Summary
The hit series returns for a fifth outing, which is just as good as it has ever been. The filmmaking is flawless in every department, producing top-quality performances and some impressive world-building, while the emotive battle between June and Serena makes for gripping TV.
TV shows normally fall apart as soon as they divert from their source material, but The Handmaid’s Tale seems to be the exception to this trend. Its fascinating storylines continue to build upon the original season, which focused squarely on the 1985 novel of the same name. The novel’s author, Margaret Atwood, is even on hand as a consulting producer to keep the show’s top-quality authenticity as we delve into the fifth season.
This series has consistently crafted a realistic, lived-in world for viewers to fully immerse themselves in over the years. It feels believable and, let’s be honest here, scarily plausible.
The Handmaid’s Tale Remains Raw and Ruthless
So, where do we find June Osborne (Elisabeth Moss) in the fifth season’s premiere? Well, the rebellious heroine has just killed her tormentor, Fred Waterford, who was one of Gilead’s founding fathers and a villain of the highest caliber. She returns to her new home in Canada, where she is greeted by her husband Luke, baby Nicole, and best friend Moira, with Fred’s blood still evident all over her skin.
In a daze, she lets the dried blood stay there, plastered across her body and clothes, as she goes about her business. The aftermath of her murderous actions weighs heavily on her mind, and she struggles with a debilitating case of untreated PTSD. Next, she sets her sights on her next nemesis, Fred’s wife, Serena Waterford (Yvonne Strahovski).
Serena is currently mourning the death of her husband whilst pregnant with his baby and, all the while, attempting to secure her safe release from political imprisonment. She’s a calculated and manipulative foe who wants her own bloody revenge.
Season five focuses mainly on the long-distance war between these two formidable women. June versus Serena will surely be one hell of a showdown. June has an unparalleled legacy behind her, symbolizing hope in a dystopian world, yet Serena has the mite of the Gilead army on her side. Both enemies hit each other where it hurts, whilst the High Commanders fear for their own lives now Fred is gone. June has clearly hit a nerve and needs to be stopped at all costs.
The series flits back and forth between Serena’s political scheming and June’s gutsy, brazen attacks. There is also time to explore those much-loved handmaids that have been left behind in dear, old Gilead. Aunt Lydia is back, and we find the religious nut mentoring the downtrodden Janine (Madeline Brewer) and her new friend, the rebellious teenager Esther (Mckenna Grace), who is making sure they are ready for their next assignment.
This subplot works as a stark reminder that there are still people out there suffering in this war-torn nation. The Commanders are as creepy as ever, and Janine’s own storyline will really pull at your heartstrings this season.
The Handmaid’s Tale is as raw and ruthless as ever, yet it also produces some spine-tingling moments of realization and an emotional depth that grips you, never letting go.
The series is expertly directed, with Elisabeth Moss leading by example with the opening two installments. The writing is subtle and smart, aimed at hitting you in the gut. These are characters that we have emotionally invested in over the years and can’t help but care about. The creators capitalize on this, yet it never feels manipulative or trite. This is top-notch filmmaking that somehow still feels fresh and timely after all these years.
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