‘Our little secret’: A retrospective on the dramatic twists of ‘Handmaid’s Tale’ Season 2
Looking back on ‘Handmaid’s Tale’ Season 2’s explosive ending that pitted Offred against Serena, and the ironic moments of manipulation and rebellion that kept viewers on edge.
“Be a man,” Serena, portrayed by Yvonne Strahovski, barked at her husband Fred, enacted by Joseph Fiennes, in the peak moments of ‘Handmaid’s Tale Season 2. A look back at the season reveals an intricate tale of manipulation, rebellion, and survival, filled with dramatic turns and shocking revelations. As reported by The Guardian in 2018, the season ended on a chilling note, with a bomb exploding at the Red Centre, leading viewers into a whirlwind of suspense for the next season.
Survival and Rebellion in Gilead
Season 2 allowed viewers a glimpse into Serena’s past, hinting at her active role in creating the dystopian Gilead, and revealing a more complex layer to her character. The season showed Offred, performed by Elisabeth Moss, in a continual struggle to suppress her real identity, ‘June’, as she navigates the harrowing world of Gilead, fostering a fraught relationship with Serena. The irony was palpable when Serena, the woman who willingly participated in the monthly rapes, echoed, “Stop that,” demeaning her husband’s emotions.
Despite her abhorrent acts, Serena showed signs of vulnerability. She was desperate to have Offred’s baby, allowing her access to privileges like the baby’s scan and a sitting room, despite her underlying hatred for the “incubator.”
The Dystopian Power Games
As Offred tries to acclimate back into the Waterford life, she was compelled to navigate her precarious relationship with Fred. She skillfully treads the line between appeasing him and maintaining her boundaries, in fear of harming the baby. Fred’s sinister whisper of “Our little secret,” unveils the dark undercurrent of abuse that defines their relationship.
Meanwhile, in the heart of Gilead, tension brewed as Eden, Nick’s young wife, posed an unintentional threat to him and the young Eye she naively kisses. This act could have easily led them to the execution wall, adding a layer of fear and uncertainty.
An Explosive Finale
The season closed on a dramatic note, with Ofglen’s act of rebellion, breaking away from the pack of Handmaids during Fred’s speech at the Red Centre. She held up the bomb in her hand, giving her sisters a chance to escape, before running down the aisle and detonating it, sending shards of glass flying. This marked a turning point in the series, an act of defiance that forever altered the power dynamics in Gilead.
‘Handmaid’s Tale Season 2 was a rollercoaster of emotions and plot twists, leaving viewers gasping for breath and eager for the next season. The season’s exploration of power, manipulation, and rebellion makes it an unforgettable chapter in the ‘Handmaid’s Tale saga.
