The Handmaid's Tale (2017–…): Season 1, Episode 4 - Nolite Te Bastardes Carborundorum - full transcript
Punished by Serena Joy, Offred begins to unravel and reflect on her time with Moria at the Red Center; A complication during the Ceremony threatens her survival.
OFFRED: Previously on
The Handmaid's Tale...
You haven't asked for
your napkins yet this month.
RITA: We're all so hopeful.
SERENA JOY:
Fred and I tried for so long.
It was hard to keep faith,
but here you are.
You're my miracle.
I'm out of town next week,
but when I get back then
we'll have to have a rematch.
I'll check my schedule.
See if you can
squeeze me in.
(GROANS)
SERENA JOY: No! Stop!
Mrs. Waterford,
this is state business.
She's pregnant!
I just wanted to check
if you were okay.
I'm fine.
I should've just
driven away with you.
Mrs. Waterford,
I'm not pregnant.
I got my period.
You will stay here, and you
will not leave this room.
(YELLING)
Do you understand me?
Things can get
much worse for you.
(♪ "DAYDREAM BELIEVER"
BY THE MONKEES)
(KIDS LAUGHING IN DISTANCE)
OFFRED: Luke said
she was missing it.
He said we should wake her up.
Her little hand was all sticky
from the cotton candy.
I can't do this.
It's dangerous.
If I let myself fall in too
far, I won't ever get out.
I've been banished to my room.
(DOG BARKING IN DISTANCE)
Thirteen days so far.
My door is unlocked.
It doesn't even
close all the way.
A constant reminder
of who's in control.
(RATTLING SOUND)
(EXHALES)
(SOBBING QUIETLY)
There are things in
this room to discover.
I am like an explorer,
a traveler to
undiscovered countries.
That's better than a lunatic,
lost in her memories.
(FLOOR CREAKING)
(SOBBING SOFTLY)
Words.
It's Latin, I think.
Someone wrote it. In here,
where no one
would ever see it.
Was it Offred?
The one who was here before?
It's a message, for me.
(METAL SHARPENING)
OFFRED: Hey. You there?
I got it out of the toilet.
It's pretty sharp already. Oh.
OFFRED: Good.
What?
It's just we'll
be posted soon.
Posted. You sound
like Aunt Chlamydia.
OFFRED: We're gonna
get out of here.
MOIRA: So? Posted
could be worse.
It sounds like some sort of
forced surrogacy or something.
That's just what Alma heard.
She's a drama queen.
We don't know
anything really yet.
MOIRA: I can guess.
We get the turkey baster
full of old‐man jizz,
shoved up our twats
so we can maybe pop out
a baby for the Fatherland.
Sounds awesome.
(WOOD SCRATCHING)
OFFRED: What are you doing?
MOIRA: You spell "Aunt Lydia"
with a "y," right?
OFFRED: Oh, God,
don't do that.
What? I like to read
when I take a dump.
If they catch you writing,
you will lose a hand.
You know that.
It's not worth it.
Yeah, it is.
And once we get
out of here,
there's gonna be a girl that
comes in here and reads it.
It will let her know
she's not alone.
(DOOR OPENS)
AUNT ELIZABETH:
Moira! Time's up!
Just a second, Aunt Elizabeth.
Just having my monthly woe.
(TOILET FLUSHES)
AUNT ELIZABETH: Let's go!
(KNOCKING)
(WHISPERING) Bye.
OFFRED: You had to be
brave to do this.
So, whatever it
means, thank you.
(FOOTSTEPS APPROACHING)
You were up early.
Work.
Is it the UN?
Well, give it a month. They'll
have to lift the embargo
if they don't want
the Euro to collapse.
An Aunt escaped last night,
from the Needham Red Center.
Well, the Eyes
will catch her.
She crossed the border.
Gave an interview
to the Toronto Star.
It's already up
on their website.
What does it say?
You can imagine.
Lies and hyperbole,
everything in the
worst possible light.
I would expect more
from an Aunt.
Just me being naive,
I guess.
Have Fortenberry send
in a written response.
The important thing is not to
discredit what she said,
but we need to discredit her.
You don't need to worry
about this. I promise.
We've got good men
working on it.
Praised be.
Good morning, Rita.
RITA: Commander, sir.
Ma'am. Blessed day.
(GASPS)
Rita?
What's wrong with you?
You scared the shit out of me.
I'm sorry.
What were you doing in there?
I... I was...
I was getting dressed.
And I think I just,
I felt light‐headed, you know?
I guess I might've passed out.
Are you sick?
No. No, I...
I feel fine.
I really wouldn't want to
worry anyone, you know?
Okay.
What did she do this time?
She was on the ground,
ma'am. She said she fainted.
She fainted?
No, that's what she said.
She was on the ground.
Should I make an
appointment at the doctor?
No.
She'll be fine.
Yes, ma'am.
We do have the
Ceremony tonight.
Make an appointment.
Yes, ma'am.
Well. Duty calls.
(RAIN FALLING)
OFFRED: The doctor's office is
on the other side of town.
That's a whole hour each way,
if I walk slow.
An hour of outside and rain
and flowers and
fresh fucking air.
You're sick. Is that right?
I fainted, Mrs. Waterford.
All right. Come on, then.
The car is out front.
No, I can...
What? You can what?
I can walk. It's not too far.
Don't be stupid.
You're sick.
Now come.
(RAIN POURING)
AUNT LYDIA: All right, girls.
Settle down.
A bit higher, Janine.
That's better. Now, girls.
Soon you will be leaving us
for new homes, a new family.
And they won't judge you for
your looks, or your clothes,
or your ability
to sound clever.
Take your hands
out of your mouth!
They will love you
for the blessing
only you can provide.
So, what, is this,
like, practice for labor?
I mean, if we get pregnant?
AUNT LYDIA: Helen!
We raise our hand.
These poses are similar
to the ones we will
take during childbirth.
But today we are practicing
for the Ceremony.
The Ceremony
is a sacred ritual.
A wonderful ritual.
Once a month, on fertile days,
the Handmaid shall lie between
the legs of
the Commander's wife.
The two of you will
become one flesh,
one flower,
waiting to be seeded.
We're flowers.
Lay down.
What? It's nice.
AUNT LYDIA: Now, if the girls
behind could hold the wrists
of the girls in front.
Moira?
(CLEARS THROAT)
Are you saying that
we will be having
intercourse with the men
between the wives' legs?
(CHUCKLES)
When Rachel saw that she
bear Jacob no children,
she said unto Jacob,
"Give me children,
or else I die."
And Rachel said,
"Behold my maid, Bilhah,
"go in unto her,
"and she shall bear
upon my knees,
"that I may have
children by her."
That is His word, dear.
And we shall abide.
All right, girls,
back in your positions.
(WHISPERS) This is fucked.
(FISH TANK WATER BUBBLING)
(MUFFLED) Waterford?
Waterford.
(INDISTINCT RADIO CHATTER)
You know what to do.
Doctor will be right in.
(SIGHS)
(DOOR OPENS)
DOCTOR: Raining cats
and dogs out there.
Well, it's good
for my tomatoes.
I'm growing heirlooms this
year, mostly yellow Valencia.
So, I hear you fainted.
Yes.
Okay, well,
your pressure's fine.
Do you have any
other symptoms?
Dizziness, stomach pains?
Double vision?
No.
That's good.
According to your chart,
it's Ceremony night.
Yes.
Well, fainting isn't uncommon
on Ceremony nights.
How are the Waterfords?
Are they treating you okay?
Yes, they treat me very well.
You know,
you can talk to me.
I can't do much about
your situation, but I'm
a good listener.
All right, then.
While you're here, I might as
well have a quick look,
make sure that everything is
in fighting shape for tonight.
This might feel a bit cool.
(EXHALES)
Just relax.
(GASPS)
You're ripe.
Right on schedule.
It doesn't really matter.
Waterford's probably sterile.
Most of those guys are.
OFFRED: Sterile.
That's a forbidden word.
There's no such thing as
a sterile man anymore.
There's only women
who are fruitful and
women who are barren.
(DOOR CLOSES)
DOCTOR: (WHISPERING)
I can help you.
It could be
the only way for you.
If Waterford can't get
you pregnant,
they won't blame him.
It'll be your fault.
It'll only take
a few minutes, honey.
I can't.
It's too dangerous.
Thank you.
(DOOR OPENS)
(BREATH TREMBLING)
(PEOPLE CHATTERING
INDISTINCTLY)
OFFRED: That's a good girl.
Mommy loves you.
Mommy loves you.
Oh, God damn it!
Fuck!
God damn it!
God fucking damn it!
(OFFRED SOBBING)
(CONTINUES SOBBING)
We're home.
Look, I'm sorry this
is happening to you.
I wish...
You wish what?
What do you wish?
So, are you dying?
Dehydrated.
You need to take better
care of yourself.
Everything is in working
order for this evening?
Yes.
Did he check?
Yes. He checked.
Good.
Mrs. Waterford,
I know I failed you.
I... I disappointed you
and myself.
And I will do my best to
not let it happen again.
I've learned my lesson.
I'm so sorry.
Please, let me out.
OFFRED: Please.
Go back to your room.
(SCRATCHING)
OFFRED: (WHISPERING)
How did you survive her?
Just please talk to me.
AUNT LYDIA: Blessed be the
pure in spirit for theirs is
the Kingdom of Heaven.
HANDMAIDS: Blessed be
the pure in spirit for theirs
is the Kingdom of Heaven.
OFFRED: Aunt Elizabeth?
One of the toilets
is overflowing again.
Oh, dear.
(DOOR OPENS)
(GASPS)
Don't make a fucking sound.
Anyone see you?
(WHIMPERS)
One sound and I
push this into your neck.
You know I'll do it, right?
(WHIMPERS)
Over here.
Over here!
Please don't
hurt me.
Shut up.
Take your clothes off.
(SCREAMS)
(AUNT ELIZABETH WHIMPERING)
Hurry up! Hurry!
(WHISPERING) Do it, faster!
Sit here.
Sit here. Put your
arms around the pipe.
Put your arms around the pipe!
Okay.
Please.
I know this wasn't your idea.
Shut the fuck up.
(SOBBING)
You okay?
Yeah.
(GASPS)
(GASPING)
What?
It's an eye
for an eye, right?
I could shove this
down your throat
and burn your tongue off.
(SOBBING)
Or your cunt.
Moira!
Let's go. Come on.
Just remember I didn't.
If it ever comes to that.
(GASPING)
(GAGGING)
(SOBS)
(SOBBING)
(DOOR OPENING)
(DOOR CLOSES)
Help me!
Help!
(INDISTINCT VOICES OVER RADIO)
(HELICOPTERS WHIR)
OFFRED: Shit.
Just look meek.
GUARDIAN: Where are you
taking this Handmaid?
Open the gate.
Yes, ma'am.
(DOGS BARKING IN DISTANCE)
(INDISTINCT RADIO CHATTER)
(DOOR OPENS)
(FOOTSTEPS APPROACHING)
(DOOR CLOSES)
WATERFORD:
Blessed be the fruit.
OFFRED:
He can't be in here yet.
First is household staff, then
the wife, then the Commander.
And he knocks.
He has to knock.
He can't be in here.
WATERFORD:
Sorry, did I startle you?
I just wanted to say hello.
I haven't seen you
in a while.
Hello.
Hi.
(KEYS JINGLE)
I was thinking perhaps
we could have
a rematch tonight.
Scrabble.
9:00 in my office?
What do you think?
(FOOTSTEPS APPROACH)
(DOOR OPENS)
Well, who's an
early bird today?
Blessed be the fruit.
May the Lord open.
WATERFORD: "And when
Rachel saw that she bear
Jacob no children,
"Rachel envied her sister
and said unto Jacob,
"'Give me children
or else I die.'"
Fred.
(DOOR OPENS)
(DOOR CLOSES)
(UNZIPS PANTS)
(DOG BARKS IN DISTANCE)
(DOOR OPENS)
(DOOR CLOSES)
(BREATHING HEAVILY)
(DOOR OPENS)
(DOOR CLOSES)
What are you doing?
SERENA JOY: Let me help you.
(SIGHING)
Does that feel good?
Don't.
(DOOR OPENS)
(DOOR CLOSES)
Go back to your room.
(DOOR CLOSES)
OFFRED: I'll be blamed.
I'm not blameless.
He tried to talk to me
before the Ceremony.
He tried to connect.
That's what he needs.
You can wet the
rim of a glass
and run your finger
around the rim
and it will make a sound.
This is what I feel like,
this sound of glass.
I feel like the
word "shatter."
(SHOVEL SCRAPING)
We've just gotta
get to the city.
The collective has
some safe houses.
(VOICES OVER WALKIE‐TALKIE)
Where are we?
They probably
didn't take us far.
Most of the girls
are from the city.
Where are
the street signs?
(POLICE SIREN WAILING)
GUARDIAN: Negative.
(VOICE OVER WALKIE‐TALKIE)
(SIRENS WAILING)
Where are we?
Come on.
(HORN HONKING)
(TIRES SQUEALING)
Stand by, Two.
(INDISTINCT VOICES OVER
WALKIE‐TALKIE)
(GRUNTING)
(INDISTINCT VOICES
OVER WALKIE‐TALKIE)
Which track goes to Boston?
(HAMMERING CONTINUES
IN BACKGROUND)
We can't get
on the wrong train.
Just stay here for a second
and I'll go ask someone.
No!
Hey, it'll be fine, right?
I'm an Aunt.
I'll scare the shit
out of them.
(MAN SPEAKING
OVER WALKIE‐TALKIE)
(HAMMERING CONTINUES)
Blessed be the fruit.
GUARDIAN 1: Blessed day,
under His eye.
MOIRA: Could you help me?
Which train goes
to Boston?
That'd be this track
right here.
This track?
(HAMMERING CONTINUES)
(MAN TALKING
OVER WALKIE‐TALKIE)
Blessed day, miss.
Do you need some help?
Yes, thank you.
Do you know which train
goes to Boston?
It's coming in now.
It's hard without
the signs, right?
They're going to replace
them soon, I think.
Where's your partner?
You shouldn't
be out alone.
Can I see your ID card?
(TRAIN APPROACHING)
Where are you posted?
(INAUDIBLE)
(INAUDIBLE)
(DEPARTURE BELL RINGING)
OFFRED: Moira, you wouldn't
stand for this shit.
You wouldn't let them keep you
in this room for two weeks.
You'd find a way out.
You'd escape.
Get up.
Get your crazy ass up.
(KNOCKING LIGHTLY)
(DOOR OPENS)
How was your trip?
Stressful.
I was in Mexico to coordinate
a trade delegation.
Lot of difficult
personalities,
you have no idea.
Maybe I should let
you win again.
(SCOFFS)
That's very nice of you,
but I prefer a fair fight.
Twenty‐six.
It's archaic, I think.
Would you like
to challenge?
Sure.
Hand me the dictionary.
Lower shelf.
(PAGES SHUFFLING)
Did you ever study Latin?
Oh, yes. My
parents thought
it would help me
with the SATs.
Here it is. "Sylph,
"a thin and graceful girl."
You were right.
OFFRED: Has she been here?
My predecessor.
Knower of Latin.
Scratcher of words.
Am I not the first
he's invited to this room?
What happened?
Did she say
the wrong thing?
Did she displease him,
the divine emperor
of this house?
And what price did she
pay for her insolence?
I'm sorry. Please.
Please, I'm sorry.
Please, please, please.
Sorry.
The most painful thing is not
the betrayal of trust, June.
(WHIMPERS)
Do you know
what's most painful?
The most painful thing
in this entire ugly incident
is the ingratitude.
Don't you realize
the opportunity you
have been given?
Yes, yes, I try to.
You were an adulterer,
a worthless slut!
But God found a way
to make you useful.
So, where's the gratitude?
I'm sorry.
I'm sorry.
Shh, dear.
I know.
God will grant you
His forgiveness.
But actions do
have consequences.
Chickens always come
home to roost.
Aunt Elizabeth.
No. No, please...
Please.
Please, I'm sorry. Please.
Please, please, please.
AUNT ELIZABETH:
Take off her socks.
(WHIMPERS)
(WHIMPERING)
(SCREAMING)
(CONTINUES SCREAMING)
AUNT ELIZABETH: Back to bed!
(DOOR CLOSES)
(CLOCK TICKING)
You did let me win.
Maybe.
How about a rematch?
Tomorrow,
after the Ceremony.
It's a date.
Can you do me a favor?
Sure.
Anything...
Within reason, of course.
I was just wondering
if you could translate
something for me.
I think it's Latin.
Nolite te bastardes
carborundorum.
(SCRABBLE TILES RATTLING)
Where'd you hear that?
Does it mean something?
(CHUCKLES) Not really.
It's a joke.
Oh?
How is it a joke?
It's only funny
if you know Latin.
Actually,
it's probably only funny
if you're a 12‐year‐old
boy studying Latin.
It doesn't really translate.
It's something like,
"Don't let the bastards
grind you down."
(CHUCKLES)
Don't let the bastards
grind you down.
Thanks.
Where'd you hear it?
From a friend.
Did you know her somehow?
What happened to her?
She's dead.
What happened to her?
She killed herself.
Hung herself from the ceiling.
I don't know.
I suppose she
found her life...
Unbearable.
And you want...
You want my life
to be bearable.
I would prefer it.
It has been so hard.
Being alone in that
room all the time.
I know Mrs. Waterford is,
is trying to teach
me a lesson.
I know.
I know she's right.
I have so many flaws.
But it has been so long.
I'm afraid I'm
starting to give up.
(CLOCK TICKING)
I certainly wouldn't
want to give up.
Like my friend.
That would be a tragedy.
(CHUCKLES)
(BIRDS CHIRPING)
(INHALING DEEPLY)
(JOYFUL MUSIC PLAYING)
(MUSIC CONTINUES PLAYING)
OFFRED:
There was an Offred before me.
She helped me find my way out.
She's dead.
She's alive.
She is me.
We are Handmaids.
Nolite te bastardes
carborundorum, bitches.
(BIRDS CHIRPING)
(WIND HOWLING)
(RAIN SPLATTERING)
The Handmaid's Tale...
You haven't asked for
your napkins yet this month.
RITA: We're all so hopeful.
SERENA JOY:
Fred and I tried for so long.
It was hard to keep faith,
but here you are.
You're my miracle.
I'm out of town next week,
but when I get back then
we'll have to have a rematch.
I'll check my schedule.
See if you can
squeeze me in.
(GROANS)
SERENA JOY: No! Stop!
Mrs. Waterford,
this is state business.
She's pregnant!
I just wanted to check
if you were okay.
I'm fine.
I should've just
driven away with you.
Mrs. Waterford,
I'm not pregnant.
I got my period.
You will stay here, and you
will not leave this room.
(YELLING)
Do you understand me?
Things can get
much worse for you.
(♪ "DAYDREAM BELIEVER"
BY THE MONKEES)
(KIDS LAUGHING IN DISTANCE)
OFFRED: Luke said
she was missing it.
He said we should wake her up.
Her little hand was all sticky
from the cotton candy.
I can't do this.
It's dangerous.
If I let myself fall in too
far, I won't ever get out.
I've been banished to my room.
(DOG BARKING IN DISTANCE)
Thirteen days so far.
My door is unlocked.
It doesn't even
close all the way.
A constant reminder
of who's in control.
(RATTLING SOUND)
(EXHALES)
(SOBBING QUIETLY)
There are things in
this room to discover.
I am like an explorer,
a traveler to
undiscovered countries.
That's better than a lunatic,
lost in her memories.
(FLOOR CREAKING)
(SOBBING SOFTLY)
Words.
It's Latin, I think.
Someone wrote it. In here,
where no one
would ever see it.
Was it Offred?
The one who was here before?
It's a message, for me.
(METAL SHARPENING)
OFFRED: Hey. You there?
I got it out of the toilet.
It's pretty sharp already. Oh.
OFFRED: Good.
What?
It's just we'll
be posted soon.
Posted. You sound
like Aunt Chlamydia.
OFFRED: We're gonna
get out of here.
MOIRA: So? Posted
could be worse.
It sounds like some sort of
forced surrogacy or something.
That's just what Alma heard.
She's a drama queen.
We don't know
anything really yet.
MOIRA: I can guess.
We get the turkey baster
full of old‐man jizz,
shoved up our twats
so we can maybe pop out
a baby for the Fatherland.
Sounds awesome.
(WOOD SCRATCHING)
OFFRED: What are you doing?
MOIRA: You spell "Aunt Lydia"
with a "y," right?
OFFRED: Oh, God,
don't do that.
What? I like to read
when I take a dump.
If they catch you writing,
you will lose a hand.
You know that.
It's not worth it.
Yeah, it is.
And once we get
out of here,
there's gonna be a girl that
comes in here and reads it.
It will let her know
she's not alone.
(DOOR OPENS)
AUNT ELIZABETH:
Moira! Time's up!
Just a second, Aunt Elizabeth.
Just having my monthly woe.
(TOILET FLUSHES)
AUNT ELIZABETH: Let's go!
(KNOCKING)
(WHISPERING) Bye.
OFFRED: You had to be
brave to do this.
So, whatever it
means, thank you.
(FOOTSTEPS APPROACHING)
You were up early.
Work.
Is it the UN?
Well, give it a month. They'll
have to lift the embargo
if they don't want
the Euro to collapse.
An Aunt escaped last night,
from the Needham Red Center.
Well, the Eyes
will catch her.
She crossed the border.
Gave an interview
to the Toronto Star.
It's already up
on their website.
What does it say?
You can imagine.
Lies and hyperbole,
everything in the
worst possible light.
I would expect more
from an Aunt.
Just me being naive,
I guess.
Have Fortenberry send
in a written response.
The important thing is not to
discredit what she said,
but we need to discredit her.
You don't need to worry
about this. I promise.
We've got good men
working on it.
Praised be.
Good morning, Rita.
RITA: Commander, sir.
Ma'am. Blessed day.
(GASPS)
Rita?
What's wrong with you?
You scared the shit out of me.
I'm sorry.
What were you doing in there?
I... I was...
I was getting dressed.
And I think I just,
I felt light‐headed, you know?
I guess I might've passed out.
Are you sick?
No. No, I...
I feel fine.
I really wouldn't want to
worry anyone, you know?
Okay.
What did she do this time?
She was on the ground,
ma'am. She said she fainted.
She fainted?
No, that's what she said.
She was on the ground.
Should I make an
appointment at the doctor?
No.
She'll be fine.
Yes, ma'am.
We do have the
Ceremony tonight.
Make an appointment.
Yes, ma'am.
Well. Duty calls.
(RAIN FALLING)
OFFRED: The doctor's office is
on the other side of town.
That's a whole hour each way,
if I walk slow.
An hour of outside and rain
and flowers and
fresh fucking air.
You're sick. Is that right?
I fainted, Mrs. Waterford.
All right. Come on, then.
The car is out front.
No, I can...
What? You can what?
I can walk. It's not too far.
Don't be stupid.
You're sick.
Now come.
(RAIN POURING)
AUNT LYDIA: All right, girls.
Settle down.
A bit higher, Janine.
That's better. Now, girls.
Soon you will be leaving us
for new homes, a new family.
And they won't judge you for
your looks, or your clothes,
or your ability
to sound clever.
Take your hands
out of your mouth!
They will love you
for the blessing
only you can provide.
So, what, is this,
like, practice for labor?
I mean, if we get pregnant?
AUNT LYDIA: Helen!
We raise our hand.
These poses are similar
to the ones we will
take during childbirth.
But today we are practicing
for the Ceremony.
The Ceremony
is a sacred ritual.
A wonderful ritual.
Once a month, on fertile days,
the Handmaid shall lie between
the legs of
the Commander's wife.
The two of you will
become one flesh,
one flower,
waiting to be seeded.
We're flowers.
Lay down.
What? It's nice.
AUNT LYDIA: Now, if the girls
behind could hold the wrists
of the girls in front.
Moira?
(CLEARS THROAT)
Are you saying that
we will be having
intercourse with the men
between the wives' legs?
(CHUCKLES)
When Rachel saw that she
bear Jacob no children,
she said unto Jacob,
"Give me children,
or else I die."
And Rachel said,
"Behold my maid, Bilhah,
"go in unto her,
"and she shall bear
upon my knees,
"that I may have
children by her."
That is His word, dear.
And we shall abide.
All right, girls,
back in your positions.
(WHISPERS) This is fucked.
(FISH TANK WATER BUBBLING)
(MUFFLED) Waterford?
Waterford.
(INDISTINCT RADIO CHATTER)
You know what to do.
Doctor will be right in.
(SIGHS)
(DOOR OPENS)
DOCTOR: Raining cats
and dogs out there.
Well, it's good
for my tomatoes.
I'm growing heirlooms this
year, mostly yellow Valencia.
So, I hear you fainted.
Yes.
Okay, well,
your pressure's fine.
Do you have any
other symptoms?
Dizziness, stomach pains?
Double vision?
No.
That's good.
According to your chart,
it's Ceremony night.
Yes.
Well, fainting isn't uncommon
on Ceremony nights.
How are the Waterfords?
Are they treating you okay?
Yes, they treat me very well.
You know,
you can talk to me.
I can't do much about
your situation, but I'm
a good listener.
All right, then.
While you're here, I might as
well have a quick look,
make sure that everything is
in fighting shape for tonight.
This might feel a bit cool.
(EXHALES)
Just relax.
(GASPS)
You're ripe.
Right on schedule.
It doesn't really matter.
Waterford's probably sterile.
Most of those guys are.
OFFRED: Sterile.
That's a forbidden word.
There's no such thing as
a sterile man anymore.
There's only women
who are fruitful and
women who are barren.
(DOOR CLOSES)
DOCTOR: (WHISPERING)
I can help you.
It could be
the only way for you.
If Waterford can't get
you pregnant,
they won't blame him.
It'll be your fault.
It'll only take
a few minutes, honey.
I can't.
It's too dangerous.
Thank you.
(DOOR OPENS)
(BREATH TREMBLING)
(PEOPLE CHATTERING
INDISTINCTLY)
OFFRED: That's a good girl.
Mommy loves you.
Mommy loves you.
Oh, God damn it!
Fuck!
God damn it!
God fucking damn it!
(OFFRED SOBBING)
(CONTINUES SOBBING)
We're home.
Look, I'm sorry this
is happening to you.
I wish...
You wish what?
What do you wish?
So, are you dying?
Dehydrated.
You need to take better
care of yourself.
Everything is in working
order for this evening?
Yes.
Did he check?
Yes. He checked.
Good.
Mrs. Waterford,
I know I failed you.
I... I disappointed you
and myself.
And I will do my best to
not let it happen again.
I've learned my lesson.
I'm so sorry.
Please, let me out.
OFFRED: Please.
Go back to your room.
(SCRATCHING)
OFFRED: (WHISPERING)
How did you survive her?
Just please talk to me.
AUNT LYDIA: Blessed be the
pure in spirit for theirs is
the Kingdom of Heaven.
HANDMAIDS: Blessed be
the pure in spirit for theirs
is the Kingdom of Heaven.
OFFRED: Aunt Elizabeth?
One of the toilets
is overflowing again.
Oh, dear.
(DOOR OPENS)
(GASPS)
Don't make a fucking sound.
Anyone see you?
(WHIMPERS)
One sound and I
push this into your neck.
You know I'll do it, right?
(WHIMPERS)
Over here.
Over here!
Please don't
hurt me.
Shut up.
Take your clothes off.
(SCREAMS)
(AUNT ELIZABETH WHIMPERING)
Hurry up! Hurry!
(WHISPERING) Do it, faster!
Sit here.
Sit here. Put your
arms around the pipe.
Put your arms around the pipe!
Okay.
Please.
I know this wasn't your idea.
Shut the fuck up.
(SOBBING)
You okay?
Yeah.
(GASPS)
(GASPING)
What?
It's an eye
for an eye, right?
I could shove this
down your throat
and burn your tongue off.
(SOBBING)
Or your cunt.
Moira!
Let's go. Come on.
Just remember I didn't.
If it ever comes to that.
(GASPING)
(GAGGING)
(SOBS)
(SOBBING)
(DOOR OPENING)
(DOOR CLOSES)
Help me!
Help!
(INDISTINCT VOICES OVER RADIO)
(HELICOPTERS WHIR)
OFFRED: Shit.
Just look meek.
GUARDIAN: Where are you
taking this Handmaid?
Open the gate.
Yes, ma'am.
(DOGS BARKING IN DISTANCE)
(INDISTINCT RADIO CHATTER)
(DOOR OPENS)
(FOOTSTEPS APPROACHING)
(DOOR CLOSES)
WATERFORD:
Blessed be the fruit.
OFFRED:
He can't be in here yet.
First is household staff, then
the wife, then the Commander.
And he knocks.
He has to knock.
He can't be in here.
WATERFORD:
Sorry, did I startle you?
I just wanted to say hello.
I haven't seen you
in a while.
Hello.
Hi.
(KEYS JINGLE)
I was thinking perhaps
we could have
a rematch tonight.
Scrabble.
9:00 in my office?
What do you think?
(FOOTSTEPS APPROACH)
(DOOR OPENS)
Well, who's an
early bird today?
Blessed be the fruit.
May the Lord open.
WATERFORD: "And when
Rachel saw that she bear
Jacob no children,
"Rachel envied her sister
and said unto Jacob,
"'Give me children
or else I die.'"
Fred.
(DOOR OPENS)
(DOOR CLOSES)
(UNZIPS PANTS)
(DOG BARKS IN DISTANCE)
(DOOR OPENS)
(DOOR CLOSES)
(BREATHING HEAVILY)
(DOOR OPENS)
(DOOR CLOSES)
What are you doing?
SERENA JOY: Let me help you.
(SIGHING)
Does that feel good?
Don't.
(DOOR OPENS)
(DOOR CLOSES)
Go back to your room.
(DOOR CLOSES)
OFFRED: I'll be blamed.
I'm not blameless.
He tried to talk to me
before the Ceremony.
He tried to connect.
That's what he needs.
You can wet the
rim of a glass
and run your finger
around the rim
and it will make a sound.
This is what I feel like,
this sound of glass.
I feel like the
word "shatter."
(SHOVEL SCRAPING)
We've just gotta
get to the city.
The collective has
some safe houses.
(VOICES OVER WALKIE‐TALKIE)
Where are we?
They probably
didn't take us far.
Most of the girls
are from the city.
Where are
the street signs?
(POLICE SIREN WAILING)
GUARDIAN: Negative.
(VOICE OVER WALKIE‐TALKIE)
(SIRENS WAILING)
Where are we?
Come on.
(HORN HONKING)
(TIRES SQUEALING)
Stand by, Two.
(INDISTINCT VOICES OVER
WALKIE‐TALKIE)
(GRUNTING)
(INDISTINCT VOICES
OVER WALKIE‐TALKIE)
Which track goes to Boston?
(HAMMERING CONTINUES
IN BACKGROUND)
We can't get
on the wrong train.
Just stay here for a second
and I'll go ask someone.
No!
Hey, it'll be fine, right?
I'm an Aunt.
I'll scare the shit
out of them.
(MAN SPEAKING
OVER WALKIE‐TALKIE)
(HAMMERING CONTINUES)
Blessed be the fruit.
GUARDIAN 1: Blessed day,
under His eye.
MOIRA: Could you help me?
Which train goes
to Boston?
That'd be this track
right here.
This track?
(HAMMERING CONTINUES)
(MAN TALKING
OVER WALKIE‐TALKIE)
Blessed day, miss.
Do you need some help?
Yes, thank you.
Do you know which train
goes to Boston?
It's coming in now.
It's hard without
the signs, right?
They're going to replace
them soon, I think.
Where's your partner?
You shouldn't
be out alone.
Can I see your ID card?
(TRAIN APPROACHING)
Where are you posted?
(INAUDIBLE)
(INAUDIBLE)
(DEPARTURE BELL RINGING)
OFFRED: Moira, you wouldn't
stand for this shit.
You wouldn't let them keep you
in this room for two weeks.
You'd find a way out.
You'd escape.
Get up.
Get your crazy ass up.
(KNOCKING LIGHTLY)
(DOOR OPENS)
How was your trip?
Stressful.
I was in Mexico to coordinate
a trade delegation.
Lot of difficult
personalities,
you have no idea.
Maybe I should let
you win again.
(SCOFFS)
That's very nice of you,
but I prefer a fair fight.
Twenty‐six.
It's archaic, I think.
Would you like
to challenge?
Sure.
Hand me the dictionary.
Lower shelf.
(PAGES SHUFFLING)
Did you ever study Latin?
Oh, yes. My
parents thought
it would help me
with the SATs.
Here it is. "Sylph,
"a thin and graceful girl."
You were right.
OFFRED: Has she been here?
My predecessor.
Knower of Latin.
Scratcher of words.
Am I not the first
he's invited to this room?
What happened?
Did she say
the wrong thing?
Did she displease him,
the divine emperor
of this house?
And what price did she
pay for her insolence?
I'm sorry. Please.
Please, I'm sorry.
Please, please, please.
Sorry.
The most painful thing is not
the betrayal of trust, June.
(WHIMPERS)
Do you know
what's most painful?
The most painful thing
in this entire ugly incident
is the ingratitude.
Don't you realize
the opportunity you
have been given?
Yes, yes, I try to.
You were an adulterer,
a worthless slut!
But God found a way
to make you useful.
So, where's the gratitude?
I'm sorry.
I'm sorry.
Shh, dear.
I know.
God will grant you
His forgiveness.
But actions do
have consequences.
Chickens always come
home to roost.
Aunt Elizabeth.
No. No, please...
Please.
Please, I'm sorry. Please.
Please, please, please.
AUNT ELIZABETH:
Take off her socks.
(WHIMPERS)
(WHIMPERING)
(SCREAMING)
(CONTINUES SCREAMING)
AUNT ELIZABETH: Back to bed!
(DOOR CLOSES)
(CLOCK TICKING)
You did let me win.
Maybe.
How about a rematch?
Tomorrow,
after the Ceremony.
It's a date.
Can you do me a favor?
Sure.
Anything...
Within reason, of course.
I was just wondering
if you could translate
something for me.
I think it's Latin.
Nolite te bastardes
carborundorum.
(SCRABBLE TILES RATTLING)
Where'd you hear that?
Does it mean something?
(CHUCKLES) Not really.
It's a joke.
Oh?
How is it a joke?
It's only funny
if you know Latin.
Actually,
it's probably only funny
if you're a 12‐year‐old
boy studying Latin.
It doesn't really translate.
It's something like,
"Don't let the bastards
grind you down."
(CHUCKLES)
Don't let the bastards
grind you down.
Thanks.
Where'd you hear it?
From a friend.
Did you know her somehow?
What happened to her?
She's dead.
What happened to her?
She killed herself.
Hung herself from the ceiling.
I don't know.
I suppose she
found her life...
Unbearable.
And you want...
You want my life
to be bearable.
I would prefer it.
It has been so hard.
Being alone in that
room all the time.
I know Mrs. Waterford is,
is trying to teach
me a lesson.
I know.
I know she's right.
I have so many flaws.
But it has been so long.
I'm afraid I'm
starting to give up.
(CLOCK TICKING)
I certainly wouldn't
want to give up.
Like my friend.
That would be a tragedy.
(CHUCKLES)
(BIRDS CHIRPING)
(INHALING DEEPLY)
(JOYFUL MUSIC PLAYING)
(MUSIC CONTINUES PLAYING)
OFFRED:
There was an Offred before me.
She helped me find my way out.
She's dead.
She's alive.
She is me.
We are Handmaids.
Nolite te bastardes
carborundorum, bitches.
(BIRDS CHIRPING)
(WIND HOWLING)
(RAIN SPLATTERING)