The Handmaid's Tale (TV Series) The Bridge (2017) User Reviews

Two great episodes in one

[ehaas-3 · 10/10 · 8 June 2017]

This episode will be kind of off-putting for book purists as it is a completely original story not based on a subplot of the book or even a creation of events unseen by Offred but definitely implied.

It represents a decision which I for one think is highly appropriate for a drama in having its sympathetic characters attain a level of agency they lacked in the book. The book brilliantly presented a narrator and her associates who were "ground down" by the brute force and psychological dominance of the Gilead dictatorship.

Sure they broke the occasional rule and had forbidden conversations, but ultimately they were unable to fight back except for the first Ofglen who was a member of the May Day resistance but failed to get Offred to really do anything on their behalf and Moira who escaped for a while, but landed in Jezebels, broken and cynical.

This approach shows an admirable solidarity with people in repressive situations who are unable to resist for very long. It's all too easy to say, from a position of safety, that anyone who doesn't rebel is a collaborator and that one should prefer to die free than live as a slave. But ultimately, no one knows what they would do. The blame is on the oppressor, not those he breaks.

The show, however, needs to be more dynamic without going too far and making the characters into action heroes. In my opinion, they've been striking the perfect balance and this episode was the perfect example.

Janine has been shattered mentally by the Red Centre training, the theft of her baby and the sexual abuse and mind games by the baby's father. But she finds a way to call attention to her plight in a way that is so shocking that even this evil government must take notice. June/Offred is forced into the role of hostage negotiator, which she handles well.

She also volunteers to do something to help May Day and is of course given a task that is virtually impossible. She gives it everything she has, but would have failed anyway without some unexpected aid.

The return trip to Jezebels is very tense and Fred's arrogance and contempt for everyone is displayed even more than usual. Nick remains enigmatic. Is his brooding anger rooted in jealousy or concern? He's an Eye(secret police officer), but is he really loyal to the state or actually with the resistance and maybe trying to help June?

We see Serena trying her best to be a decent human being trying to help her neighbor and Janine's former mistress (and baby thief) deal with the stresses of her stolen "motherhood." She seems to know more about babies than the woman Gilead has assigned it to. Then she even shares a drink with Rita the servant whom she normally scarcely speaks to.

But when Rita shares a tragic story about her son being killed in the war, it's obvious something is missing in her as she gives the worst example of comfort I've ever seen in the form of cold patriotic and religious platitudes.

Meanwhile, Moira has decided that drugs and alcohol aren't enough compensation for a life of sexual slavery after all and pulls another makeshift knife and stolen uniform escape.

This all has me counting the hours to the season finale next week.

Episode 9 'The Bridge' Review: An Essential Episode In Terms of Understanding The Future of The Show's Plots

[ashboomstick-50540 · 10/10 · 24 September 2018]

There are many things that make 'The Bridge' the best episode of The Handmaid's Tale thus far. The show always seems to be at its best when the directors check in on all of the characters briefly, but focus primarily on one or two characters. This is precisely what the ninth episode of the series does, and it is superior because of it. The character's who are focused on are Janine and June/Offred, and therefore features some of Elizabeth Moss (June/Offred) and Madeline Brewer's (Janine) most magnificent work on the show so far. Whenever they are in a scene together, they deliver such raw and palpable emotion, that creates a vast array of tension. The fact that this episode focuses on them the most, is a great thing, and is probably the greatest part of the episode, which wouldn't have been as good if not for the miraculous performances from the lead actresses.

Another particularly marvelous aspect of this episode is the sensational cinematography. The director of photography on this show does some incredible work in this episode, showing off some of the most dazzling colors on the palate possible. Whenever a consequential or a particularly melancholy or dreary scene is presented, the lighting is darker, and more atmospheric-looking, but there are several moments of scenic beauty that are displayed with much lighter colors. Some examples of the lighter-lit scenes includes one of the most salient and intoxicating scenes, set on a bridge, which provides some of the most exciting and intriguing drama on the show.

The final thing that makes 'The Bridge' so entertaining is the heavy themes that are put on display. Themes presented in this episode include mothership, the many rights that women should have in this harsh world, and most importantly, the development of heavy plots that are to be set up in the future. 'The Bridge' fuses together the themes of the former two, and concludes with the latter, in a breathtaking last twenty minutes.

'The Bridge' brings together several salient themes which are related to the overall theme of the show as a whole, and also provides life-changing performances from the entire cast, but especially Elizabeth Moss, and Madeline Brewer.

Episode 9: 'The Bridge'=96% -four points taken off for a slow beginning

Bonds and Broken Trusts

[badeclerck · 9/10 · 17 October 2023]

In the penultimate episode of The Handmaid's Tale, the intricate web of relationships among the characters takes center stage, offering a profound exploration of the ties that bind and the trust that shatters.

The episode immediately immerses us in the unique and deeply poignant relationship between June and Janine, which forms the emotional core of the narrative. From the opening moments, we can feel the special bond that unites these two women, and the connection between Aunt Lydia and Janine, who sees in her a kind of protector. The narrative unfolds to reveal the convergence of these three women at the episode's conclusion, where Janine has kidnapped the child of the Putnams, who is also her own daughter. She contemplates a devastating leap from a high bridge with the child, but June intervenes, managing to talk her down. In a heartbreaking turn, Janine ultimately relinquishes the child and takes the plunge herself. Her fate remains uncertain, and the lingering question is what will become of her after this harrowing incident.

The episode also delves into the relationship between Moira and June, a connection that feels on the brink of breaking. However, just as it seems that their friendship may be irrevocably fractured, a glimmer of hope emerges. June receives a package from Moira at the butcher's, signifying that their bond remains intact. The package, sent on behalf of Mayday, raises tantalizing questions about its contents and the role it will play in the explosive final episode.

As The Handmaid's Tale nears its conclusion, this episode magnificently navigates the complex web of relationships, leaving viewers with a multitude of unanswered questions and a sense of anticipation for the climactic finale. The series masterfully weaves an intricate narrative that delves deep into the emotions and connections among its characters, offering a heart-wrenching yet captivating viewing experience.

Doing its job

[Leofwine_draca · 7/10 · 29 November 2020]

The penultimate episode of the first season and it's another very good one, focusing strongly on thematics and delivering a good mix of character work, drama, shocks and plot twists. If only the earlier episodes had been more like this! There are still too many incessant 'reaction' shots of Offred's face all the time, which I find so tiresome - and mean that crucial events at the climax are rushed over when they shouldn't be - but otherwise this is well made, gripping television.

Janine Threatens To Jump With Charlotte

[vivianla · 1 October 2022]

June goes to see Commander Fred unexpectedly and seduces him, saying she enjoyed their evening last time. Excited, the Commander decides they will go that very night. In the car June says with a smile that Nick needs to just chill. Nick looks jealous seeing them together and knowing what they will be doing.

At Jezebel's, the Commander enjoys being on top as June pretends to enjoy it. The Commander can tell June wanted to come here to see someone. He brings in Moira whose name is Ruby at Jezebel's. He thinks they are friends with benefits but June is quick to correct him.

Nick goes to the back where they prepare meals and ask questions to the cook he knows. She figures out he is sweet on June.

June is roused one morning by Serena to quickly come. Officers and important people are in the area of a bridge where Janine is standing on top of with her baby. They have brought June to try to calm down the situation. June says in a low voice to Janine that there is hope and they might one day get out of all this. She needs to do what is best for her baby and let her grow up. Janine hands her super cute baby over and then jumps.

Later we see Aunt Lydia calling Janine stupid in the hospital while she is still unconscious.