The Handmaid’s Tale “Allegiance” was written by Eric Tuchman and directed by the present’s personal Bradley Whitford (Lawrence)! This is barely Whitford’s second time behind the digital camera – the primary was on Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip – however he does a terrific job, avoiding flashy methods or selections which can be usually the signal of a beginner. In addition, he delivers a shocking efficiency. Events are positively escalating on this penultimate episode of the season, and I’m already dreading the time that we should await the subsequent and closing sixth season.
As the episode opens, June (Elisabeth Moss) and Luke (O-T Fagbenle) are strolling via an plane hanger with Tuello (Sam Jaeger), and he’s briefing them on the raid. I imply, did anybody assume that this one going to work? They are solely taking 30 ladies from the college – solely these taken from their households. They are launched to Commander Vance (Brendan Morgan). June tells him its unimaginable what he’s doing, however he’s filled with admiration for all of the unimaginable issues that she’s finished. He is aware of all about Hannah (Jordana Blake) – and Tuello explains it’s an elite squad they usually do their homework. June is anxious about how afraid the ladies can be. Vance reassures her by telling her that he has a daughter of his personal the identical age. His plan is to convey them dwelling and go dwelling to his personal daughter. And you knew proper then that the entire thing was doomed.
Tuello tells them that he’ll be watching a dwell feed from the Consulate. June and Luke insist that they are going to be there – they should watch it with him. Tuello tries to say that not one of the different households can be there, and June factors out that not one of the different households introduced him the intel to make it occur. I cherished the shot right here of June and Luke holding arms, framed by the hanger door, bathed in mild with the American flag over their head. It’s so hopeful… and but doomed. There’s additionally a terrific shot of the 2 within the automobile in sluggish movement – you see the bushes and sky mirrored on Luke’s window and him take June’s hand as she seems to be out her window, hopefully as much as the sky. Then the shot pans out to the inevitable crane shot – and the terrific musical theme takes over. I hardly ever say how a lot I like the rating however Adam Taylor has created an exquisite and haunting soundscape for the collection.
Serena (Yvonne Strahovski) is having one other picture session – this time with Noah and Alanis (Genevieve Angelson) calling all of the pictures. Its for a portrait to hold on the Centre. Serena means that it could be more practical for her and Noah to be there in individual to greet donors and supporters… Alanis is appalled that she would expose Noah to all these germs! Serena factors out that she was despatched there as a consultant of the Republic, and Alanis tells her that she’s there “under their protection” AND that her husband (Lucas Neff) doesn’t reply to these Commanders! So that’s an fascinating little wrinkle that Serena could possibly sue to her benefit.
When Noah begins crying, the Nanny (Dorothy A Atabong) interrupts to say the newborn is hungry – and clearly to rescue Serena. Alanis tells her that Serena wants to start out pumping once more – which can imply much less time she will get to spend with the newborn. Serena tells her it will likely be much less complicated for the newborn to only breastfeed for now, and Alanis solutions MY good boy received’t get confused! She has no disgrace in claiming the newborn! Alanis tells her to pump for subsequent time. Serena steps as much as her about to inform her off, after which remembers what June instructed her, and meekly tells her she’ll do it.
I cherished the “proposal” scene! It is simply delightfully awkward! Aunt Lydia (Ann Dowd) is there and Lawrence is clearly not comfortable – however he’s decided to haven’t any weak spots, and as Aunt Lydia factors out he’s doing the suitable factor to be a “true leader in Gilead.” Mrs Putnam (Ever Carradine) clearly has no thought why she is there. She is aware of she is totally weak with out a husband. When Lawrence begins by saying that the latest “incident” along with her husband has left her with a younger little one and no husband, she freaks out and begs to not be despatched to the colonies! The energy dynamic on this scene is evident as Lawrence sits whereas Aunt Lydia – who presumably got here up with this concept (to assist Janine’s (Madeleine Brewer) little one?) – stands beside him. Naomi stands on the different finish of the room like a naughty little one introduced there for punishment, so you possibly can see her confusion…
Both Aunt Lydia and Lawrence make astonished faces and noises, and Lawrence goes as far as to inform her that she deserves a medal for having put up with Putnam – and he’s not mistaken! Naomi perks up on the point out of a reward – and Lawrence qualifies (modestly?) of a kind. Aunt Lydia explains that she will’t be a widow with a younger little one and stay in her home. Naomi assumes she should transfer to a smaller home – or a apartment can be advantageous… Lawrence factors out they aren’t her realtors. Aunt Lydia means that Lawrence spit it out. He tells her it’s a quid professional quo – she wants a husband and he must reveal conventional Gilead values… OMG! Has there each been a worse marriage proposal on this planet? (And belief me, mine was fairly naked bones – however even it was higher than this!)
Lawrence tells her she will transfer in with the child – and Aunt Lydia clarifies it will likely be a sanctified union as his spouse, and Naomi lastly realizes it’s a wedding proposal! She asks if she has selection – and Lawrence says “that’s hurtful.” Aunt Lydia says in fact she does. Lawrence tells her it’s only a suggestion and to consider it earlier than he beats a hasty retreat again to his work. It was nice to see Carradine get extra to do. Aunt Lydia tells her to consider it however to contemplate her scenario and his stature. Naomi factors out that Lawrence had her husband killed in entrance of her, and Aunt Lydia says he’s prepared to miss that – and she or he ought to too. I cherished that you can see Lawrence standing virtually out of sight, clearly listening from the opposite room and never working… He’s clearly not comfy with the entire thought.
Serena is placing pumped milk within the fridge late at evening, and this felt fully like June’s nighttime wanderings on the Waterfords’. Serena takes the chance to speak to Wheeler. He’s working alone in the lounge however tells her to return in. She tells him she hoped for a second alone with him, and hilariously – and deadpan – he asks if she’s going to shoot him! It’s additionally not humorous as he is aware of that he has full management over her. She debases herself once more by apologizing for Ezra and thanking him for taking her and her child into their dwelling. He tells her that the BABY deserves a secure house. Serena activates the appeal, flattering him, telling him she is aware of he’s engaged on the opening for tomorrow and that Gilead may have used him within the early days “to avoid all those missteps.” He tells her dwell and study. She tells him that she thinks he’s the way forward for Gilead – he is aware of precisely what she’s doing and says he’s buttered up – what does she need? Serena tells him that the thought for the Centre was hers and it’s what she’s meant to do. He tells her it’s a pleasant pitch and he’ll think about it. He dismisses her “praise be” – he’s clearly NOT into the spiritual underpinings.
Tuello welcomes June and Luke into the command centre the place they will watch the planes closing in on the college. There’s a terrific shot of June’s face wanting up on the screens – a shot we’ve seen so usually.
We then swap to the Wife School. The ladies all have particular person, lace lined tents – hardly personal – in a circle round a central pedestal the place an aunt sits maintaining watch. I cherished the cuts between June and Hannah. June is wanting up, and Hannah is supposed to be praying. Hannah brings out an image ebook – clearly the one variety she will have in Gilead, however inside it, is a fantastically drawn ring of flowers. She pulls out a pencil and writes her title!!!!!! We reduce to June saying “you’re coming home.” And that is actually the primary indication that Hannah remembers, and probably does need to come dwelling. She is extra her mom’s daughter her than we’ve ever seen her. I cherished the cuts as June appeared up and Hannah appeared down – as if taking a look at one another.
Naturally, the mission goes south. Vance and all of the others are killed as a result of Gilead knew they have been coming. Tuello leads with the truth that the ladies are secure, however he’s clearly shaken by the lack of the boys. June and Luke are shocked. Tuello leaves them to name the opposite households.
The subsequent day, again on the home, June solutions a name from Lawrence, and this scene is simply breathtaking. Lawrence begins by saying he’s sorry. He’s been making an attempt to keep away from bloodshed. He additionally tells her that the Americans have been invading his nation. The ladies are residents of Gilead. He’s calling to inform her that she will nonetheless come to New Bethlehem, and she will’t perceive why he’d nonetheless let her try this. He tells her that Hannah is a logo – and it’s telling that he by no means calls her Agnes. After final evening, it could be much more efficient if June – who’s additionally a logo – got here. He tells her that she will even be near Nick (Max Minghella) who may even be there. And she is aware of what he’s doing. Lawrence tells her that he thinks it’s an excellent deal and she or he ought to take it. But he has one situation – she has to go public and say that the American mission was a mistake. June refuses to make Gilead the sufferer. She tells him that Gilead is an evil nation.
Lawrence tells her that he’s making an attempt to repair it from the within. June tells him that he’s nonetheless part of it, and it’s even worse as a result of she is aware of that he is aware of higher! And this clearly hits dwelling with him. He tells her that he’s doing what he can – step-by-step as he promised Eleanor. And then June goes calm – Moss is ideal right here. She lashes out to wound Lawrence and she or he is aware of precisely what his most weak spot is: Eleanor. June tells him that Eleanor hated him (not true) and couldn’t stand the sight of him. June tells him that she was so damaged that the person that she cherished had finished this stuff that she’d quite be lifeless. Whitford’s response to this information seems to be like precise bodily ache and is sensible. He can’t even converse. June tells him that she watched her die – and did nothing.
And Lawrence tells her that he knew she had one thing to do with it. And I believe that is going to show to be an enormous mistake on June’s half. Lawrence, nonetheless, tells her that Eleanor would nonetheless need him to assist her with Hannah. He tells her once more to return again, and June sobs she desires her child there. Safe and free. He tells her that it’s by no means going to occur – and shaking June hangs up throws the telephone down. She then rips aside the backyard that she’s fastidiously cultivated – and all of the sudden all of the plant/flower imagery comes collectively – Hannah’s image, Serena/Alanis’ greenhouse dialog… Luke comes out and pulls her off the backyard and comforts her.
The nanny and Serena are placing Noah within the automobile – Wheeler gave permission for her to go. Alanis comes out of the home and in response to Serena’s “Blessed Day, MRS Wheeler” she slaps her exhausting throughout the face twice. I cherished that the primary slap was caught within the mirror as a result of it mirrors what Serena has finished to June. The Nanny merely seems to be down. And we’ve got seen that the Wheeler’s servants all look like Black, proper? Alanis is livid that she snuck down in the midst of the evening to talk to her husband – who does she assume she is? Serena tells her that she’s MRS Frederick Waterford. And Alanis tells her that she’s only a whore to her! And she’s coming along with her.
June goes to see Tuello, who’s clearly devasted. June tells him the Gilead was at all times one step forward of them. She tells him about Lawrence’s name and that she’s finished with him. June tells them that they honor these troopers by not stopping. She desires to know what’s subsequent. He asks if she’s additionally finished with Nick – and tells her concerning the deal he supplied him that Nick turned down. Nick can be their inside man however ultimately there with immunity. Tuello sees Nick as the identical form of image as Lawrence sees June. Tuello factors out that she can be a logo and will put her energy to make use of. She tells him she doesn’t really feel comfy doing that, and he doesn’t push her. He affords to set a gathering with Nick and June agrees.
At the Centre, Serena is once more surrounded by girls, and Serena spouts the Gilead line. She was in a position to conceive as a result of Gilead’s insurance policies AND a devotion to God. She suggests in the event that they comply with the identical path, they is also blessed with a baby. The Wheelers interrupt Serena, and Alanis tells her that the motive force will take her dwelling now. Alanis tells her that the individuals are there to see Noah, so she’ll take her and Serena can go dwelling to relaxation. Serena appears to agree – she is sort of drained. But she has to nurse him earlier than she leaves. Alanis tells her that she’ll simply use the bottle, however Serena didn’t convey one and Alanis is pissed! The Nanny steps as much as save Serena and says it’s her fault one didn’t get packed. I cherished the little alternate between Ryan and Alanis – she tells Serena to not take to lengthy, and Ryan smiles and says that’s as much as little Noah – the smile falls off his face as Alanis glares at him. Honestly, you possibly can see why nobody would need to be married to her! Serena thanks him for letting her be part of the day – she’s very grateful. The Nanny has a quiet spot within the again for Serena to nurse in. Alanis plasters a faux smile on her face, and I cherished the just about eyeroll we get from Ryan…
As she walks to the again, Serena clearly is aware of that is her one likelihood. They undergo to the again, and the Nanny offers her privateness when she asks. I believe she knew precisely what she was doing. Serena hesitates solely a second earlier than bursting via the door – which, in fact, is alarmed. She tries to flag down a automobile and an SUV lastly stops. The girl (Lovina Yavari) driving has purple hair and piercings – positively not Gilead materials! For anybody who’s learn The Testaments, my speedy thought was that this was the Nicole from the ebook! Serena lies down within the again and tells her to only drive.
June meets with Nick at a distant farmhouse. Nick tells her that he needs she’d say sure to Lawrence, and she or he says she wished he’d stated sure to Tuello. He says he’s married now, and she or he factors out that she has Luke and Nicole. She tells him that he may convey Rose (Carey Cox), however he tells her that Rose’s father (Jason Butler Harner) is a prime Commander there and she or he’s comfortable. June doesn’t consider any girl may very well be comfortable in Gilead. And we all know that she’s probably not comfortable and is bother about who Nick may flip into. June says what occurs after they concern him a handmaid to have a child – and he tells her that Rose is pregnant. Moss is fabulous right here as so many feelings cross her face. It softens, she is aware of (or thinks) he’s moved on. He tells her that Gilead is altering – “they” are making it higher – and June picks up that he’s moved up on this planet. He tells her that he has to do what’s greatest for his household. She tells him she desires what’s greatest for each their households.
The two transfer nearer collectively, however don’t contact. She says to him – playfully – ‘well, this is a fine mess’ and he responds that the world is. She needs that the world would simply go away – it’s clear that they’d each prefer to be collectively, nevertheless it’s more and more unimaginable. He tells her that it’s going to be exhausting for them to fulfill, and she or he tells him that she doesn’t need to make bother for him. Nick asks June to inform Nicole that he loves her and misses her, and June says in fact. June notes that he has to drive himself – and he says he’s not fancy sufficient but to warrant a driver. They inform one another that they love one another – and June tells Nick that youngsters look to their fathers: set an instance. June smiles, cries, and nods to herself as Nick drives away. Does she settle for that this chapter is now closed?
Back at Lawrence’s there’s a feast. Everyone – Naomi, Mrs Calhoun (Vanessa Burns), and Mrs Mackenzie (Amy Landecker) are all cooing over the pregnant Rose. Aunt Lydia is there too – and Mrs Calhoun proves to be a bitch by asking if Aunts at the moment are on the visitor record – and later suggesting that Rose’s child could have “genetic” points as a result of Rose’s personal! Naomi speaks up for Aunt Lydia, saying that she is there as her chaperone at Lawrence’s request.
Meanwhile the boys collect within the den. Mackenzie says that the Americans now see that Gilead will defend their borders – and kids. Mackenzie makes noises about God – clearly some of the fervent spiritual nutbags left. The different Commanders additionally remark that China, Russia, and North Korea all congratulated them. They’re enjoying with the massive boys now! Lawrence feedback “any club that would have me as a member…” I cherished the present calling out all the different repressive regimes! Especially contemplating Whitford’s personal politics. Nick stifles a smile however says nothing.
As Lawrence declares it a win and goes to depart the room, Mackenzie factors out that June remains to be inflicting bother and must be handled. Lawrence says it’s price contemplating however retains strolling. The males pair up with their wives, and I LOVED the refined alternate between Naomi and Lawrence. He pauses in entrance of her. She offers an virtually imperceptible nod and he replies with the tiniest trace of a smile. She’s accepted. Mackenzie toasts Lawrence, who replies that he likes to defy expectations. Mackenzie says he’s actually one in every of them now – reward be. And Lawrence rabbits again reward be – Nick toasts him, however they each know what’s actually happening.
The closing scene is a vigil for the misplaced troopers. The crowd mourning is surrounded by yelling protestors telling them to go dwelling. Tuello leads the mourners. They convey Vance’s daughter Emma (Mercedez Gutierrez) as much as do the pledge of allegiance. When the kid falters – and it’s no accident that she reminds us of a younger Hannah – June asks the widow (Jahnelle Jones) if she may also help. She goes up and kneels beside her, saying it along with her and the gang joins in. As they get to “liberty and justice” pictures ring out – June falls on prime of Emma to guard her. Is this going to be the straw that forces June’s hand to depart Canada and settle for Lawrence’s provide?
Whitford does an excellent job directing this episode – and delivers an unimaginable efficiency as effectively. It’s exhausting to consider there is only one extra episode! We are positively going to have plenty of balls within the air. Will Naomi and Lawrence have an enormous wedding ceremony? Will they be getting a handmaid? Will they get Esther’s child? What goes to occur to Serena and the newborn? Will June take Lawrence’s provide in spite of everything? Will Hannah be married this season? Is this actually the tip for Nick and June? What did you consider the episode? What are you hoping for within the finale? Let me know your ideas within the feedback under!
