The Handmaid's Tale isn't the easiest show to watch on TV every week, but it is a deep, literate series that absolutely demands your attention. Now that the second season has concluded, it's definitely time to do a deep dive on the series and we're here with the tools you need to go in deep on the season.
Re-watch the season in full at SBS On Demand, and also listen to the companion podcast 'Eyes On Gilead' to get some greater context and examination of the episodes with regular panelists Fiona Williams, Natalie Hambley, Haidee Ireland, and Sana Qadar.
Episode One - 'June'
In this first episode, Offred reckons with the consequences of a dangerous decision while haunted by memories from her past and the violent beginnings of Gilead.
Episode Two - 'Unwomen'
Offred adjusts to a new way of life. The arrival of an unexpected person disrupts the Colonies. A family is torn apart by the rise of Gilead.
Fiona, Natalie, and Sana launch the Eyes On Gilead podcast with a discussion of the episodes 'June' and 'Unwomen':
Episode Three - 'Baggage'
Offred reflects on her relationship with her mother as she navigates her way through Gilead. In Little America, Moira tries to cope with the trauma she endured.
Fiona, Natalie, and Sana discuss the episode, followed by a chat with the show's Costume Designer Ane Crabtree:
Episode Four - 'Other Women'
A baby shower provokes a troubling shift in Offred’s relationship with Serena Joy. Offred reckons with the choice she made that led her to become a Handmaid.
Fiona, Natalie, and Sana contemplate the bizarre rituals of Gilead designed to break down and subjugate women, and desperately search for some light in this grim development for our heroine:
Episode Five - 'Seeds'
Offred spirals as a Gilead ceremony disrupts her relationship with Nick. Janine tries to adjust to life in the Colonies, jeopardizing her friendship with Emily.
A creepy wedding dominates the conversation between Fiona, Natalie, and Sana on this week's Eyes On Gilead:
Episode Six - 'First Blood'
Offred finds unexpected allies and obstacles in her search for a way to protect Hannah. The Commander prepares for the dedication of a new Red Center. Nick struggles with his new assignation.
As we learn more about Serena, Fiona, Natalie, and Sana explore their feelings on her and the episode as a whole:
Episode Seven - 'After'
An attack sends shockwaves through both Gilead and Little America. Serena Joy makes a dangerous choice in order to protect her family. Moira searches for someone from her past.
Fiona, Natalie, and Sana work together to analyse the episode:
Episode Eight - 'Women's Work'
A sick baby tests Offred and Serena. Janine finally faces Naomi. The Commander struggles to recover from a terrifying ordeal.
Fiona, Natalie, and Sana discuss the episode:
Episode Nine - 'Smart Power'
The Waterfords embark on a diplomatic trip abroad. Serena faces the temptation of life outside Gilead. Luke and Moira grapple with survivor’s guilt. Offred seeks support from allies.
Join Fiona, Sana, and Natalie as they discuss the diplomatic trip to Canada:
Episode Ten - 'The Last Ceremony'
A frustrated Serena becomes desperate. The Commander tries to make amends with Offred. Nick pushes Eden farther away. Offred is faced with an unexpected reunion.
Fiona, Natalie, and Haidee discuss the episode and also chat with Daina Reid ahead of the two episodes of the show she directed: 'Holly' and 'Postpartum'.
Episode Eleven - 'Holly'
Offred faces a grueling challenge alone as she recalls her life as a mother. Serena Joy and the Commander deal with the fallout of their actions towards Offred.
Fiona, Natalie, and Haidee discuss the episode here:
Episode Twelve - 'Postpartum'
Offred is sent to a familiar place. Nick is rocked by Gilead’s brutal response to a crime. Emily is assigned to a mysterious new house.
After the dramatic turn in the series and we say goodbye to a regular character, Fiona, Natalie, and Haidee are re-joined by Sana as they try to make sense of the episode:
Episode Thirteen - 'The Word'
Serena and the other Wives strive to make change. Emily learns more about her new Commander. Offred faces a difficult decision.
Join Fiona, Natalie, Sana, and Haidee as they process the season finale, going through ALL of their feelings:
Bonus Podcasts
Before the season finale went to air, the Eyes On Gilead team were lucky enough to chat with the TV series showrunner Bruce Miller about the series as a whole:
Straight after the season finale, Eyes On Gilead spoke in person with Aunt Lydia herself, the great character actress Anne Dowd:
You can stream the entire second season of The handmaid's Tale now at .
More at SBS:
Dead Lucky – Episode One recap
