'The Handmaid's Tale' Recap: 'After'

Written by John Edward Betancourt

THIS IS THE EMERGENCY SPOILER ALERT SYSTEM...YOU ARE ADVISED TO READ AT YOUR OWN RISK...

​It’s rare to find a cliffhanger pop up in the middle of a season for a television series, simply because they’re usually reserved for special moments in the story, like say the midseason or season finale. But some shows have actually managed to master the art of ending a regular run of the mill episode on a stunning moment and one such show that is beginning to shine when it comes to the art of the cliffhanger is The Handmaid’s Tale. Because the ending to last week’s episode, wherein much of Gilead’s leadership was crippled by a suicide bombing attack, was stunning to say the least and ending it on that explosion, left me hungry to know what kind of fallout would follow from such an act and thankfully, this week’s tale, ‘After’, was happy to show us just that.
 
But, before we get too deep into Gilead’s obligatory response, let’s talk about how the show took the time to show us the international response since we caught up with Moira and Luke in Canada because word about the bombing, and the Handmaid’s that died in the act spread north and that left June’s best friend and husband in limbo as they waited to hear if she was okay and well…it gave this duo time to take inventory and for Moira, it gave her time to reflect upon what they’ve all lost thus far. Which made for a beautiful sequence wherein we learned about the girlfriend Moira left behind, and how they met and how Moira even carried a baby to term to make some serious money and really, what made this part of the story so beautiful is the sheer fact that it served as a reminder as to how much everyone in this story has lost, and how important it is for them to cherish everything they have since it may fade away on a moment’s notice. 
 
If anything, this served as a surprisingly uplifting and heartbreaking twist to the story and well, the surprises didn’t end there. But before the next stunner arrived, some things played out as expected, since Gilead’s response was swift and with Commander Waterford, alive, but seriously injured, Commander Cushing took charge of the investigation to find out who was behind the attack on Gilead and it should come as no surprise that his quest for the truth took him to the Waterford home, wherein he pushed June hard for information. Because he saw through the B.S. story that was pitched in regard to her absence and let’s be honest, this was downright terrifying because this man was hell bent on retribution for Gilead, to the point where he was putting suspects down in the street. 
 
His actions meant that June had to act quickly, because Cushing would push and push until he uncovered every traitor in Gilead, meaning Nick was in trouble and in a stunning moment, she managed to inspire Serena to do the right thing for a change and Mrs. Waterford teamed up with Nick to have a few documents drafted for senior leadership, the kind of documents that expose someone for crimes against their country and wouldn’t you know it? Those papers put Commander Cushing in peril, and brought peace and safety to the Waterford home, and well, the story had one last surprise hiding up its sleeve, because that act motivated Serena to do some more good in her husband’s name…and she had June help her out in drafting more documents to signal an end to the police state currently gripping Gilead.
 
So, let me get it out there now, I loved this episode. There was something magnificent about seeing a top official of Gilead quiver and quake at the possibility of rebellion and it was nice to see Serena finally step up and do something worthwhile for a change, and while I still don’t trust her, it’s good to know there’s a sliver of good buried in her soul. Plus, as an added bonus, this episode served as a twisted redemption for Emily and Janine since they were recalled into Handmaid service following the bombing and while the servitude part sucks, at least they won’t die a horrible and slow death. But what matters most, is that Gilead is fractured and that’s a good thing since many a worthless Commander has fallen and while things will likely get rough in the following weeks as Gilead’s leadership fights back, there is a now a giant crack in Gilead’s foundation, and that will likely embolden others to push harder to split it wide open. Until next time.   

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