I have been wanting to see more of what the antagonists life was before they went all religious fanatics. This time we get to flesh out Lydia, one of my favorite characters on the show. Turns out she has always had it in her to judge others based on religious scripture. Her judgment on a loving, but very confused mother, she befriends at the school Lydia is working at, is a grim foreshadowing of what is to come at Gilead.
Some are confused by Ofmatthews reaction at the end. To me her character has be suppressing her anger towards Gilead, and the many children she has given away, for way too long. Almost like a person confronted with their addiction (say, of social media), she reacts aggressivly whenever confronted with her suppression, or when she let her unhappiness shine through even in the smallest amounts, and June notices. June has been pushing her buttons relentlessly until finally Ofmatthew snaps and almost sends Aunt Lydia to the beyond. A very explosive, but realistic reaction.
June is not at her finest. Being mean, manipulative and careless. I wonder where the show will take her now.
33 Reviews
Unfit
bobcobb30129 August 2019
Warning: Spoilers
The Aunt Lydia backstory and flashbacks were kind of interesting, but they made her betrayal far too predictable. This was not exactly the kind of quality storytelling via flashbacks you would get from a show like Lost either.
Good, but not great, like this show used to be.
Good, but not great, like this show used to be.
Building up characters
richardmolenschot23 July 2019
Warning: Spoilers
If you love the Handmaids Tale because it gives you insight in how supressed people act in dire circumstances, then don't listen to the critics: this episode is yet another wonderfull chapter in character development. I totally get this season. June loosing it. Serena not willing to give everything up, wanting to believe this new world actually works. And in this episode more insights in Lydia Clements.
Great episode
GoalDigs11 July 2019
I loved this episode, in fact, I've enjoyed this season immensely.
I was so curious about "Aunt Lydia's" life before Gilead and so it was very
intriguing to get a glimpse of that. I also loved all the tension involved with all the handmaids!
I seriously do not get some of the negative feedback lately, is it frustration as people are dying to get to that long awaited culmination as it's so on the edge of your seat viewing each time? I don't know. All I know is that the cinematography, soundtrack, acting is all so captivating and highly entertaining.
Brilliant episode - loved it!!
Critic_For_Life10 July 2019
Excellent dark and harrowing episode!
UniqueParticle11 July 2019
Mostly about Ann Dowd and a very unsettling experience with a woman who basically loses it in a epic way. This season has been on and off especially with how much June (Elizabeth Moss) gets away with so much, she's very creepy once again with her eyes lol. Despite any flaws, I loved this one at least enough for a fair rating!
Heart breaking and amazing episode
fadimerhej10 July 2019
3x08
formotog2 June 2020
Warning: Spoilers
Yeah I dunno about that ending at all. It felt very strange, very forced and very out of nowhere. Why exactly did Ofmatthew snap? I feel like the reason was very very weak, which I guess was that she was overwhelmed? Why she shot Aunt Lydia and not June I have no idea. Honestly it just felt a bit like "well we're done with this character now let's just get rid of her somehow." I feel like the story for this episode especially, but perhaps most of the season, hasn't been up to the standard that was set in the previous seasons. The flashbacks were good, and showed us just enough to see how someone can become someone like Aunt Lydia. The warning signs were there from before. A small part of me couldn't help but think this episode did feel a bit like Emmy bait. I wasn't a massive fan of the whole shame circle thing at the start either. I think this was probably the worst episode of the whole show so far but it was still okay
Low 7
Low 7
Great Episode
XxX_BlueScuba_xXx13 July 2019
I love this episode, the way they are going in to that final rebelion, Offmathew was so good here and June is getting more and more creepy, Aunt Lydia's flashback was what i need it from a long time! it deliver very well. I dont get why people get so mad about the slow pacing of the show, that what makes it good. Also that final moment was so so good.
Again, OST and Cinematography Flawless.
Average
matiasbockerman14 July 2019
I used to love this show, first two seasons are very, very good, some episodes are the best TV entertainment...But this...season have promising start but couple resent episode doesn't go anywhere. I don't judge show just yet, because end of this episode was great;every seven star I give for final minutes and my high expectations that the rest of the episodes are mind blowing.
One thing. I really love Atwoods book. If she decided to write backround story for Aunt Lydia, I dare to say she doesn't like this what showrunners have done. They almost ruined the character? I expect at least more violence....
But there are still hope I really do.
One thing. I really love Atwoods book. If she decided to write backround story for Aunt Lydia, I dare to say she doesn't like this what showrunners have done. They almost ruined the character? I expect at least more violence....
But there are still hope I really do.
Ending was beautiful
ylhameresov-180-23633211 September 2019
Warning: Spoilers
It has the best ending until now. It was so satisfying, creepy, beautiful. I had a tear in my eye and smile on my face, new kind of emotion. And music at the end was on point.
"Que Sera Sera Whatever will be will be The future's not ours to see Que Sera Sera What will be will be"
"Que Sera Sera Whatever will be will be The future's not ours to see Que Sera Sera What will be will be"
Unveiling Tante Lydia
badeclerck29 January 2024
Warning: Spoilers
While I found this episode engaging, it didn't resonate with me as strongly as others, and the primary reason lies in June's behavior, which is nothing short of reprehensible. Her treatment of Ofmatthew is abhorrent, creating a challenging viewing experience.
The episode unfolds in two timelines, with a significant focus on the backstory of Aunt Lydia-a long-awaited revelation. We witness her as a devout schoolteacher, a woman of faith already under the influence of God. In an attempt to help a struggling mother and her child, Lydia extends invitations for dinner and Christmas, forging a connection with the school's headmaster, as advised by the child's mother. However, the story takes a dark turn. Faced with rejection from the headmaster, Lydia retaliates by reporting the child's mother to social services, resulting in the loss of custody for Noelle, the child's mother. This narrative exposes a crucial aspect of Aunt Lydia's character: her ruthless nature when wounded, striking out at the innocent.
In the present timeline, the conflict between June and Ofmatthew takes center stage. June cannot forgive Ofmatthew for exposing the Martha associated with her daughter, leading to the Martha's execution. June subjects Ofmatthew to unrelenting emotional harassment, pushing her to the breaking point. The episode culminates in Ofmatthew injuring Janine, aiming a gun at Aunt Lydia, and ultimately being shot- all consequences of June's actions. Aunt Lydia contemplates reassigning June to a different household, leaving viewers to ponder what repercussions June may face for her behavior. Will Aunt Lydia finally administer a severe punishment, seeking to curb June's insubordination once and for all ?
The episode unfolds in two timelines, with a significant focus on the backstory of Aunt Lydia-a long-awaited revelation. We witness her as a devout schoolteacher, a woman of faith already under the influence of God. In an attempt to help a struggling mother and her child, Lydia extends invitations for dinner and Christmas, forging a connection with the school's headmaster, as advised by the child's mother. However, the story takes a dark turn. Faced with rejection from the headmaster, Lydia retaliates by reporting the child's mother to social services, resulting in the loss of custody for Noelle, the child's mother. This narrative exposes a crucial aspect of Aunt Lydia's character: her ruthless nature when wounded, striking out at the innocent.
In the present timeline, the conflict between June and Ofmatthew takes center stage. June cannot forgive Ofmatthew for exposing the Martha associated with her daughter, leading to the Martha's execution. June subjects Ofmatthew to unrelenting emotional harassment, pushing her to the breaking point. The episode culminates in Ofmatthew injuring Janine, aiming a gun at Aunt Lydia, and ultimately being shot- all consequences of June's actions. Aunt Lydia contemplates reassigning June to a different household, leaving viewers to ponder what repercussions June may face for her behavior. Will Aunt Lydia finally administer a severe punishment, seeking to curb June's insubordination once and for all ?
June
nassyozzy10 July 2019
Warning: Spoilers
I loved the show and June as a character all the way up to the last 10 minutes of season 2 finale. The season finale ended in a way where it made no sense for June to stay, but what bother me more is that from then on she is impervious and rarely faces any consequences for actions that would get others hanged.
The greatest sin to me is how June is just expressionless, and I don't know if she's hiding behind a visage or if she just doesn't care anymore and is this bad ass person. In the end of this episode when everyone in the grocery is scared of getting shot, she's just standing there, she doesn't even flinch.
Still to me this was a good episode because we got to see that Aunt Lydia is a flawed person whose biggest fear is being vulnerable with others, and when she is vulnerable with others and things don't go well, she responds by pushing those people away or hurting them.
The greatest sin to me is how June is just expressionless, and I don't know if she's hiding behind a visage or if she just doesn't care anymore and is this bad ass person. In the end of this episode when everyone in the grocery is scared of getting shot, she's just standing there, she doesn't even flinch.
Still to me this was a good episode because we got to see that Aunt Lydia is a flawed person whose biggest fear is being vulnerable with others, and when she is vulnerable with others and things don't go well, she responds by pushing those people away or hurting them.
Awful
breannegraham10 July 2019
The worst episode yet. I love this series, but they tried to fit too much into this one and it ended up being very scattered, messy, and unfulfilling. The much needed flashback into Aunt Lydia's life before Gilead did not get the time and credit it deserved. The series could've done without this episode and still have been in the same place it left off at in episode 7.
Nice episode
moghaddamalireza14 July 2019
Warning: Spoilers
It is good for us to know about aunt lydia, because she has negative energy for me and i cant accept her as a normal woman! Normal women never try to make a sepration between mother and son! Religon make this woman complicated!
stunning ending
jonathon-champion6 August 2019
Jane is at her all time best and worst at this episode ending. an oscar winning performance simply stunning and terrifying at the same time. worthy of special mention as this blew me away watch the face and details this is acting at it its most sublile and awe inspiring!
Good episode
asertarek-8136312 July 2019
Didn't surprise me
communitygold112 July 2019
Makes no sense
ncoriordan20 July 2019
So Gileads most valuable resource, new born children, are home birthed like something from the 19th century, yet there are fully equipped ICU units in hospitals. This show has so many plot holes and overused stylistic elements that's its getting really annoying to watch.
More Filler
jennfinn12 July 2019
Warning: Spoilers
The only reason I gave this episode five stars was because of the last ten minutes. The rest of it was a snooze fest and like another reviewer mentioned you could skip this episode and you wouldn't actually miss anything. June is slowly turning into the people she hates more than anything. I was so excited to find out about Aunt Lydia's life before Gilead and it was a confusing disappointment. In one scene she befriends a student and his hot mess of a mother, has them over for dinner and Christmas, then she's turning the mother in and the poor kid is put in foster care. Did I miss something ? With each episode my dislike for June grows and I'm rooting for her demise. Also OfMatthew's actions at the end made absolutely no sense and just proves this show is going for shock value.
Is there even a plot?
pmolfacebook12 July 2019
Am I the only one hoping that June would have been shot?
Ziggy196531 July 2019
Warning: Spoilers
Shock and awe! Throw out the story or plot. Just shock and awe people for high ratings.
Ok, Aunt Lydia's flashback was a little interesting. But let's get the timeline straight. The agent is questioning Lydia about the child and getting info on how unfit the mother is. Then we find out that the child has already been taken away. So what was the purpose of the interview from the agent?
June just stands there and has that silly smile on her face while all the other handmaids are doing what they are suppose to do. None of the aunts object.
Another reviewer said it best, children are born at home while they have hospitals they can go to. Ultrasounds are done at the hospital to see how the pregnancy is going so why not do one before the birth to see if there could be any complications?
The security at Gilead is awful! How long did it take for them to respond to OfMathew's outbreak? Slow like the whole story. In fact the security all over is horrible. Handmaids walking down steps in a previous episode bad mouthing Gilead within an ear shot of a Guardian. In the last episode June attacks OfMathew and there is a huge scene. Guardians can be seen on the walls but they don't see anything? Don't get me started on the scene by the school wall!
Used to love the show. Season 1 was awesome! Season 2 ended with a dud. They should not have tried the escape. I would have found the story to be better if Emily had stayed with Lawrence (stabbing Aunt Lydia had no consequence in the story ... more shock and awe!) and June with the Waterford's and the 2 cook up a rebellion, with the help of Lawrence, without the other commanders finding out anything about it. Could have finished the show in 3 seasons. End it on a high.
It's getting so boring
marcerams12 July 2019
Nothing good about this episode
jdjc00114 July 2020
Warning: Spoilers
What an absolutely awful episode. This show has reached a new low that I thought unfathomable.
Aunt Lydia's so-called backstory is incredibly shallow and, quite frankly, extremely misogynistic. I cannot believe that this show calls itself 'feminist' yet goes down the 'Aunt Lydia is just mad because men don't find her desirable' route. What utter trite.
I also have absolutely NO idea what the hell they're trying to do with June.
If they're trying to make the audience hate her, then bravo!
But if they're trying to make her into a multi-faceted antihero, then they have failed miserably.
To see her treat Ofmatthew so appallingly and get away with being a royal pain in the you-know-what YET AGAIN just goes to show that the writers have completely lost track of what Gilead is supposed to be. To see her giving so much attitude and being 'sassy' all the time while other handmaids/Marthas are being hanged feels like a huge slap in the face. The way she orders the other handmaids (bar Janine) to treat Ofmatthew like dirt is so unbelievably juvenile and the way she suddenly takes pleasure in seeing people get hurt/killed is completely shoehorned in for lousy dramatic effect. I can't believe that Atwood would've ever wanted this.
I am gobsmacked to say the least and I only hope this show can somehow manage to salvage what good reputation it has left. Part of me worries that the ego of Elisabeth Moss is to blame considering she's an executive producer but for the writers to just accept this kind of shoddy material is really beyond me.
Aunt Lydia's so-called backstory is incredibly shallow and, quite frankly, extremely misogynistic. I cannot believe that this show calls itself 'feminist' yet goes down the 'Aunt Lydia is just mad because men don't find her desirable' route. What utter trite.
I also have absolutely NO idea what the hell they're trying to do with June.
If they're trying to make the audience hate her, then bravo!
But if they're trying to make her into a multi-faceted antihero, then they have failed miserably.
To see her treat Ofmatthew so appallingly and get away with being a royal pain in the you-know-what YET AGAIN just goes to show that the writers have completely lost track of what Gilead is supposed to be. To see her giving so much attitude and being 'sassy' all the time while other handmaids/Marthas are being hanged feels like a huge slap in the face. The way she orders the other handmaids (bar Janine) to treat Ofmatthew like dirt is so unbelievably juvenile and the way she suddenly takes pleasure in seeing people get hurt/killed is completely shoehorned in for lousy dramatic effect. I can't believe that Atwood would've ever wanted this.
I am gobsmacked to say the least and I only hope this show can somehow manage to salvage what good reputation it has left. Part of me worries that the ego of Elisabeth Moss is to blame considering she's an executive producer but for the writers to just accept this kind of shoddy material is really beyond me.
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
