‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ Recap: ‘Mayday’

Written by John Edward Betancourt 

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

When we think of anyone in particular, our boss, our parents, the sports heroes we grew up idolizing, we only think about their accomplishments, about the finished product if you will. We don’t think about the hours our boss put in to receive their promotion, or the courtship our parents went through and the discussions they had about having us. Nor do we think about how many minutes of practice and film study it took for our favorite quarterback to win the Super Bowl, and we don’t ponder upon those things simply because, we often only worry about what’s right in front of us. It’s not a bad thing by any means, because it means we are living in the moment, but sometimes it is important to reflect upon the journey that brings people to an important place in their lives.
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If anything, that particular line of thinking is on my mind today, because it applies to The Handmaid’s Tale. For last night’s season three finale, ‘Mayday’, finally put the pieces together for this series, and allowed for us to understand that every trial and harrowing moment that June Osborne has faced in this series, was designed to show us the genesis of a genuine heroine, and to help us understand what drives someone to finally say enough and stand up and fight for a good and just cause when it seems as though the odds are against them. Because in this tale, June finally became the heroine this series has been sorely missing since she finally pushed ahead, in bold fashion, to get the kids out of Gilead and back toward a better life, and of course, her final transformation into this role, came about in the most difficult ways imaginable.

But, before we get too deep into that particular journey, we need to take a moment to talk about how the series continues to reward its fans for sticking by it through those difficult times. Because up in Canada, a haggard and exhausted and terrified Fred Waterford, finally pulled a power play of his own, confessing what happened in the Waterford home when it comes to June, putting Serena on the hot seat at last. Because Mister Tuello ended her amnesty and her forthcoming freedom by arresting her for her crimes against humanity and it was just delightful to see both the Waterfords receive their just desserts for the horrible things they’ve done and I do hope we get to see them deal with the fallout of their cruelty in season four since they have so much to answer for. 

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Which brings us back to June. Because today was the day in this tale, the big day when the kids were supposed to be moved and unfortunately for June, an early arrival jeopardized everything when it comes to this master plan. For the Martha that came to the house in the middle of the day with her respective child, panicked and decided to go back and eventually was picked up by the Eyes, prompting June to act quickly, and this, this when a true leader stepped into the light. Because June was suddenly clear headed about everything that had to be done, and willing to take risks to make this happen, to the point where she put Lawrence on notice and risked being seen to keep these kids safe and well, that particular fearlessness inspired more people to resist and assist.
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For when June and her cohorts returned from marking the path to the airport, they returned to a house full of children, being gently read to by Joseph Lawrence, the kindest act we’ve seen on this show to date from a Commander. Plus, the house was also full of a cadre of Handmaids and Marthas that were ready help these kids get to the airport and their timing could not have been better. For word had gotten out that something was up, which meant the time to leave was then and there and while they made it to the airport in one piece, there was one final fight that awaited these rebels, one led by June and it was one that cost people their lives and injured June badly… but it had to be done. For someone had to lead the way, someone had to show everyone that it wasn’t okay to lie down and just deal with Gilead’s garbage anymore, and that someone was indeed June, and this was truly her ascension moment and it was glorious.

Plus, we were even treated to a happy-ish ending for a change on this series. Because the fight distracted the Eyes just long enough for Rita to get every last kid on board the plane, and they made it to Canada, where families were reunited and finally these kids have hope for a future. But it wasn’t all joy and laughter at the end of this tale, for there will likely be grave consequences for June’s bold actions. Because I don’t see how Commander Lawrence will be able to keep the other commanders from stoking the fires of war and to make matters worse, June isn’t safe, nor is she healthy at the moment. But, that’s part of the fight. For sometimes the risk is high and it always gets worse before it gets better, and what matters more here; is that someone finally stood up to Gilead and wounded them like never before. And while a wounded animal is dangerous in its own right, it is still vulnerable and any further  conflict may weaken it to the point of collapse and that… is a satisfying possibility in its own right and I cannot wait to watch the fight against Gilead, unfold in season four. Until next year. 

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