Within its borders, Gilead is not as stable as outsiders might believe. Outside the portentous building, aggressive pro-Gilead protestors clash with those calling for the end of its murderous reign. Even the Canadians, swayed by the public outpouring of grief Serena inspired at Fred’s funeral, have agreed to allow the fascist state to establish a “cultural centre” in the urban heart of Ontario. Venezuela is looking to the young nation for guidance on how to establish a handmaid programme of its own. We also get a staggering, disheartening glimpse into how far the ideals of Gilead have penetrated other countries. One wrong move by any asylum-seeker, like hot-headed June, could have a negative impact on the entire community. Moira calls the city an “overcrowded refugee town”. If the episode has a main point, it’s to show us that the situation in Toronto is more fragile than we realised. The circumstances of our characters don’t change as much as their outlooks do. This week’s episode – “Dear Offred” – is a slight one. What used to be a series about prison escape has transformed into a show about political revolution. But with Serena newly installed as Commander Lawrence’s diplomatic puppet in Toronto and June and Luke inching toward something that looks like romantic reconciliation, this is where the show lives now. It feels strange to spend so much time outside of Gilead on The Handmaid’s Tale.
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