between Offred and her new commander is much more interesting and filmed in such a way that you feel like it's a piece of theatre work, with projected voices and everything else.
Really??
MidoriAi8 April 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Music: awful.
Was she really angry at Nick because she couldn't get her out?? Really?? You had your chance, and writers have another excuse to keep on grinding.
Serena: Boring times. She cry on the beach, walking into the sea like Alfonsina Storni. Too melodramatic. She also had a chance to have a new life, to even have children if she wanted and have the opportunity... but nop, she also stayed. Many want to leave but we see our protagonist staying.
Way better plot if Serena and June would have eloped to Canada. No imagination whatsoever.
June and her looks, her hero capacity to convince everyone and plot anything... and of course, coming unscathed while others get the gallow.
Unbelievable.
This TV show deserved just one season. The rest is pure "nop" but I have to pass time and I already downloaded this season, I might as well come here to talk about it.
I think it is overrated a lot!
Was she really angry at Nick because she couldn't get her out?? Really?? You had your chance, and writers have another excuse to keep on grinding.
Serena: Boring times. She cry on the beach, walking into the sea like Alfonsina Storni. Too melodramatic. She also had a chance to have a new life, to even have children if she wanted and have the opportunity... but nop, she also stayed. Many want to leave but we see our protagonist staying.
Way better plot if Serena and June would have eloped to Canada. No imagination whatsoever.
June and her looks, her hero capacity to convince everyone and plot anything... and of course, coming unscathed while others get the gallow.
Unbelievable.
This TV show deserved just one season. The rest is pure "nop" but I have to pass time and I already downloaded this season, I might as well come here to talk about it.
I think it is overrated a lot!
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