Eyes On Gilead

The Handmaid's Tale showrunner, executive producer, and friend of the podcast, returns to Eyes On Gilead to reflect upon all of the events of Season 5 of the show. Now that we know what we know, he doesn't have to hold back! This is a must-listen for all fans of The Handmaid's Tale. What now for June? And Serena? And what did we glean about Hannah this season? There is an obvious spoiler alert for listeners: you must be up to date with all episodes of The Handmaid's Tale season five.

We have just watched episode 10 of season 5 of The Handmaid’s Tale. The finale! This episode is called 'Safe' and it was written by Bruce Miller, and directed by Elisabeth Moss: Under threat, June must find a way to keep herself and her family safe from Gilead and its supporters in Toronto. This episode gives us so many character moments to wrap up for the season. Settle in for (over)analysis and predictions! Don't forget to tell us your own thoughts and theories. Use the hashtag #EyesOnGilead (Find us at: @anythingbutfifi / @NatalieHambly / @HaideeIreland / @Sana_Qadar)

As we wait for the finale of The Handmaid's Tale season 5, Fiona and Sana meet Stephen Kunken, whom we all know and loathe as Commander Warren Putnam. Stephen jumps into our Zoom room for a great chat to discuss the joys and the challenges of playing the villainous Commander in Gilead (and that's saying something). He also shares the backstory he invented for his character all of those years ago. It's a must-listen for all fans of The Handmaid's Tale. We couldn't let the passing of such a memorable character go without incident! Tell us what you make of it by using the the hashtag #EyesOnGilead (Find us at: @anythingbutfifi / @Sana_Qadar)

We have just watched episode 9 of season 5 of The Handmaid’s Tale (this cannot be the penultimate episode of the season). It’s called 'Allegiance' and it was written by Eric Tuchman and directed by Bradley Whitford (perhaps you've heard of him): June and Luke prepare for a rescue mission. Serena experiments with new tactics to have it all. There's so much to discuss within this episode, let's get to work. Don't forget to tell us your own thoughts and theories. Use the hashtag #EyesOnGilead (Find us at: @anythingbutfifi / @NatalieHambly / @HaideeIreland / @Sana_Qadar)

We have just watched episode 8 of season 5 of The Handmaid’s Tale. This season is going too fast. This episode is called 'Motherland' and it was written by Yahlin Chang, and directed by Natalia Leite: June (Elisabeth Moss) receives an extremely tempting offer from a surprise visitor. Meanwhile, Serena Joy (Yvonne Strahovski) finally hits rock bottom and begins a desperate search for allies…any allies. This episode gives us so much of that world-building that we know and love, and some revealing moments into Lawrence. Join us for a deep dive and some wild predictions. Don't forget to tell us your own thoughts and theories. Use the hashtag #EyesOnGilead (Find us at: @anythingbutfifi / @NatalieHambly / @HaideeIreland / @Sana_Qadar)

We have just watched episode 7 of season 5 of The Handmaid’s Tale. It's called "No Man's Land" and it was written by Rachel Shukert and directed by Natalia Leite: "Alone and isolated, June and Serena must labour together for both to survive." (Wink). There are multiple call backs to previous episodes, and previous encounters between June and Serena. DO YOU UNDERSTAND US?! This episode touches on so many items on our season 5 checklist! We need the debrief, how about you? Tell us your own reactions and theories on Twitter. Use the hashtag #EyesOnGilead (Find us at: @anythingbutfifi / @NatalieHambly / @HaideeIreland / @Sana_Qadar)

We have just watched episode 6 of season 5 of The Handmaid’s Tale. It's called "Together" and it was written by Katherine Collins and directed by Eva Vives: June teaches Luke the basics of survival. Serena tests the hospitality of The Wheelers. And Aunt Lydia makes a surprising discovery. It's a big one this week and we need the debrief, how about you? Tell us your own responses and theories on Twitter at #EyesOnGilead (Find us at: @anythingbutfifi / @NatalieHambly / @HaideeIreland / @Sana_Qadar)

We have just watched episode 5 of season 5 of The Handmaid’s Tale. It's called “Fairytale” and it was written by J. Holtham and directed by Eva Vives: June and Luke venture into unfamiliar territory in search of information. Serena gets to know her new hosts. There is SO much going on in this episode, and with Luke playing such a large role, we need to talk it out with O-T Fagbenle. Stay to the end to listen to the valuable insights of the one and only Luke Bankole. Tell us your own responses and theories on Twitter at #EyesOnGilead (Find us at: @anythingbutfifi / @NatalieHambly / @HaideeIreland / @Sana_Qadar)

We have just watched episode 4 of season 5 of The Handmaid’s Tale. It's called 'Dear Offred' and it was written by Jacey Heldrich and directed by Dana Gonzalez. June works to overcome her violent instincts. Meanwhile Serena settles into her new role in Toronto, and Aunt Lydia helps Janine with her recovery. Let's get to work dissecting every moment of this episode, from the subtle differences between ecru and eggshell, to our relief at seeing Luke and June's sexy times. Tell us your own responses and theories on Twitter at #EyesOnGilead (Find us at: @anythingbutfifi / @NatalieHambly / @HaideeIreland / @Sana_Qadar)

We're back with a bonus interview: We speak to Madeline Brewer, aka Janine LIndo, aka the most empathetic person in Gilead. "Poor Janine" but lucky us! We have so many questions about where we find Janine at this early point of season 5 of The Handmaid's Tale. Madeline's insights into how she plays Janine are essential listening for any fan of The Handmaid's Tale. (Note: make sure you've seen episodes 501 - 503 before listening, as we divulge plot details. Catch up at SBS On Demand).

We have just watched episode 3 of season 5 of The Handmaid’s Tale. It's called 'Border' and it was written by Aly Monroe and directed by Dana Gonzalez. June (Elisabeth Moss) and Moira (Samira Wiley) journey to the border to send a message. Meanwhile Serena Joy (Yvonne Strahovski) attends a dinner party at the Lawrence house, and Aunt Lydia (Ann Dowd) prays for Janine’s (Madeline Brewer) recovery. Let's get to work dissecting every moment of this episode, shall we? Tell us your own theories on Twitter at #EyesOnGilead (Find us at: @anythingbutfifi / @NatalieHambly / @HaideeIreland / @Sana_Qadar)

We're back with a bonus episode, as we jump into the Zoom room with Sam Jaeger. That's right, Agent Mark Tuello himself is here to give us unique insight into the enigmatic representative of what's left of America.

And we're off and running with season 5 of The Handmaid's Tale! We have just watched episode two, which is called 'Ballet'. It is written by Nina Fiore and John Herrera / Directed by Elisabeth Moss. June (Elisabeth Moss) and Luke (O-T Fagbenle) attend a ballet, and Serena (Yvonne Strahovski) says her final goodbye to her husband, Fred. Meanwhile, Janine (Madeline Brewer) and Esther (Mckenna Grace) accompany Aunt Lydia (Ann Dowd) to a gathering at the Putnam house. All of our problematic faves are in this one, let's get to work dissecting every delicious detail, shall we? Tell us your own theories on Twitter at #EyesOnGilead (Find us at: @anythingbutfifi / @NatalieHambly / @HaideeIreland / @Sana_Qadar)

We're back!! We're here to recap the premiere episode of season 5 of The Handmaid's Tale, which is called 'Morning'. It is written by Bruce Miller and directed by Elisabeth Moss: In the powerful Season 5 premiere, June (Elisabeth Moss) struggles as she considers her next move after killing Commander Waterford. Meanwhile, Serena Joy (Yvonne Strahovski) is left reeling after the death of her husband. We cannot wait to get stuck into the details of this episode with you. Tell us your own theories on Twitter at #EyesOnGilead (Find us at: @anythingbutfifi / @NatalieHambly / @HaideeIreland / @Sana_Qadar)

The wait is almost over. The first episodes of The Handmaid's Tale season 5 will premiere in Australia on SBS and at SBS On Demand on Thursday 15 September. So you know what that means: Eyes On Gilead is coming back to talk it out after every episode. Join Fiona, Natalie, Haidee and Sana as they dive deep, recapping every episode of The Handmaid’s Tale's long-awaited fifth season. They will dive deep, and speak to the show's stars and the creators, for unique insights into how The Handmaid's Tale comes to life. As soon as the new episodes of The Handmaid’s Tale season 5 premiere in Australia, the Eyes On Gilead team will have a recap ready for you. See you on 15 September and until then, as always, don’t let the bastards grind you down.

It's 2021 Emmy Awards season and we're back with another bonus episode, interviewing some of The Handmaid's Tale's incredible nominees. Today we invite Mckenna Grace into the Zoom room, or you may know her best as Mrs Esther Keyes. At 15, McKenna is the youngest nominee for Outstanding Guest Actress In A Drama Series. Mckenna talks of the sense of responsibility she feels to do justice to Esther's story; how she shot the salvaging scene in episode 401 'Pigs'; what the future holds for Esther and Janine; and her biggest fear during the season 4 COVID-19 shutdown: a growth spurt. We also talk about her upcoming star turn in the much-postponed 'Ghostbusters: Afterlife'. You can rewatch the box set of The Handmaid's Tale season 4 at SBS On Demand. Stay in touch on Twitter at #EyesOnGilead (Find us at: @anythingbutfifi / @NatalieHambly / @HaideeIreland / @Sana_Qadar)

It's 2021 Emmy Awards season and we're back with another bonus episode, interviewing some of The Handmaid's Tale's incredible nominees. Today we jump back into the Zoom room with The Handmaid's Tale's composer Adam Taylor. Adam gives us insights into how he creates the iconic sounds of The Handmaid's Tale. He talks through the process of creating a score for particular scenes of the show, with special attention to episode 403, 'The Crossing', which landed Adam a 2021 Emmy nomination. There is so much in here for fans of the show. You can rewatch the box set of season 4 at SBS On Demand. Stay in touch on Twitter at #EyesOnGilead (Find us at: @anythingbutfifi / @NatalieHambly / @HaideeIreland / @Sana_Qadar)

It's 2021 Emmy Awards season and we're back with another bonus episode, interviewing some of The Handmaid's Tale's incredible nominees. Today we jump back into the Zoom room with The Handmaid's Tale's head of the makeup department, Burton LeBlanc. He's been there since the beginning, so Burton has fascinating hindsight about the evolution of the 'look' of the characters, from flashbacks, to Gilead, to Jezebels, to Canada. If you're a fan of the show, there's so much in here for you. Burton is Emmy nominated for Season 4 premiere episode, 'Pigs', which offers a lot of scope - and a lot of blood. You can rewatch the box set of season 4 at SBS On Demand. Stay in touch on Twitter at #EyesOnGilead (Find us at: @anythingbutfifi / @NatalieHambly / @HaideeIreland / @Sana_Qadar)

It's 2021 Emmy Awards season and we're back with some bonus episodes, interviewing some of The Handmaid's Tale's incredible nominees. Today we jump back into the Zoom room with season 4 costume designer Debra Hanson (a past winner for her seminal work on Schitt's Creek). Debra offers absolutely fascinating insights into the thought processes behind the costumes across this season. The turmeric prison uniform! Skivvy man! And the risk she took with an outfit for Fred. There are so many delicious details, fans of The Handmaid's Tale won't want to miss it. You can rewatch the box set of season 4 at SBS On Demand. Stay in touch on Twitter at #EyesOnGilead (Find us at: @anythingbutfifi / @NatalieHambly / @HaideeIreland / @Sana_Qadar)

Director Liz Garbus joins the Eyes On Gilead Zoom room to unpack the detail of the Handmaid's Tale season 4 finale, 'Wilderness' (410). The acclaimed documentary filmmaker gives us insights into how her body of work about the justice system, and stories of survivors, came into play for The Handmaid's Tale. Plus, she gives fascinating insights into the all-night shoot in the woods. A must-listen for all Handmaid's Tale fans. Stay in touch on Twitter at #EyesOnGilead (Find us at: @anythingbutfifi / @NatalieHambly / @HaideeIreland / @Sana_Qadar)