Hulu released the first 3 episodes of season 3 of The Handmaid’s Tale in one drop. The remaining episodes will appear weekly on Wednesdays.
After seeing just how horrible a patriarchal, religious regime can be for women in the first two seasons, season 3 promises hope. To me, that means women will take back their equality.
The first 3 episodes offer several hopeful events. Emily (Alexis Bledel) and the baby make it to Canada after a perilous river crossing. June’s (Elisabeth Moss) baby is safe! Emily and the baby are taken in by June’s husband Luke (O-T Fagbenle) who doesn’t warm to another man’s child quickly. Moira (Samira Wiley) does, however.
The significance of Emily crossing a river at the northern border to escape Gilead while so many need to do the same at the river on our southern border in reality was powerful. The Handmaid’s Tale is full of powerful images, but that was one of the best.
Emily has been as damaged as anyone during her time in Gilead – sent to the Colonies, given a clitorectomy. Once in Canada, she’s slow to contact her wife (Clea DuVall) because of it. But there’s hope in her situation.
Serena Joy (Yvonne Strahovski) is broken hearted that her baby is gone. Speaking as an adoptive parent, I’m sure the grief Serena feels is real. It makes me almost feel sorry for her. But remember, she did agree with June to send the girl away from Gilead.
Serena’s mad as hell about everything. The image up top of June looking furious is matched by a mirror image shot of Serena Joy looking furious. She’s ready to burn it all down – and she does – but it isn’t clear if she’ll be an ally for June.
June goes to live at Commander Lawrence’s (Bradley Whitford). He helped June in season 2, but his behavior is unpredictable. It’s too early to tell if he is really a friend. He doesn’t have June jailed or killed. That’s hopeful.
June is ready to lead the rebellion. She starts taking chances. She’s ready to die to save her older daughter and bring down the Commanders. She dresses as a Martha and goes with them to see how their network of getting news and people out works.
In the real US, women are fighting back by marching in the streets, running for office, and speaking out. June can’t resist in that way. She has to find a way to fight against the situation that works in her fictional world. It will be fascinating and inspiring as season 3 unfolds to watch the fight for freedom from the women of Gilead.
Hope.
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Have you started watching season 3 of The Handmaid’s Tale? What are you hoping for this season?
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