The Handmaid's Tale (TV Series) God Bless the Child (2019) User Reviews

move the point

[nghiemtran89 · 9/10 · 12 June 2019]

So move the point

June is the real one that pull the strong and behind the curtain

the reunion of Emily's family sooo beautiful and warming

pooe Jeannie

aunt Lydia, she broke

this show doesn't need any action to make you feel nervous, just the story and the acting itself

God Bless the Child

[bobcobb301 · 7/10 · 18 August 2019]

A good follow-up to the last episode and June being more aggressive is certainly what the show needs, but what makes Season 3 different from the first two? That is what we are missing so far and did not get here tonight.

Much better season

[vwvoyager · 8/10 · 8 May 2020]

Four episodes in and am enjoying this season much better than season 2, which dragged. At least things are happening in this season, it was getting stagnant.

10/10 for Emily's scenes

[kitasuccess · 10/10 · 12 August 2019]

Had me blubbering because of how well she acted her scenes with her son.

Tremendous symbolism

[andupaz · 10/10 · 15 June 2019]

In my opinion, one of the best episodes of the show!

The way this episode so subtly conveys powerful messages is amazing! The beginning with an aggressive comparison between different religious rituals, being equivalents in essence; the way June slowly starts to gain power and influence over Fred and Serena; the way Serena is slowly starting to recognize June as an equal by giving her cigarettes in the most mundane way; the way June's partner handmaid is portrayed as ridiculous for being the obedient, oblivious sheep; the way Fred in his handsome suit (coincidence?) perfectly personifies the male arrogance towards women (yet at the same time so dependent); the way when Aunt Lydia beats Janine to the ground everybody was just standing and watching, because apparently she said "unpleasant" things. Spot-on cinematographic and editing critiques. Also I'd like to think of the moment when Aunt Lydia transisions from crying to gasping for air as the moment when she realizes what she's done to the one handmaid that somehow still genuinely liked her. Brilliant acting.

Emily's slow and difficult family reunion was also extremely beautifully performed! The mixed feelings of both perfectly show that a relationship can be much more complicated than portrayed by Hollywood, where lovers usually reunite as if nothing happened, because hey, a reunion should have joyous smiles or joyous tears. When Emily's wife shows the bedroom filled with her pictures/drawings and when the boy casually resumes the Dinosaur story when clearly both of his mothers are crying were touching moments.

All in all, amazing stuff. Some questions come to mind though!

Does Serena know she's being played as part of June's quest to power? Or does she realize this and willingly plays along, because they're (f)empowering each other?

Does Fred really love Serena? Or does he simply need her, mistaking it for love, because otherwise his Commander image might continue to be damaged?

Cheers

Amazingly Done

[NirupamDhakal · 10/10 · 12 June 2019]

Oh my god! How beautiful this episode was. The Handmaid's Tale doesn't fail to amaze me. The best part of the whole episode is Janine, played so beautifully by Madeline Brewer. Then there's Ann Dowd who incorporates this humanness in Aunt Lydia who should be despised but we just can't despise her because Ann Dowd plays her that way.

My favorite part is the dinner scene, You will know when you see the episode. The whole scene is well acted, filled with tension.

And the subplot with Emily reuniting with her family is also very touching.

I just which they'd do a flashback episode for Aunt Lydia and Janine. They are such good characters.

"So move the point"

[UniqueParticle · 10/10 · 13 June 2019]

Excellent episode with great cinematography and a few sad bits! It seems the handmaids are slowly leading to something epic and Ms. Waterford seems to be on the good side now at least unless to some extent. Superbly well done season so far!

Amazing show

[tania_morreale1 · 10/10 · 13 June 2019]

Alma Made me laugh,saying hell om wheels About aunt Lydia,so true

the GREATEST episode EVER!!

[rabeeselmi · 10/10 · 12 June 2019]

June sees her husband and daughter Emily and her family janine and aunt lydia scene!! i cried so hard... such a masterpiece..

Filler episode

[tracybycenski · 6/10 · 12 June 2019]

I feel like this was a filler episode. Like there is no movement happening. We know Serena is a mess, aunt Lydia did what she was told to do which should be no surprise to anyone. There is no real indication of what may or may not occur. The fact that they saw Luke with Nichole doesn't mean much because Canada doesn't agree with gileads ideals. Nothing going to happen there. Will Serena return to Fred, not a major story line. Janine acting out, no surprise. I feel like there is repetition because the stories are flatlining.

Intense

[jwpicton · 8/10 · 28 September 2021]

This episode packs in alot of shifting dynamics; the relationship between Emily and her partner, and June's skilful insertion of herself between Fred and Serena as the peace negotiator. Not to mention her encouragement of Serena's potential. But so intense! (you'll see what I mean)

Fractured Reflections

[badeclerck · 7/10 · 22 January 2024]

In the fourth installment of The Handmaid's Tale Season 3, the narrative takes a compelling turn, offering a nuanced exploration with a distinctly marked dual perspective. On one side, we witness Emily in Canada, delicately navigating the process of rebuilding herself in the aftermath of Gilead's profound impact on her identity. The fragility in her demeanor is palpable, as she grapples with the emotional aftermath of reuniting with her wife and, even more poignantly, her son. For Emily, closeness is a challenge, as the scars of Gilead still run deep. Yet, in a poignant moment, she bridges the emotional gap, reading a story to her son that leads to tears, a symbolic step toward healing.

On the other side, within the confines of Gilead, the society celebrates its newly born children, paying homage not only to the handmaids but also to the commanders who have welcomed a child. The festivities unfold at the Putnam residence, where June encounters Serena, prompting an intriguing dynamic. The nature of Serena and June's relationship remains elusive, a delicate interplay between camaraderie, manipulation, and perhaps a modicum of respect. The complexity intensifies when June, in a conversation with Commander Waterford, subtly encourages granting Serena more liberties. In a surprising turn, Serena reciprocates by revealing the location of June's daughter, Hannah, or at least the school she attends.

This episode also portrays the gradual unraveling of Aunt Lydia, a character who undergoes a profound transformation. Lydia's descent becomes starkly evident when she violently confronts Janine, who seeks reintegration into the Putnam household. The shocking scene leaves everyone in dismay, and June must intervene to shield her friend. Lydia, once a formidable figure, is revealed in a vulnerable state, shedding tears and seemingly losing touch with her own identity.

While the episode may be considered a midpoint in comparison to its predecessors, it stands out as the season's pinnacle in terms of narrative depth and character development. It strikes a delicate balance, weaving together the complexities of post-Gilead life in Canada and the intricate power dynamics within the oppressive regime. This episode is a testament to the show's resilience, delivering a narrative that resonates with emotional depth and captivates the audience's attention.

Disappointed if I'm honest

[bestford · 5/10 · 13 June 2019]

Love this show. This season I'm just not feeling It. Not sure where it's going. Still love June and just watched 3 episodes already I'm kind of done with the aunt Lydia thing now, the story isn't wowing me like it did. If it's leading up to something it needs to get a riggle on, before people lose interest. I'm hoping the rest of the series steps it up a notch.

3x04

[formotog · 8/10 · 1 June 2020]

Another really good episode. We're seeing the start of June's quest for power in Gilead, and I think based on this episode that she really enjoyed the small glimpses of power she was already getting. Orchestrating the Waterford's relationship based on her own personal search for leverage made her feel good. I wonder if maybe she'll go too far and end up abusing her power, or using it for revenge instead of getting out ASAP. Will she try to even get out, or will she try to just end Gilead once and for all? I have a feeling she'll opt for the latter, unsuccessfully. If that's so, I'd assume that's how the show ends so there's a while before that happens. This episode was yet another example of how this show has some of the best character writing I've ever seen, Aunt Lydia being one of them. I can see why people might feel sympathy for her, but in my view she is one of the most relentlessly evil characters I've seen in TV or film. Love to hate her. Such varied and three-dimensional characters everywhere. It really helps to paint such a bleak picture. That contrast with Canada and the flashbacks (which I'd usually not be a fan of but actually think work here) accentuate just how disgusting Gilead is, but we know this already. Emily's scenes with her son were just mesmerising and incredibly emotional. Really, really beautiful, there aren't many shows that could capture that feeling so well

Mid 8

Too artificial

[Leofwine_draca · 4/10 · 26 February 2021]

Another disappointing episode. It seems so artificial, having two characters break off for a conversation and repeating that formula over and over again until the ending credits. There are ways to do a dialogue-focused show in a much fresher and inventive way that doesn't feel repetitive; check out the likes of BREAKING BAD or GAME OF THRONES to see how it's done. This episode ends up with one great scene, the set-piece involving Aunt Lydia, but the rest is merely average.

See this attentively without idolatry feelings

[MidoriAi · 1/10 · 9 April 2022]

Writers want to show Gilead is a place with order and strictness, but I consider it is way choreographic when they go places.

This episode starts with a line of wife, commanders, marthas and handmaids, all walking to the church to attend a baptism, all aligned to the one in front of them. They join with other lines and don't mix or hesitate, it is like opening ceremony of an Olympiad. Surely they rehearsed that a lot.

Moira looks like an actor from the eighties.

I'm more interested in the Emily ark. I pay attention, and stop my embroidery to look at what happens to her. I was waiting for her reunion with wife and son for so long. I remember when I first watched this episode.

She could have had more sequels of her stay in the colonies. After all, it was a place sure to die in with all the contamination.

When she first came to Canada I expected to run to her family, but for some reason, writers wanted her to be more cautious and traumatized. I may not know, really what is like to be in her shoes.. I sure would run to them immediately (more so, having almost zero sequels) I wish the reunion would have showed more feelings, like, actual tears. The moment deserved that.. I see Alexis Bledel having a lack of professionalism. She was never a great actress. The scene where she woke up and find out she was mutilated was not good either, unless she's portraying someone that hides somewhat her feelings and is demure.

She's meeting her son after a myriad of awful things that she went trough, after thinking she was going to die many times.. 5 years passed, and she treat him like it was the son of her lover, or her nephew.. She finally cried, as well as her wife, when story time came on and she was reading to him.

She is still her wife, has a house big enough for her to stay and continue their marriage, but for some reason, Emily said she was returning to the hotel, and the wife said "ok".. nothing more. Didn't get it.

Missis Putnam was grateful for what she did for baby Angela. Camera was pointing to her, so I thought it was Janine, but no, it was our heroine, June.

She's so special, she has the courage to go the other way her handmaid's fellows, and went directly to talk to Serena to see if she could convince her of plotting. I don't think it was something that could be possible on season 1. I bet aunt Lydia would had used the electric prod on her at least.

Serena is still angry at Fred. A finger is something you can't forget. But mind you, she knew the rules and still wanted to remain in Gilead. Don't see why.. this is confusing.

Serena confessing to June, Commander Fred confessing to June, both separately talking to June to resolve their problems, to act like a go in between, like a peacemaker... is that realistic? Characters out of character to make June indispensable. It is not believable whatsoever.

An obviously smart woman as Serena, even tho she's pretty ignorant in other aspects like wanting Gilead in the first place, gets influenced by a handmaid.

June parade herself around wifes with a plotting look and a smirk on her lips. Weird given the fact of how aunt Lydia is, and how strict wives are, makes no sense, but they have to accommodate everything, even if they erase with the elbow what they wrote with the hand, so that things can go writer's way.

Janine is going towards her daughter, but who's there to try to stop her? June. Aunt Lydia hit her with cruelty because she wanted something prohibited, who's there to stop her? June! Of course! Who else? The almighty June. She also screamed to Lydia "NO!!" in front of everyone while she covered Janine with her body to protect her. Consequences? Nop.

Lydia is getting crazy or has regrets? Don't know, we don't know because she never cried or felt bad after a punishment. So yes, another out of character moment to adjust the plot. Many moments like these so she could have an important role on what's happening, instead of going for the obvious route, even tho it doesn't fit well with what's going on.

The fact that Lucas has baby Nicole is absurd, and that he took her into a protest, that even had cameras, with the absolute certainty that Gilead would see the footage.. is incredibly absurd, but hey, they built the whole season 3 based on that.