The Handmaid’s Tale 2.9 FAQ
What’s it called?
“Smart Power.”
What says Hulu?
“Offred seeks support from allies, and The Waterfords weigh their options during a trip abroad”
How does this episode start?
“This could be an AirBNB,” observes June. “Not a great one.”
Is Serena butthurt over the way Gilead treats women?
I see what you did there. There is flinching. And consideration.
Does Fred Waterford inform Canada that resistance is futile?
“Border security is still on the table. Maybe even extradition of illegal immigrants.”
Did the explosion turn Fred Waterford into a dick, or was he always that way?
I vote the latter.
What’s doing with Emily/Ofglen and Janine/Ofwarren?
Emily is wholly absent this week. Janine foolishly lives in hope of seeing her daughter Charlotte again.
Does this episode offer flashbacks?
None that I remember.
Does this episode offer visits to Little America?
Yes. June’s husband watches the Waterfords’ televised arrival in Toronto.
The big news?
The Canadians lack awareness.
What else is Hulu not telling us?
We learn Honolulu is still part of the United States, but perhaps not California.
What’s great?
“Owners are super-polite but creepy as fuck. Some ritualized rape required.” “He’s a fucking war criminal.” “Suck my dick!!” “We’ll get the next one.” “In one hour.” “I’m afraid I didn’t pack for the beach.” “I thought you already did.” “I need her to have someone kind in her life.” “That boy downstairs is maybe 20 years old.” “There’s a lot of misinformation out there.” “This could go boom.” “We believe the women.” “Our former position is no longer sustainable.” Offred’s “reduced circumstances” monologue. The deputy associate minister for immigration. The cigarettes. The matches.
What’s not so great?
This episode is 12 pounds of greatness in a 10-pound bag.
How does it end, spoiler boy?
“But fuck that.” Then a 2016 Rihanna recording.
11:59 p.m. Tuesday. Hulu.
