The Handmaid's Tale

Previously on The Handmaid's Tale...

You were an adulterer.

A worthless slut.

But God found a way to make you useful.

We are prisoners.

You have to tell people what's happening here.

Please don't forget me. Please don't forget us all.

Listen, they've made contact.

You should probably get ready to go.

Come on.

- Where are we going? - Airstrip west of Worcester.

Thank you for taking me in.

This wasn't my decision.

So, are you brave or...

stupid?

I'm not brave.

It's almost 5:00. Maybe they ran into friends.

Maybe a lot of things.

- Who are you? - I'm the Handmaid.

No!

No!

No!

I heard a story on NPR once about pig balls.

For pigs who were being fattened in pens.

The pigs rolled the balls around with their snouts.

And the pig marketers said it improved their muscle tone.

The pigs were curious. They liked having something to think about.

Caged rats will give themselves electric shocks for something to do.

There are 71 flowers on the comforter.

Seventy-one.

I wish I had a pig ball.

Blessed be the fruit.

I see you've eaten well, Offred.

Third day in a row.

It's June.

You know my fucking name.

The Waterfords have kindly agreed to a trial run, as it were.

And if you're a very, very good girl,

you might even be invited to stay.

You see,

June will be chained in this room

until she gives birth.

And then June will be... executed.

Offred has an opportunity.

It would be better for the baby.

You'll have to earn your place. Prove that you're worthy.

Seventy-one flowers.

The bedspread has 71 flowers.

Posture, dear.

Well. Isn't this a happy day?

Welcome home, Offred.

Thanks.

We are grateful to the Lord for the safe return of our baby.

Praised be His mercy.

Praised be.

It wasn't easy finding you.

The terrorist networks in Gilead are insidious.

But we were determined to rescue you... from your kidnappers.

And God blessed our endeavor.

You've been through quite a trial.

Haven't you?

And the ransomed of the Lord shall return.

Praised be.

Offred?

Praised be.

What a lovely homecoming.

Now, Offred needs to clean up and get some rest.

I know the way.

Kidnapping. Of course.

Kidnapping is the story everyone can live with.

Martha. A word?

The Waterfords can keep the baby.

Shows off Gilead's reach and might.

You have a very important job, an essential job.

Now, everything must be washed.

Fruits, vegetables, meat. And especially poultry...

Ninety-two days!

Serena.

Remember.

As long as my baby is safe...

so is yours.

Lights are down, but not to worry.

Rub-a-dub-dub.

Be sure to wash everywhere.

No, dear. I mean down there.

You don't want any nasty bacteria getting to the baby, do you?

Water's getting cool.

Finish up and off to bed.

Baby needs rest.

Good morning, dear.

Did you have sweet dreams?

Sure.

Wonderful.

And you have a nice, clean dress.

Blessed be the fruit.

Yeah. May the Lord open.

Get dressed and wash your face.

Rita, make sure the water's not too hot.

Try to avoid any kind of shock to the system.

Yes.

We'll see you downstairs.

I hope you're hungry.

Hi.

Here.

Take them.

Rita, wait!

Someone was supposed to contact you.

I can't.

What if she finds them?

You don't know what it's been like.

Can you move these chairs over here?

Yes, of course.

Pardon me.

Those are the ones she wants.

Offred, love?

God provides all we need in His bounty,

but it is our duty to choose vitamins and minerals

in wise proportion to support the baby.

Offred. Sit.

We have a very special day planned, dear.

Everyone wants to celebrate our miracle.

Nick!

The guests are arriving soon.

Can you please make sure that everything is ready?

Yes, ma'am.

Drink up, dear.

You can do much better than that, can't you?

Excellent.

Sorry, Aunt Lydia.

We'll make another. You need your vitamins.

- This is so pretty. - Thank you.

I have to try. Can I try it?

Yes. Give it a go. See what it does.

Does it move?

It's darling!

I just couldn't... I couldn't resist it.

This is stunning. This is perfect!

- Beautiful! - Look at the stitching!

Thank you so much.

Thank you very much.

Do you want something to drink?

Do you want tea or something?

Leah, thank you so much.

I knitted it myself.

- Leah is just so talented. - So talented.

Bring mine in.

This is too much. Thank you.

You deserve some joy in your life.

Having your baby kidnapped.

I can't imagine how relieved you must be.

You're absolutely glowing.

Yes, thank you. We, We're very blessed.

It's such a shame you missed the baby's first trimester.

I couldn't breathe until Angela's first kick.

Well, I think it's still too early for that.

I felt the baby kick for the first time last night.

Praised be.

Praised be.

Who's next?

Yellow ribbon.

Do you need to take a break?

No. Having a great time.

I appreciate you all including a fifth.

Well, a chance to celebrate life is a gift to us all.

Praised be.

May I say that it's very sporting of you to have come,

despite your handicap.

Cushing. You're up.

You ready for Canada, Commander?

Yes. I think we can move them closer to easing sanctions.

It's a process.

Pull.

I fail to see how our domestic affairs are any concern to the Canadians.

I'd be happy to remind them of that.

If the Committee saw fit to name me special envoy

and send me up north as well.

Pull.

Have things settled in your home, Commander?

It is a blessing to have my house in order.

Back in order.

Yes.

Good.

Family is very important.

I agree.

Let us all pray for a full-term pregnancy and a successful birth.

By His hand.

Pull!

It's a beautiful celebration.

Yes. Thank you.

Mrs. Waterford,

I've worked with many Wives and Handmaids.

This part is always hard.

Mothers. Mothers and Handmaids.

It's only natural to resent her.

God will forgive you for that.

Well, she makes it difficult.

She's strong.

But that means your child will be strong.

You understand that everything that happens now

must be for the good of the child.