This post contains spoilers for The Handmaid’s Tale Episode 2. Act accordingly.
Well, the widow won this round.
Episode 2 of Season 5 of The Handmaid’s Tale – the second half of a two-episode premiere; Read a synopsis of Episode 1 here – Serena Joy Waterford, who somehow bent the American, Canadian and Gileadian governments to her will and performed a grand funeral in Gilead for Fred. Although Commander Waterford definitely did not deserve the pomp and circumstance, larger forces were at work. Gilead’s Governing Council viewed the event, which was to be televised abroad, as an impressive postcard for the nascent republic. And Serena saw it as a way to frame her former maid/Fred’s killer, who is now free and living in Canada.
Namely: After June and Luke dated at the ballet, they shared a romantic kiss in downtown Toronto … then looked up to see Fred’s funeral procession being broadcast on every big screen near them. And as if that wasn’t enough, Serena made a point of stopping by a group of school-age girls to accept a bouquet of white flowers from one of them.
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This girl? June and Luke’s daughter Hannah. Serena kissed her on the forehead and then looked straight at the camera, giving viewers a barely-there smile.
“We talked a lot about that finale – and we have a bunch of takes – but that final shot through that black veil, of Serena Joy and how much that mouth curls in a small smile,” executive producer Warren Littlefield tells TVLine . “Yes, she wants to honor Fred, but this is where Serena Joy steps in and takes the throne, and she’s masterful. She is powerful. She is a great chess player.”
Meanwhile, in Toronto, a horrified June and Luke think, “‘She’s got her hand on my kid!'” remarks showrunner Bruce Miller, with a chuckle.
The EPs add that Serena and June’s twisted relationship is the focus of the new season, which will provide glimpses into both women’s past and future.
“And so it begins!” says Littlefield. “Season 5 is all about that gameplay. It’s two people who hate each other, sometimes want to kill each other, have the ability, and then there’s this amazing respect that comes into play.”
What do you think of Serena’s masterpiece in Episode 2? Mute the comments!