This episode started off so well, and was really great... up until the last minute. June's escape attempt was one of the most thrilling things I've scene on tv in a while. But, June's decision to stay in Gilead rather than escaping made no sense to me. Yes, I get that she wants to rescue Hannah. But wouldn't it be easier to escape to Canada, join up with Luke and Moira, and plot an escape attempt for Hannah together? She knows she's risking her life by staying. Serena just got a finger chopped off for reading the Bible. Eden was killed for falling in love. And June kidnaps a child from a top ranking commander, and expects no punishment? You would think her likely punishments would be death, or sent to the Colonies... either way, it would be impossible for her to ever find Hannah. Just poor writing at the end, and I'm worried that the show is just going to keep dragging on now with similar plots. I mean, we saw 3 separate escape attempts by June this season, and all failed. The plots starting to become to repetitive. That being said, the acting was great as it always is, and it was a really good episode besides the awful ending.
69 Reviews
BRILLIANT!!
misslaurenreaddie14 July 2018
Warning: Spoilers
I'm just adding a review to explain to all the haters that if she'd have gotten in the truck, you actually would've ended up hating it. You only think you want her to! If Ross and Rachel got married in Season 1 of Friends, no-one would've kept watching. TV works on conflict! Gilead HAS to end by being taken down by the women within it, from the inside. They can't just all escape. We've just gotten to a point where all the women within Gilead have realised that they're all in this together, that none of them are safe: handmaid, Martha, guard's wife, politician's wife, Aunt. The slogan since S1 has been "WE Will Bear No More". She's not just staying for Hannah. She's staying for Rita, for Janine, even Serena and Lydia - all of them. After all, she does tell Emily to go with 'Nicole' - that's FOR Serena. It has to be 'we'. It needs to be the women who band together and bring it down.
Go in grace. Praise be.
Unbelievable
constanza-nm14 July 2018
Warning: Spoilers
I love this episode. Excellent writing and performances as always. From start to finish is completely unexpected. Fans were commenting all over the internet what would happen and I don't think anyone saw this coming. Emily attacking Aunt Lydia, Serena reading in front of the council. It seems she had been taking to prison. When she came back home with the commander I understood that she had already been punished. At the moment that we see him taking off her coat, I got it. An episode ago Emily read and she talked about the punishment of this transgression. It was the perfect way in which everything made sense. The fire, the Marthas and the system that they've arranged. Serena allowing June to leave with her daughter. I thought for a moment she would scream for help. She didn't. She has seen was Gilead is capable of. And finally, June decides to stay behind.
I know a lot of people it's mad about this ending. If someone would've said to me at the beginning of the episode "June tries to escape again and she doesn't make out" I would've been really upset. But here's the thing, she doesn't fail this time. She chooses not to. She understands now that there are people in Gilead willing to help others, even powerful people like commander Joseph (I knew he was with the resistance). I don't believe she only stayed for Hanna, she is ready to fight back. She has the hope that she needed. June has been the heroine of the story since day one, I don't know why everyone is so irritated by the fact that she is being excalty that, a heroine. Gilead has to fall from the inside, and it will.
I know a lot of people it's mad about this ending. If someone would've said to me at the beginning of the episode "June tries to escape again and she doesn't make out" I would've been really upset. But here's the thing, she doesn't fail this time. She chooses not to. She understands now that there are people in Gilead willing to help others, even powerful people like commander Joseph (I knew he was with the resistance). I don't believe she only stayed for Hanna, she is ready to fight back. She has the hope that she needed. June has been the heroine of the story since day one, I don't know why everyone is so irritated by the fact that she is being excalty that, a heroine. Gilead has to fall from the inside, and it will.
Character and attitude, brave and unselfish
opiostheloego12 July 2018
Warning: Spoilers
What would June had become if she had left? Can we think about it for just a minute? Do we sense and look at the same June like the one of first season? Or perhaps we see a person that has grown to understand and care for more than just herself and her family?
By not leaving she proved more than ever that she cares not only for Hannah, but also for Nick, for Serena, for all the Handmaids, the Marthas, all the Edens and Isaacs, all the repressed. She can't leave, and live happily ever after. She has many "debts" to the others that helped her; they are the ones that have truly awakened her...
Besides I have the feeling that Gilead is loosing very fast...have you noticed the map and the cold sweat on Fred's face? June is about to play an important role in the events to come. By being on Canada, makes her character redundant and that is something we do not want!
By not leaving she proved more than ever that she cares not only for Hannah, but also for Nick, for Serena, for all the Handmaids, the Marthas, all the Edens and Isaacs, all the repressed. She can't leave, and live happily ever after. She has many "debts" to the others that helped her; they are the ones that have truly awakened her...
Besides I have the feeling that Gilead is loosing very fast...have you noticed the map and the cold sweat on Fred's face? June is about to play an important role in the events to come. By being on Canada, makes her character redundant and that is something we do not want!
Great season finale!
SpacedOutChels12 July 2018
Warning: Spoilers
I've read countless comments about this season, many of which stated that it was rather slow and dull. For me though, this season was just as good, if not better than the last one.
After reading multiple reviews on here about the finale and how it was a huge letdown, I can see how that could be the case. Yes, June had three failed attempts at escaping (although the first one hardly counts as she didn't have a choice in it going wrong), the second time also became problematic as she gave birth and was unable to get the car out of the garage. This third time though is completely on her. But as much as I hated that she didn't leave, I'm also excited to see where this next season goes.
She stared at Professor Lawrence for a reason, and I believe that reason is because she has just realized that there are higher ranking people in Gilead willing to sacrifice their lives to help those without a choice escape. She also experienced firsthand that the Martha's have a strong connection and that they are capable of sneaking out people that so desperately need it. I think June is going to use this knowledge to her advantage next season.
As far as the consequences for her actions, I am certainly concerned, but who's to say that she will go right back to the Waterford's? I obviously don't see any other way for her to walk back into town without being captured and possibly killed, but we all know Fred has a deep obsession with June that killing her may not be something he would do.
To end this long review, before you write this show off, or before you blame money being the reason for June staying behind (which is admiral and brave of her because she is hoping to start a revolution and take back a broken country), wait to see what this next season brings. The next season could be it's last if it goes how I think it might.
P.S. I appreciate this show continuing on this route instead of doing what Game of Thrones did with their final two season's and condensing everything into shorter season's.
After reading multiple reviews on here about the finale and how it was a huge letdown, I can see how that could be the case. Yes, June had three failed attempts at escaping (although the first one hardly counts as she didn't have a choice in it going wrong), the second time also became problematic as she gave birth and was unable to get the car out of the garage. This third time though is completely on her. But as much as I hated that she didn't leave, I'm also excited to see where this next season goes.
She stared at Professor Lawrence for a reason, and I believe that reason is because she has just realized that there are higher ranking people in Gilead willing to sacrifice their lives to help those without a choice escape. She also experienced firsthand that the Martha's have a strong connection and that they are capable of sneaking out people that so desperately need it. I think June is going to use this knowledge to her advantage next season.
As far as the consequences for her actions, I am certainly concerned, but who's to say that she will go right back to the Waterford's? I obviously don't see any other way for her to walk back into town without being captured and possibly killed, but we all know Fred has a deep obsession with June that killing her may not be something he would do.
To end this long review, before you write this show off, or before you blame money being the reason for June staying behind (which is admiral and brave of her because she is hoping to start a revolution and take back a broken country), wait to see what this next season brings. The next season could be it's last if it goes how I think it might.
P.S. I appreciate this show continuing on this route instead of doing what Game of Thrones did with their final two season's and condensing everything into shorter season's.
I've known since the first attempt that she wouldn't leave hannah
lilcamozzi213 July 2018
Warning: Spoilers
I honestly knew from the beginning of this season that June wasn't going to be able to leave Hannah. The only reason she was going to leave earlier is because she knew she had to get her other child out. This time though she knew her baby would be safe and get out with Emily. So she was able to stay behind and look for Hannah. I know a lot of people have been saying that she stayed cuz they have to do a season 3. But if you had been paying attention from the beginning June has been fighting with herself about leaving Hannah each time she almost escaped. I think this fit perfectly with her character and the writers have been giving hints about this all season long. Also I believe there is no way she is going back to the Waterford's of her own free will. I think she is going to stay hidden and try to get to Hannah.
Of Course She Stayed!
movie199412 July 2018
Warning: Spoilers
Where would season 3 be if she left? What would happen to Hannah? She knows one baby will be safe, now it's time to safe her firstborn and her friends.
June is pissed. The women are getting pissed. It's time to form the biggest girl power team ever assembled on TV and take down Gilead. Yes it was frustrating, yes it was intense, yes nothing happened like I expected, but that's exactly what I want in a season finale!
The first season was excellent storytelling and television, season 2 was mind blowing and powerful.
I'm not a feminist, and I've never been interested in building up women, or helping other women. Not that I'm against it, it just has never been an issue in my own small circle. But this show gives me a new perspective on us girls. The scenes that showed the wives asking the council for help, the ending where every woman was helping June and the baby, the scenes that showed June and Serena dealing with policy while Commander Waterford was in the hospital: those gave me goosebumps. They made me realize, we are something great, and even greater when we team up together.
I felt like the ending was perfect for this roller coaster of a season.
I'm sorry for the ones that hated it. But imagine how much better season 3 will be for her making that frustrating decision.
That end of season ...
davidlopes199511 July 2018
The Word
bobcobb30125 July 2018
Warning: Spoilers
It drag at points, but that is a very minor criticism. This was a strong finale that really had me on the edge of my seat for the final 10 minutes. I did not see June going rogue and having a bigger plan, but maybe it will work. The writers just need to find a way to make sure next season isn't a repeat of the same thing where it starts off with June as a rebel before she goes along with everything and then rebels again.
Ending was a SMH moment
HereGoHellCome13 July 2018
Warning: Spoilers
Joe Fiennes does a superb job at playing one of the most detestable characters I have cheered at when he deservedly was slapped in the face.
Why do they even do scenes that involve June trying to escape? It will never happen until the series finale.June's last line should have been "Sorry, Emily, we got picked up for season 3 and, if I go, there won't be a show."
I hope Emily and the baby make it to Canada, but I doubt it because, again, season 3.
Why do they even do scenes that involve June trying to escape? It will never happen until the series finale.June's last line should have been "Sorry, Emily, we got picked up for season 3 and, if I go, there won't be a show."
I hope Emily and the baby make it to Canada, but I doubt it because, again, season 3.
Empowering Episode!
smileena-chaste13 July 2018
Warning: Spoilers
Many described the last episode as an avoided ending, but have you noticed how the Marthas aided June's escape? Their free will to save this mother and child could have them hanged, but they did it anyway. The scene of endless Marthas leading June was like the underground railroad, only this time its about women and empowering women.
The scene when June pressed her hand shows how their experiences matter and their pain is shared. To enhance the "edge of the seat" feeling, the director focuses on closeups as the scenes portray tension, allowing a person to jump amidst the darkness of June's plight.
The series has done the novel justice in producing this cinematic sequel, it has maintained the tension and message, and I personally think the author would have wanted audience to experience a revolution, and June is the right person to lead!
The scene when June pressed her hand shows how their experiences matter and their pain is shared. To enhance the "edge of the seat" feeling, the director focuses on closeups as the scenes portray tension, allowing a person to jump amidst the darkness of June's plight.
The series has done the novel justice in producing this cinematic sequel, it has maintained the tension and message, and I personally think the author would have wanted audience to experience a revolution, and June is the right person to lead!
Great ep, it had to be this way
roni_arg21 June 2019
Warning: Spoilers
Some people are downrating this episode because they wanted June to get out. But she's not going to do it without her daughter, and that's the way it should be. Luke has been living in Canada for 2 seasons and couldn't do anything, what makes people think June could? People downrate episodes when whatever they wanted doesn't happen because they are childish. This episode was amazing. Serena acting like a mother, finally realizing what Gilead really is, the "Martha network", Nick's actions, the commander who sees what he created and is against, everything fell perfectly into place, all that to get a baby girl out of hell. That is the magnitude of an oppressing system, perfectly portrayed.
I am disappointed
psychovision-2765112 July 2018
Warning: Spoilers
The episode was pretty good up until the very last minutes. Letting June leave Gilead seemed like a much more interesting direction for the show. It's getting tiresome to have no "resolution" to the tension of June's escape. This show truly sets the scene for how horrific Gilead is, so why wouldn't she leave? Yes, even with Hannah being left behind - June's chances of saving her would be much better in Canada.. Honestly I'm not sure if I'm up for another season comprised of torture, teary eyed zoom-ins of June's face, and slow emotional flashbacks. THE TONE IS SET. Now let us get some action!
Serena Joy
Alwnva4 October 2018
Heroes Sacrifice
merylmatt26 December 2018
Warning: Spoilers
Yes. there were times in 2d season where there are too many close up of June's angst, fear, sadness. There are a few moments that dragged, but overall, an excellent season that adds depth to Margaret Atwood's novel.
Some reviewers complain that not all of that characters act 'responsibly' or predictably. Well, that's called real life. People often act irrationally ro do stupid things. Nick's bride Eden refuses to renounce her love and chooses death (how the writers did it is so evil) June goes back rather than escape. These are things heroes do - give themselves up for others. In war, some soldiers jump on a hand grenade. Not all POWs escape (in WW2, many Allied soldiers had many failed attempts but kept trying).
The cinematography is incredible. I love how the use of flashbacks allows you to see the characters "Before". The writers foreshadow things well (sometimes a bit heavy handed, but hey). Great twists. Who is evil, who is good? No one is completely one or the other.
Great entertainment, looking forward to the next season.
Some reviewers complain that not all of that characters act 'responsibly' or predictably. Well, that's called real life. People often act irrationally ro do stupid things. Nick's bride Eden refuses to renounce her love and chooses death (how the writers did it is so evil) June goes back rather than escape. These are things heroes do - give themselves up for others. In war, some soldiers jump on a hand grenade. Not all POWs escape (in WW2, many Allied soldiers had many failed attempts but kept trying).
The cinematography is incredible. I love how the use of flashbacks allows you to see the characters "Before". The writers foreshadow things well (sometimes a bit heavy handed, but hey). Great twists. Who is evil, who is good? No one is completely one or the other.
Great entertainment, looking forward to the next season.
It ended as I thought it would
janetteph12 August 2018
Warning: Spoilers
I too have wondered at the negative reviews, are any of you mothers? yes she could get one baby to safety but no way was she ever going to leave her first born.
, what mother could ever do that however hopeless it may seem ?
Great episode, BUT the ending
sebasindie25 July 2018
Warning: Spoilers
I left a "generous" rating because the episode was truly great and Serena finally opened her eyes, but the ending ruined everything. After June tried to escape in different times, she finally get the perfect moment to do so and she refused? Yes, it's great that the baby will be safe out of Gilead, but June could have left with her. It's understandable that she stays because of Hannah, but what the hell does she think she can do in that hopeless place to take her out? There could be more chances to do that being in Canada! I'm dying to watch the 3rd season, but this ending left me UTTERLY disappointed and hopeless...
What an ending....
isabella_indragostita12 July 2018
Warning: Spoilers
I like this episode very much,one of the best yet...believe it or not I felt that June was not going to leave,I tought she was going to turn around when she took the photo pf Hannah out...I don't know were this series will go from here on,so many people risked everything for them to leave....I was so hoping for a happier ending.... Can't wait for the next season to come!!!!
A whole new level
delphetienne12 July 2018
Warning: Spoilers
What a powerful show... amazing acting as usual... I see some comments about the ending being silly but in my opinion it's very smart actually...
By the way she looked at Joseph's car, my guess is that she will try to contact him and join the resistance... she wants to save more babies and women...
Can't wait for season 3!!!
Oh my word!
superjoeyfilms12 July 2018
SPOILER ALERT!!!!
rulisastra30 August 2018
Warning: Spoilers
Wow, in the last episode, my heart was bumping so hard.
I was amazed by how the women help June to get her daughter out. I didn't expect Emily and her new commander was helping her out.
The storyline was amazing. I didn't expect many things.
Here I am, after watching the last episode, and it keeps my curiosity alive. I keep wondering and searching for the reviews.
Thank you for everyone who was involved in this great movie. I wonder if I can bring myself to read the book. Lol
Afterall, dear you all who loved it. Keep on dreaming!
Here I am, after watching the last episode, and it keeps my curiosity alive. I keep wondering and searching for the reviews.
Thank you for everyone who was involved in this great movie. I wonder if I can bring myself to read the book. Lol
Afterall, dear you all who loved it. Keep on dreaming!
The end ruined the whole thing
chiluvr122812 July 2018
Warning: Spoilers
I realize in Hollywood money is their god so even though it would have been better off to have June escape Gilead with Emily and the baby the series is being dragged on for at least one more season. If it's anything like The Walking Dead they will continue year after year until everybody loses interest.
June had 3 escapes this year and although the first 2 had her recaptured due to no fault of her own this last one was just unbelievable. I realize that she wants to rescue Hannah but how is she supposed to do that in Gilead? She certainly can't go back to the Waterford's after taking the baby away. Fred is going to figure out that Rita and Nick had something to do with this escape plan.
So unless June is going to join some resistance group to fight Gilead and get Hannah back I may just be done with this show if she goes back to the Waterford's.
On a positive note Aunt Lydia finally got what she deserved. Emily's new commander turned out to be good as I suspected and I almost felt sorry for Serena. I really hope that this story is wrapped up in Season 3 before it turns into another Walking Dead.
June had 3 escapes this year and although the first 2 had her recaptured due to no fault of her own this last one was just unbelievable. I realize that she wants to rescue Hannah but how is she supposed to do that in Gilead? She certainly can't go back to the Waterford's after taking the baby away. Fred is going to figure out that Rita and Nick had something to do with this escape plan.
So unless June is going to join some resistance group to fight Gilead and get Hannah back I may just be done with this show if she goes back to the Waterford's.
On a positive note Aunt Lydia finally got what she deserved. Emily's new commander turned out to be good as I suspected and I almost felt sorry for Serena. I really hope that this story is wrapped up in Season 3 before it turns into another Walking Dead.
Dissapointed
andreeaberende27 November 2018
Warning: Spoilers
The writing made absolutely no sense to me. Ok, I get it, she can't leave her other daughter behind, but in what way can she help that child now? She's basically a dead man walking. She has no way out because she said nope to an actual real chance to reunite with her family. She's not a hero anymore. She's just dumb.
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