Eyes On Gilead

We have just watched episode 9 of The Handmaid's Tale season 3, which is called 'Heroic': Confined in a hospital, June’s sanity begins to fray, and an encounter with Serena Joy forces June to reassess her recent actions. We all have complicated feelings about this episode, and about the treatment of the character of Ofmatthew. There is a lot to unpack in this one, so let's get to it.

We have just watched episode 8 of season 3 of The Handmaid’s Tale, which is called 'Unfit'. In this episode: June and the rest of the Handmaids shun Ofmatthew, and both are pushed to their limit at the hands of Aunt Lydia; Aunt Lydia reflects on her life and relationships before the rise of Gilead. We got the Aunt Lydia backstory that we've been craving for almost three seasons. Was it worth waiting for? And let's talk about Ofmatthew's story arc: Natalie has theory, and wonders if we got a tiny glimpse of backstory at Loaves and Fishes. This is a big one. Let's talk it out.

We have just watched episode 7 of The Handmaid's Tale season three, which is called 'Under His Eye'. In this episode: June escalates her risky efforts to find Hannah, and her efforts have tragic consequences; Emily must face her past crimes as the ongoing international diplomatic crisis becomes more complicated; and Serena and Fred contemplate their future in Washington. This is a gruesome episode that shows how efficient Gilead has become at killing people, and boundaries are coming down in the best and worst possible ways. We recap and speculate about what comes next, and feature an interview with the episode's director and show executive producer, Mike Barker, who gives fascinating insight into making The Handmaid's Tale, as he prepares to shoot that creepy tango scene.

Episode 6 of season 3 of The Handmaid's Tale offers a grim glimpse at the future of Gilead, and we need to talk about it. In 'Household': Fred and Serena ramp up their efforts to negotiate for the return of baby Nichole; June and Nick are reunited (but it doesn't feel so good); June makes an important connection as she attempts to protect Nichole; and Aunt Lydia seems rattled by the way they do things in D.C. This week we hear from costume designer Natalie Bronfman, who explains the design behind a nasty new addition to the Handmaid costume. You won't want to miss this episode.

We have just watched episode 5 of season 3 of The Handmaid’s Tale, which is called Unknown Caller: June and Serena grapple with the revelation that Luke is caring for Nichole in Canada, leading to an incident that will have far-reaching ramifications. This episode challenges our opinions about Serena Joy, and we have very different reactions. This is a very big episode with big feelings, and especially for Yvonne Strahovski, who features in an interview about the events of this episode, and what it is like playing Serena Joy in all of her complex glory.

Join Fiona, Natalie, Sana and Haidee as they recap The Handmaid's Tale season 3, episode 4, 'God Bless the Child', in which: June negotiates a truce in the Waterfords’ fractured relationship; Janine oversteps with the Putnam family; and a still-healing Aunt Lydia offers a brutal public punishment. Also, we catch up with Emily in Canada, to see how she is coping - or not - with her trauma and reconnecting with her loved ones. There's a lot going on in this episode, so let's get into it.

It's time to recap the events of The Handmaid's Tale season 3, episode 3, 'Watch Out', which reveals more of the curious character of Commander Lawrence, and his changing attitudes towards the women of his household. Bradley Whitford features in this week's episode* to provide unique insight into what makes the architect of the colonies tick. 'Watch Out' synopsis: June navigates a meeting where she must face both Commander Waterford and Nick. Serena Joy attempts to recuperate at her mother’s home. Lawrence teaches June a hard lesson about the difficult decisions he makes as a Commander. (*Fiona summarises the questions from a pre-recorded group interview she participated in, with Whitford, in February.)

It's the premiere of The Handmaid's tale season three! We have truly been sent good weather. Join Fiona, Natalie, Sana and Haidee as they recap the first two episodes: 'Night' and 'Mary and Martha'. In these episodes: June helps Marthas with a dangerous task while navigating a relationship with her pious and untrustworthy new walking partner; Emily and Luke struggle with their altered circumstances; June navigates a meeting where she must face both Commander Waterford and Nick; Serena Joy attempts to recuperate at her mother’s home; and Lawrence teaches June a hard lesson about the difficult decisions he makes as a Commander. With two episodes to recap, let's get into it.

The blessed day is almost upon us: The premiere of The Handmaid's Tale season 3 on SBS. As we count down the days until the return of everyone's favourite dystopian drama, Fiona reveals some of the guests who will be joining us on Eyes On Gilead this season.

We're all on our best behaviour when Aunt Lydia joins us the show this week! 2017 Emmy winner and 2018 Emmy nominee Ann Dowd reflects on THAT finale, and gives us some exclusive insights into what makes Lydia tick. We're not going to say we get backstory, but we're not NOT going to say that, either. It's our final Eyes on Gilead for a little while, so we look back at our favourite moments of this season of The Handmaid's Tale, and speculate about what to expect when it returns next year.

We have just watched episode 13, which is unlucky for some but mostly for us, because it’s the finale of The Handmaid's Tale! Oh, and it's also not that great for Serena... The death of Eden sheds new light on her character and causes the women of Gilead to consider the legacy they’re leaving for the next generation of Gilead girls. Emily learns more about her new Commander - and Aunt Lydia gets much more than she bargained for when she pays a house call. The Marthas of Gilead have their moment - and we're not crying, you’re crying - and in the final moments of the season, June faces a difficult decision. There's so much to unpack, and we've got a full panel for the occasion.

In a special Eyes on Gilead podcast, Fiona, Haidee, and Natalie interview the showrunner of The Handmaid's Tale, Bruce Miller. He offers some great insights into the thinking that goes into making the show and the challenges they face in making it. Miller is a warm, gracious guest and it is a thrill to present this special conversation.

We have just watched episode 12, which is called "Postpartum". June becomes Offred once more, and negotiates access to Holly. Nick (yes, he's back!) is rocked by Gilead’s brutal response to a crime. Emily is assigned to a mysterious new house. We meet a new character, and we say goodbye to another one in very dramatic circumstances, and yes, those circumstances bring with them another Gilead ritual. We also have some very big news about an upcoming guest on our show.

We have just watched episode 11, which is called Holly. As Serena and Fred deal with the fallout of their actions towards ‘Offred’ and we get a glimpse at the cracks in their facade, June faces a series of grueling challenges, alone, as she recalls her experiences as a mother. The episode culminates in an incredible scene and please just give Elisabeth Moss her Emmy right now.

We have just watched episode 10, which is called The Last Ceremony and you can probably take to have multiple meanings. A false alarm in the baby stakes humiliates Serena, and causes her to punish June and stage a revenge ceremony as a means to bring on the birth. The Commander - belatedly - tries to make amends with 'Offred'. Eden, the sneaky devil, pours her heart out to Nick but gets pushed further away. June is faced with an unexpected reunion. And we end on a cliffhanger, again! We are also joined by Daina Reid, who directs the next episodes and gives us some insights into what makes Aunt Lydia tick.

We have just watched episode 9, 'Smart Power’, and there is so much to unpack. The Waterfords embark on a diplomatic trip abroad. Serena is tempted by the prospect of a life outside Gilead. Luke and Moira grapple with survivor’s guilt. June, nearing her due date, seeks protection for her baby. Nick makes a gesture of love that reignites the fight in our girl June. Talk it out with Fiona, Sana and Natalie.

We have just watched episode 8, which is called “Women’s Work’. This week we with see the pros and cons of the women of Gilead banding together, for a little rule breaking. That has negative consequences for Serena and June when the Commander arrives home recuperated and wants his office back. But it has a positive effect elsewhere in the episode when the women of Gilead, from all social classes, decide the ends justify the means when the life of a baby is at stake.

We discuss episode 7 of The Handmaid's Tale, 'After', which takes place in the immediate aftermath of the violent uprising by a fed-up Handmaid. We make sense of the power struggle, welcome back old friends, and weigh up what a surprise arrangement between June and Serena might mean for June's long-term prospects.

We discuss episode six of The Handmaid's Tale 'First Blood' and the events that lead up to the spectacular finale. It's an episode that has our panellists incredibly conflicted by how she feels about Serena, a woman who has gone through hardship with a genuine humanity, but also the show's villain. Eyes On Gilead is here to help you process how you're feeling... especially after the closing moments of this episode.

We discuss episode 5 of The Handmaid's Tale 'Seeds' and the disturbing baby shower behaviour that took place in this week's installment. The lack of empathy surrounding Offred, her spirits broken after significant setbacks, reverberates deeply as she looks to find her inner June once more. A creepy wedding only further complicates matters.