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Season 2 – The Handmaid's Tale

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1:38

Apr 2018

Drama

Sci-Fi

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90%

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339 Reviews

83%

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1,000+ Ratings

Based on the best-selling novel by Margaret Atwood, this series is set in Gilead, a totalitarian society in what used to be part of the United States. Gilead is ruled by a fundamentalist regime that treats women as property of the state, and is faced with environmental disasters and a plummeting birth rate. In a desperate attempt to repopulate a devastated world, the few remaining fertile women are forced into sexual servitude. One of these women, Offred, is determined to survive the terrifying world she lives in, and find the daughter that was taken from her.

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Critics Consensus

Beautifully shot but dishearteningly relevant, The Handmaid's Tale centers its sophomore season tightly around its compelling cast of characters, making room for broader social commentary through more intimate lenses.

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Andi Zeisler

Bitch Media

03/05/2021

Far more urgent is its reminder that failing to acknowledge a coming storm is a privilege only for those who know they have the power and resources to weather it. If you need to chase each episode with something cheerier, I'm right there with you.

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Judy Berman

TIME Magazine

12/20/2018

It was mostly an excruciating slog, opening with too many gratuitous scenes of violence against women and culminating in an absurd finale.

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Emily Yahr

Washington Post

12/19/2018

[It was] a disturbing, gory and riveting second season.

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Brian T. Carney

Washington Blade

12/07/2022

The strong ensemble cast continues their flawless work. The writing is outstanding and the cinematography is stunning.

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Poulomi Das

Arré

03/11/2019

The Handmaid's Tale has returned with a searing second season that dwells on how the spirit of Gilead, where women have no control over their bodies, has always been alive in the real world.

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Cate Young

Nylon

03/10/2019

Once again, The Handmaid's Tale ignores the realities of racial history to tell a colourblind story of struggle that erases the contributions of black and brown women.

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Benjamin H

@RT54005248 Nov 23

Hard-hitting and grim, The Handmaid's Tale continues to provide absorbing and thought-provoking television that looks beautiful, has brilliant performances and develops its rich story and interesting characters in great new ways, even though it does have some issues with flow and certain plot threads.

A.L.Jude P

@judebd Jul 27

No doubt, the story sends shivers down the spine, imagining what might happen if religion delves too deeply into life.

Andrei D

@RT74856639 Jun 11

The novelty of the setting dissipates and the narrative sometime doesn't really work, moving either too fast or too slow, never giving characters quite enough space

Lane M

@RT31121284 Jun 3

EXCELLENT SERIES- Gets better and better

Sam G

@RT88876806 May 29

Another wonderful season that follows the themes of Margaret Atwood's work. The only reason why I didn't give a perfect score is because of June deciding to stay in Gilead at the end of the season, but the rest is just incredible.

John W

@RT84374273 May 9

This is an important show to watch, especially if you are female living in the USA at this time, and because Margaret Atwood is a genius. It has many good points but suffers from some common TV tropes of characters doing really, really stupid things seeming only to create drama. Personally I find it difficult to watch because of the over-reliance of closeups on characters' faces for an extended period, characters taking a very, very long time to say something (i.e. dramatic pauses about 10x longer than necessary) and walking very slowly around. All this, when used in moderation, creates dramatic effect when the plot and dialogue is lacking. But over-use is irritating. Nevertheless, I will continue watching. (Because Margaret Atwood is a genius.) But honestly, sometimes it's a chore to get through an episode.

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Bruce Miller

Creator

Elisabeth Moss

Offred

Joseph Fiennes

Commander Waterford

Yvonne Strahovski

Serena Joy

Ann Dowd

Aunt Lydia

Samira Wiley

Moira

Episode 1

Aired Apr 25, 2018

June

Offred reckons with the consequences of a dangerous decision while haunted by memories from her past and the violent beginnings of Gilead.

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Episode 2

Aired Apr 25, 2018

Unwomen

Offred adjusts to a new way of life; the arrival of an unexpected person disrupts the colonies; a family is torn apart by the rise of Gilead.

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Episode 3

Aired May 2, 2018

Baggage

Offred reflects on her relationship with her mother as she navigates her way through Gilead; in Little America, Moira tries to cope with the trauma she endured.

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Episode 4

Aired May 9, 2018

Other Women

A baby shower provokes a troubling shift in Offred's relationship with Serena Joy; Offred reckons with the choice she made that led her to become a Handmaid.

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Episode 5

Aired May 16, 2018

Seeds

Offred spirals as a Gilead ceremony disrupts her relationship with Nick; Janine tries to adjust to life in the colonies, jeopardizing her friendship with Emily.

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Episode 6

Aired May 23, 2018

First Blood

Offred finds unexpected allies and obstacles in her search for a way to protect Hannah; the commander prepares for the dedication of a new Red Center. Nick struggles with his new assignment.

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Episode 7

Aired May 30, 2018

After

In order to protect her family, Serena Joy makes a dangerous choice; Moira searches for someone from her past.

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Episode 8

Aired Jun 6, 2018

Women's Work

A sick baby tests Offred and Serena; Janine finally faces Naomi.

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Episode 9

Aired Jun 13, 2018

Smart Power

The Waterfords embark on a diplomatic trip abroad; Serena faces the temptation of life outside Gilead; Luke and Moira grapple with survivor's guilt; Offred seeks support from allies.

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Episode 10

Aired Jun 20, 2018

The Last Ceremony

A frustrated Serena becomes desperate; the Commander tries to make amends with Offred; Nick pushes Eden farther away; Offred is faced with an unexpected reunion.

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Episode 11

Aired Jun 27, 2018

Holly

Offred faces a grueling challenge alone as she recalls her life as a mother; Serena Joy and the Commander deal with the fallout of their actions toward Offred.

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Episode 12

Aired Jul 4, 2018

Postpartum

Offred is sent to a familiar place; Emily is assigned to a mysterious new house.

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Episode 13

Aired Jul 11, 2018

The Word

Serena and the other wives strive to make change; Emily learns more about her new Commander; Offred faces a difficult decision.

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