The Word

Yvonne Strahovsky derseved the Emmy. Season 2 was better than the first.

The second season of this show continues where the first left off, and it does this in so many ways. In terms of narrative it is immediate, but it is also the high production values and feel of quality that is what strikes as continuing. What doesn't continue is the sense that the source material is still driving the show. I've only read it once and am not precious about such things, but certainly the second season doesn't quite have the same touches as the first. Part of this is understandable, since we were coming into this world as opposed to now being in it, but it is more than that.

The second season does deliver a lot of 'events', it also takes us to physical parts of the world we've not been before, and has more flashbacks and other characters. However too much of this feels like it is done in the pursuit of misery. Of course this is part of the world, but it comes over as the thing the writing is serving rather than being a consequence of it. Due to this, it doesn't really spark as it moves forward, and it has the feel of being in a bit of a rut even if it is moving forward event-wise. The high production standards all help cover this, but it is thin. The cast do a lot to help it, and in particular Moss is as great as usual. There are a few weak links, but Strahovski and a few others are impressive.

As a season I 'appreciated' it. I don't think I loved it or was engaged in the events or the world-building, mostly because it felt like both were occurring so that the show could wallow in its grimness.

This whole season has been frustrating to say the least. There's only so many times attempting to escape and getting caught keeps you on the edge of your seat. Every episode of season 2 is pretty much the same - nothing remotely interesting happens. The finale topped it off, with June's ridiculous, and unrealistic decision.

Also, I'm pretty sure in reality June wouldn't feel sorry in any way shape or form for Serena. She's equally as evil, if not more so as Fred! This whole pitying Serena and trying to appeal to her kind nature is just getting boring to watch.

I'm hoping season 3 is better...much better.

Things just got real good. Kinda want this ep to be an emu contender. This. This episode. What a great season - this one; all the pieces; all the parts. This show really is a masterpiece.

Well, this season has been a true cinematic marvel.

Marvel because 1) the quality of the writing has been dropping precipitously, with plot twists that are hard to swallow and and incongruous character development, all just to keep June in the Waterford Residence and maintain the conflict between her and Serena forever ablaze.

And marvel because 2) the acting, which was already mind-boggling, has become so OUTWORLDLY good that the actresses are capable of pulling off all of the writers' whims with such preternatural ease as to make each and every stupid writer stunt utterly believable. Just look at the number of Emmy nominations the show gets in the supporting actress category!!! (Fyi, my money is on Strahovski this year).

But the ending of the last episode... That ending and everything it implies... I don't think any show can survive the direction The Handmaid's Tale is taking no matter how good the acting, how talented the cast. That last look, after she puts on the hood...: "I'll take take you down, Gilead (with my bare hands). I'm a Jedi, I'm a Superwoman, nothing can touch me." Whaaaat???

I don't think the show will stoop as low as to picture June as a sort of a ninja-like Joan of Arc, but I think this is the general direction we are heading. A lot more like a cartoon, a lot more like Marvel's Universe than the dead serious and utterly believable show of the first season. A waste, really.