Did Serena get the tape to Luke? Great episode but this is driving me crazy. I thought the tape was in her bag when she got on the plane to return home??
30 Reviews
One question
theboyu-772-77720026 June 2019
Infuriating
violinloversofia20 June 2019
Serena is back to her old ways, or is she?
eda_c10320 June 2019
Warning: Spoilers
I've read a lot of theories regarding what Serena's done in this episode. Here's the theory.
We all know that Serena was nice towards Luke, despite his hostility towards her, which is fair! Although she was even considerate enough to still hand Luke the tape that June made for him. Now with this in mind, perhaps she's come to the realisation that Nichole is now safe, with Luke in Canada. Fred is desperate to keep Serena and so will do anything to appease her. When Fred offers Serena to broadcast this to world, we all know that Canada currently hates the Waterfords and that they despise the current oppression caused by Gilead - there obviously would be no sympathy towards its oppressors! So now this is where June's words towards Serena, "to move the point" kicks in, inspiring Serena to realise she has the power and an opportunity to bring Gilead towards its downfall, despite June not knowing about her ultimate plan of rebellion at this moment.
So perhaps it's all about the bigger picture. A slight push from Serena to infuriate Canada and bring on the war of fury upon Gilead and it's oppression. That's the theory. ✌🏼
Blessed be the rebellion. 🔥
We all know that Serena was nice towards Luke, despite his hostility towards her, which is fair! Although she was even considerate enough to still hand Luke the tape that June made for him. Now with this in mind, perhaps she's come to the realisation that Nichole is now safe, with Luke in Canada. Fred is desperate to keep Serena and so will do anything to appease her. When Fred offers Serena to broadcast this to world, we all know that Canada currently hates the Waterfords and that they despise the current oppression caused by Gilead - there obviously would be no sympathy towards its oppressors! So now this is where June's words towards Serena, "to move the point" kicks in, inspiring Serena to realise she has the power and an opportunity to bring Gilead towards its downfall, despite June not knowing about her ultimate plan of rebellion at this moment.
So perhaps it's all about the bigger picture. A slight push from Serena to infuriate Canada and bring on the war of fury upon Gilead and it's oppression. That's the theory. ✌🏼
Blessed be the rebellion. 🔥
The tape
yateball1421 June 2019
Warning: Spoilers
Good thing June got that tape to Luke explaining that the baby has no genetic ties to the Waterfords... Cuz that's going to come into play quickly when they try to take the baby from Luke.... And that's gonna piss those Waterfords off nicely
Fred you sly SOB.
sybil1120 June 2019
OK, please take off!! It is slowing to a rut, getting nowhere
ericfranco21 June 2019
Come on. Stop milking the same topic to death. This series is condemned to cancellation if it doesn't start moving.
Good episode but the story barely advances. It seems that the show-tellers are struggling to find closure and how and when to end this series.
Don't let it become another Game of Thrones finale. Please!
Good episode but the story barely advances. It seems that the show-tellers are struggling to find closure and how and when to end this series.
Don't let it become another Game of Thrones finale. Please!
Outstanding episode
christophmsmith21 June 2019
Unknown Caller
bobcobb30118 August 2019
Warning: Spoilers
The Handmaid's Tale is still giving us compelling television, but they need to find a way to make the setting feel special. It just feels like they are hammering home the same point over and over it and it can get tiring.
Mad at mad June
merimaro127 June 2019
I feel like June's tape could have been so much more. A real testimony and outcry for help. She had one chance to send a voice out and all she talked about was how she got the baby. And this back and forth character change of Mrs Waterford is annoying. June stopped acting like a rebel: just words and angry gaze remained.
Grrrrrl Power!! & U2?! Awesome
marienrnz19 June 2019
The actresses who plays Serena and June are the most amazing actresses, I don't have words to describe their quality! Plus the writers and honestly everything having to do with this show just makes it one of the best series that have ever been on TV.
And then they add to the quality by including U2's song "Sunday Bloody Sunday", perfect! 🙂
The heartbreak in this episode brought me to tears, and that usually happens with many of these episodes. The raw emotion comes through so clearly. But they always manage to also keep me in suspense and waiting eagerly for the next weeks episode!
The heartbreak in this episode brought me to tears, and that usually happens with many of these episodes. The raw emotion comes through so clearly. But they always manage to also keep me in suspense and waiting eagerly for the next weeks episode!
Immersive wonderful episode!
UniqueParticle19 June 2019
Elizabeth Moss and Yvonne Strahovski are wonderful girl power striking actresses! Along with the other episodes this one has beautifully lit cinematography and sound design; this season has been great! Every one of the crew members involved deserves respect for what they've achieved over the last 3 years, still going strong too.
The best of this season son far.
franco-3854327 June 2019
3x05
formotog1 June 2020
Warning: Spoilers
What a brilliant episode. There were so many amazing scenes that all once again highlighted the immense character complexity in this show. The call between June and Luke felt so authentic and it was just an emotional scene overall. In fact the whole episode was pretty emotional. I can understand why people would feel sympathy for Serena but I personally would never hand any kid over to that evil woman. And of course if there was any doubt about that, the ending all but confirms that she still is and has always been spinelessly vile. And yet she remains human and complex, a testament to the amazing character writing. The acting to convey these characters has been equally exceptional. For me, with a few of my favourite shows having ended recently, this is now the best show currently airing
Low 9
Low 9
Synopsis season 3 - ep. 5
Movie-lover197720 July 2020
Warning: Spoilers
Episode five opens on June at the grocery store, thinking about the fact that Nicole is alive. She considers that it might be a miracle but decides against it since the word "miracle" denotes divine intervention and she made this happen. As she smiles and thinks about her baby safe and warm with Luke, Handmaids quietly congratulate her. A win for one of them is a win for all of them in Gilead.
When June returns to the Lawrence household, she finds Commander Lawrence (Bradley Whitford) in the dining room and tells him she needs to know if her husband and daughter are safe. He answers cryptically and tells her, "We're all in danger."
Meanwhile, Serena and the Commander attend a meeting to discuss the Nicole situation. Serena is made to wait outside, as not even Wives have a voice in Gilead. We learn that Gilead has gathered some intel on baby Nicole, but before the Guardians spill the details, Commander Waterford insists that Serena be present. Once they're both safely within the confines of the conference room they go through Nicole's medical records and learn that she's not only healthy and happy, but she also has a tooth. After the meeting, Serena breaks down and says she just wants the whole ordeal to be over. Despite this, later that evening, the Waterfords call on June at Commander Lawrence's home. They tell her they have a proposition for her. They're desperate to see baby Nicole and want June to call Luke and set up a meeting for them. She immediately refuses, not wanting to put her husband or her daughter in danger. Serena asks Fred to leave them alone and levels with June, asking her what it'll take to make her say yes. June replies that she wants Serena to owe her. Soon after, a Guardian dials Luke's phone number and tells June she has two minutes to arrange the meeting.
At first, Luke ignores the call from an unknown number because he's buying diapers for Nicole. After the second call, he answers and is shocked to hear June's voice. He asks her if she's OK and if she's safe. The experience is emotionally taxing and June remains stoic during the call. She tells him that, yes, she's safe and so is Hannah. He begins to tell her that he loves her and misses her and he's sorry that he didn't try harder to find her. She tells him to stop and says that she needs him to meet the Waterfords. He's hesitant but knows what could happen to June if he says no. So, he agrees, but says he'll only meet Serena, not the Commander. Afterward, Luke feels traumatized and guilty about the position his wife is in. Understandably, he's worried about what might happen to baby Nicole now that Gilead knows where she is. Back in Gilead, Mrs. Lawrence (Julie Dretzin) checks on June and says it must have been difficult to hear her husband's voice. June says she's frustrated that she didn't quite get to tell Luke how she feels about him, but Mrs. Lawrence says the sentiment came through. She tells June that before this lifetime, Commander Lawrence used to make her mixtapes. Now, they sit in boxes in the basement, along with Mrs. Lawrence's memories of what her husband was like before he created this terrible society. The next day, June goes down to the basement to listen to the mixtapes and uses the cassette player to record a message for Luke.
Meanwhile at Serena's mother Pamela's home (Laila Robins), Serena prepares for her journey to Canada to see baby Nicole. She packs away family photographs and a tchotchke that says, "For this baby, we prayed." She hopes Luke will keep it for Nicole so she can remember Serena, her "mom." Just before she leaves, Rita (Amanda Brugel) brings her a package that arrived for her journey (it's the tape for Luke). Serena takes it, and before long she's boarding an empty plane to Canada.
When she lands, Mark Tuello (Sam Jaeger)-the guy who tried to offer her asylum from Gilead in Hawaii the last time she was in Canada-meets her on the tarmac. He says he's going to be supervising the visit and that she'll meet Luke in the airport. But first, she must change into normal (i.e., not Gilead) clothes so she can blend in. When she puts on a turtleneck and jeans, it's hard not to remember the outspoken woman she was before she was in Gilead's clutches. Mr. Tuello escorts her to a crowded terminal and, suddenly, she sees Nicole. She's taken aback and starts to cry but composes herself when he introduces her to Luke.
Luke is obviously suspicious of Serena and insists that she tell him where June lives now. She's hesitant but ultimately tells him June lives with Commander Lawrence. He asks what she wants out of this meeting and she replies that she just wants to see her daughter. "She's not your daughter," he points out, and she quips back, "Nor yours."
She pleads that Luke tell Nicole about her and the Commander when she's old enough and can make up her own mind about her story. She takes out the tchotchke to give to Luke and he refuses it, saying that Nicole will know exactly what part Serena and the Commander played in her birth and just "how brave her mother was" for getting her to Canada. He says Serena will never be anything to Nicole. Serena, crying, says that she did what she needed to do so Nicole could have a better life. She adds that she protected June, and Luke immediately grows angry. Ultimately, he takes the gift and lets Serena hold the baby. She asks if there's anything he wants to tell June and he says no. He's too suspicious to accept her help.
On her flight back to Gilead, Serena notices that Mr. Tuello placed a satellite phone in her bag with his number just in case she changes her mind about escaping. Serena is gutted from the visit, but when she lands she's calm, cool and collected. She tells Commander Waterford, "She was perfect, and now it's over." She gives him a hug and he responds, "It doesn't have to be." The next day, June and Ofmathew (Ashleigh LaThrop) are at the store and Ofmathew is still not in high spirits. After snapping at June, she reveals that she's pregnant again. The look on her face suggests that she may not be able to handle the emotional turmoil of giving away yet another baby, but what choice does she have? Just then, Guardians approach June and whisk her away to some sort of soundstage.
Aunt Lydia (Ann Dowd) meets her there and gives her a new set of fancy Handmaid clothes to change into. She steps onto the stage and is directed to stand in the corner, behave and keep her head down. Then, the Waterfords take a seat on the couch in front of her. Cameras surround them.
Meanwhile, Luke listens to the cassette tape that Serena smuggled to him from June. On it, June tells him that Nicole was born from love (remember, Nick is her father) and that she had to do what she had to do in order to stay alive in Gilead. She urges him to move on with his life, whatever that means, and she promises she'll continue to protect Hannah.
When Luke arrives home later and picks up Hannah, Moira (Samira Wiley) rushes in and tells him they have to turn on the TV. When they do, they see live footage of the Waterfords and June. The Commander asks the Canadian government to return baby Nicole to Gilead and says he expects the government's full cooperation.
When June returns to the Lawrence household, she finds Commander Lawrence (Bradley Whitford) in the dining room and tells him she needs to know if her husband and daughter are safe. He answers cryptically and tells her, "We're all in danger."
Meanwhile, Serena and the Commander attend a meeting to discuss the Nicole situation. Serena is made to wait outside, as not even Wives have a voice in Gilead. We learn that Gilead has gathered some intel on baby Nicole, but before the Guardians spill the details, Commander Waterford insists that Serena be present. Once they're both safely within the confines of the conference room they go through Nicole's medical records and learn that she's not only healthy and happy, but she also has a tooth. After the meeting, Serena breaks down and says she just wants the whole ordeal to be over. Despite this, later that evening, the Waterfords call on June at Commander Lawrence's home. They tell her they have a proposition for her. They're desperate to see baby Nicole and want June to call Luke and set up a meeting for them. She immediately refuses, not wanting to put her husband or her daughter in danger. Serena asks Fred to leave them alone and levels with June, asking her what it'll take to make her say yes. June replies that she wants Serena to owe her. Soon after, a Guardian dials Luke's phone number and tells June she has two minutes to arrange the meeting.
At first, Luke ignores the call from an unknown number because he's buying diapers for Nicole. After the second call, he answers and is shocked to hear June's voice. He asks her if she's OK and if she's safe. The experience is emotionally taxing and June remains stoic during the call. She tells him that, yes, she's safe and so is Hannah. He begins to tell her that he loves her and misses her and he's sorry that he didn't try harder to find her. She tells him to stop and says that she needs him to meet the Waterfords. He's hesitant but knows what could happen to June if he says no. So, he agrees, but says he'll only meet Serena, not the Commander. Afterward, Luke feels traumatized and guilty about the position his wife is in. Understandably, he's worried about what might happen to baby Nicole now that Gilead knows where she is. Back in Gilead, Mrs. Lawrence (Julie Dretzin) checks on June and says it must have been difficult to hear her husband's voice. June says she's frustrated that she didn't quite get to tell Luke how she feels about him, but Mrs. Lawrence says the sentiment came through. She tells June that before this lifetime, Commander Lawrence used to make her mixtapes. Now, they sit in boxes in the basement, along with Mrs. Lawrence's memories of what her husband was like before he created this terrible society. The next day, June goes down to the basement to listen to the mixtapes and uses the cassette player to record a message for Luke.
Meanwhile at Serena's mother Pamela's home (Laila Robins), Serena prepares for her journey to Canada to see baby Nicole. She packs away family photographs and a tchotchke that says, "For this baby, we prayed." She hopes Luke will keep it for Nicole so she can remember Serena, her "mom." Just before she leaves, Rita (Amanda Brugel) brings her a package that arrived for her journey (it's the tape for Luke). Serena takes it, and before long she's boarding an empty plane to Canada.
When she lands, Mark Tuello (Sam Jaeger)-the guy who tried to offer her asylum from Gilead in Hawaii the last time she was in Canada-meets her on the tarmac. He says he's going to be supervising the visit and that she'll meet Luke in the airport. But first, she must change into normal (i.e., not Gilead) clothes so she can blend in. When she puts on a turtleneck and jeans, it's hard not to remember the outspoken woman she was before she was in Gilead's clutches. Mr. Tuello escorts her to a crowded terminal and, suddenly, she sees Nicole. She's taken aback and starts to cry but composes herself when he introduces her to Luke.
Luke is obviously suspicious of Serena and insists that she tell him where June lives now. She's hesitant but ultimately tells him June lives with Commander Lawrence. He asks what she wants out of this meeting and she replies that she just wants to see her daughter. "She's not your daughter," he points out, and she quips back, "Nor yours."
She pleads that Luke tell Nicole about her and the Commander when she's old enough and can make up her own mind about her story. She takes out the tchotchke to give to Luke and he refuses it, saying that Nicole will know exactly what part Serena and the Commander played in her birth and just "how brave her mother was" for getting her to Canada. He says Serena will never be anything to Nicole. Serena, crying, says that she did what she needed to do so Nicole could have a better life. She adds that she protected June, and Luke immediately grows angry. Ultimately, he takes the gift and lets Serena hold the baby. She asks if there's anything he wants to tell June and he says no. He's too suspicious to accept her help.
On her flight back to Gilead, Serena notices that Mr. Tuello placed a satellite phone in her bag with his number just in case she changes her mind about escaping. Serena is gutted from the visit, but when she lands she's calm, cool and collected. She tells Commander Waterford, "She was perfect, and now it's over." She gives him a hug and he responds, "It doesn't have to be." The next day, June and Ofmathew (Ashleigh LaThrop) are at the store and Ofmathew is still not in high spirits. After snapping at June, she reveals that she's pregnant again. The look on her face suggests that she may not be able to handle the emotional turmoil of giving away yet another baby, but what choice does she have? Just then, Guardians approach June and whisk her away to some sort of soundstage.
Aunt Lydia (Ann Dowd) meets her there and gives her a new set of fancy Handmaid clothes to change into. She steps onto the stage and is directed to stand in the corner, behave and keep her head down. Then, the Waterfords take a seat on the couch in front of her. Cameras surround them.
Meanwhile, Luke listens to the cassette tape that Serena smuggled to him from June. On it, June tells him that Nicole was born from love (remember, Nick is her father) and that she had to do what she had to do in order to stay alive in Gilead. She urges him to move on with his life, whatever that means, and she promises she'll continue to protect Hannah.
When Luke arrives home later and picks up Hannah, Moira (Samira Wiley) rushes in and tells him they have to turn on the TV. When they do, they see live footage of the Waterfords and June. The Commander asks the Canadian government to return baby Nicole to Gilead and says he expects the government's full cooperation.
A Tapestry of Deceit
badeclerck23 January 2024
Warning: Spoilers
In the fifth installment of The Handmaid's Tale Season 3, the narrative unfolds as a tapestry of deception, weaving an intricate web of manipulation, intensity, and shifting alliances. From start to finish, the episode captivates with its well-crafted storyline and heightened coherence.
The central theme revolves around a complex interplay of manipulation, with every character maneuvering to achieve their own ends. Serena, in a masterful display of influence, orchestrates a meeting between June and Nichole, allowing June a poignant moment with the child before ultimately betraying her trust. The episode culminates in the Waterfords recording a video appealing to the Canadian government for Nichole's return, a twist that adds another layer to the intricate game of deceit.
June, too, engages in manipulation, forging a connection with her commander's wife by exploiting her vulnerabilities. This strategic move hints at a future agenda, the purpose of which remains tantalizingly unclear. The dynamics between characters are multifaceted, illustrating the depth of their motivations and the constant tension that pervades Gilead.
Amidst the intricate dance of deception, a rare moment of sincerity emerges in a poignant scene between Serena and Nichole. Serena's genuine affection for the child, who is not biologically hers, is laid bare, providing a brief respite from the prevailing duplicity.
The episode is marked by significant events that propel the narrative forward, leaving the audience eagerly anticipating what lies ahead. This episode showcases the series at its best, skillfully navigating the complexities of power dynamics, trust, and betrayal within the oppressive world of Gilead. As the characters continue to evolve and the plot thickens, each revelation adds to the suspense, making this episode a standout in the season.
The central theme revolves around a complex interplay of manipulation, with every character maneuvering to achieve their own ends. Serena, in a masterful display of influence, orchestrates a meeting between June and Nichole, allowing June a poignant moment with the child before ultimately betraying her trust. The episode culminates in the Waterfords recording a video appealing to the Canadian government for Nichole's return, a twist that adds another layer to the intricate game of deceit.
June, too, engages in manipulation, forging a connection with her commander's wife by exploiting her vulnerabilities. This strategic move hints at a future agenda, the purpose of which remains tantalizingly unclear. The dynamics between characters are multifaceted, illustrating the depth of their motivations and the constant tension that pervades Gilead.
Amidst the intricate dance of deception, a rare moment of sincerity emerges in a poignant scene between Serena and Nichole. Serena's genuine affection for the child, who is not biologically hers, is laid bare, providing a brief respite from the prevailing duplicity.
The episode is marked by significant events that propel the narrative forward, leaving the audience eagerly anticipating what lies ahead. This episode showcases the series at its best, skillfully navigating the complexities of power dynamics, trust, and betrayal within the oppressive world of Gilead. As the characters continue to evolve and the plot thickens, each revelation adds to the suspense, making this episode a standout in the season.
Stylistically bereft
ncoriordan29 June 2019
How many more times can they shoehorn the heroine staring into the camera into this show, that and the usual expletive at the end of a profound statement. The show is frankly getting a bit boring wallowing in its misery and they are continually going back to the same stylistic well which is also getting pretty boring by now. Really need to up their game.
Utter garbage
claire-hunt2311 July 2019
Warning: Spoilers
Season 1 started off well , by the end of the Season I was beginning to be hooked! Season 2 however completely lost direction for me it was a weak season with many silly mistakes and bad script writing, I was beginning to feel sick to death of seeing June's seething look on her face , the only look she knows how to portray! Then at the end of that long and boring season ,the Ludicrous finale where June and her new born baby had the chance to finally escape giliad and what does she do ? Go back 🙄 with the excuse that she didn't want to leave her daughter in there , she had no plan how she would save her daughter and the chances are she would be Executed. If this was a true life thing that's exactly what would have happened. Instead all was forgiven. Which I find extremely hard to believe when other handmaids have been hung just for merely speaking out of turn. Also I'm confused are we all supposed to feel sorry for aunt Lidia now ? Because she she seems to be having a some sort of a nervous breakdown! I didn't think someone with that sick inhuman nature would have any true feelings of guilt, it's just a Disappointment yet again that Emily didn't kill her🙄 nothing about the season 3 seems plausible the acting poor the script writing is awful ,the Seething look on June's face is so tedious. I won't waste any more for my time watching such trash !
Missed Opportunity
ttgttg7 July 2019
Warning: Spoilers
I just can't look past the missed opportunity to see Hannah in exchange for Serena seeing baby Nichole. That recording June made for Luke had better come in handy later on in the season somehow. Oh, and the rest of the world sympathizing with Gilead is something that can't be justified. Season 3 is looking like a flop to me so far.
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