The Handmaid's Tale (2017–…): Season 1, Episode 6 - A Woman's Place - full transcript
When a trade delegation from Mexico comes to Gilead, Offred discovers several shocking secrets.
OFFRED: Previously on
The Handmaid's Tale...
How was your trip?
I was in Mexico to coordinate
a trade delegation.
Something wrong?
You don't need to worry
about this.
We've got good men
working on it.
Don't you ever touch me like
that, when she's there.
I didn't mind it.
I don't think you did either.
Your time is
running out here.
I was thinking maybe
we could try another way.
NICK: I couldn't say no when
Mrs. Waterford asked me.
I'm sorry.
WATERFORD: We only wanted
to make the world better.
Now you have respect.
You can fulfill
your biological
destinies in peace.
Biological destiny?
Children. What else
is there to live for?
OFFRED: Love.
(MOANING)
(MOANING)
(KISSING)
(BREATHING HEAVILY)
(MOANING)
OFFRED: Once.
Actually, twice for him.
Two times for me.
Almost three.
So close.
It doesn't matter.
It can never happen again.
Sorry, Nick.
Spick and span, girls.
He loves us for our labors!
Why do we have to do this?
JANINE: It's fun.
Look, it's like painting.
ALMA: They just want
everything to look
pretty and perfect.
There are people visiting.
Foreigners.
Tourists?
That's kind of messed up.
No, like government people,
diplomats.
They'll be at
your house tonight.
How do you know that?
My Commander.
Small dick, big mouth.
It looks kind of weird
without all the dead bodies,
doesn't it?
Yeah.
I guess you get used
to things being one way.
(OMINOUS MUSIC PLAYING)
(EXHALES)
(FOOTSTEPS APPROACHING)
(KNOCKS ON DOOR)
RITA: Hurry up in there.
Coming.
(DOOR OPENS)
I left a clean dress
for you.
Thanks.
As soon as you're dressed,
Mrs. Waterford wants
to see you.
In her room.
Awesome.
I'll keep a good thought.
Mrs. Waterford?
(FLOOR CREAKING)
(OMINOUS MUSIC PLAYING)
(FOOTSTEPS APPROACHING)
All cleaned up?
Yes, Mrs. Waterford.
Good.
Now, we have some
important guests tonight,
a trade delegation
from Mexico.
The Commander worked very hard
to arrange this visit.
We need to make
the right impression.
So, let's see you.
Turn around.
You're fine. Thank you.
Red's my color.
Well, that's lucky.
Our visitors may have
some questions.
They're curious about
our lives here.
I know that if spoken to,
you'll speak wisely.
I'll try to
speak wisely, Mrs. Waterford.
Please don't disappoint me.
Do you understand?
Yes, Mrs. Waterford.
You can go.
SERENA JOY:
You took your time.
It's a good day for us.
WATERFORD: I left as early
as I could.
SERENA JOY: That's good,
'cause I have a conference
call at 4:00.
WATERFORD: You know...
Wait, wait, wait.
I'm not your boy toy.
I need to be romanced.
Let us pray.
Maybe some flowers.
You could write me a poem.
It doesn't have to rhyme.
(BOTH BREATHING HEAVILY)
(CLEARS THROAT)
And the Lord God
caused a deep sleep
to fall upon Adam,
and he took one of his ribs,
and closed up the flesh
instead thereof.
Hmm. I like that skirt.
Focus, focus.
And the rib,
which the Lord God
had taken from man,
made he a woman,
and brought her unto the man.
My bones, flesh of my flesh,
she shall be called Woman,
because she was...
Therefore, shall a man...
Unto his wife.
They were naked,
the man and the wife,
and they were not ashamed.
May God bless this union...
And make it fruitful.
SERENA JOY: Amen.
(SOFT PIANO MUSIC PLAYING)
They're through security.
Should be here any minute.
You look very handsome.
Thank you.
They're having dinner
at the home of a very
powerful Commander.
Let them be nervous.
(BELL RINGING)
(INDISTINCT CHATTER)
Blessed be the fruit.
May the Lord open.
How's your day going?
You look pretty.
Thanks.
I wore it just for you.
You shouldn't wear
anything for me.
(SLOW MUSIC PLAYING)
(BREATHES HEAVILY)
(DOOR OPENS)
Nick? Bring her in.
(OMINOUS MUSIC PLAYING)
Deputy Ambassador Castillo,
puedo presentar
our Handmaid, Offred.
May the Lord open.
No, Mrs. Castillo
is the Ambassador.
Mr. Flores is her assistant.
I'm sorry.
No apologies are necessary.
It is a pleasure to meet you.
May the Lord open.
We've heard a bit
about Handmaids,
but it's difficult to
separate rumors from facts.
WATERFORD: That is why I'm so
pleased we're opening a dialog
between our countries.
Offred, what is
your given name?
From before.
I don't use that anymore.
Handmaids take patronymics,
derived from the head
of their household.
Ofwarren, Offred, et cetera.
It's a symbol of their
sacred position.
MRS. CASTILLO: Yes.
I would like to know more
about your sacred position.
Did you choose
to be a Handmaid?
Yes.
Well.
It's an enormous sacrifice,
what you're doing.
WATERFORD: Handmaids
are having children
for the entire nation.
Offred knows how grateful
we are for her choice in this.
(KNOCKS ON DOOR)
Come.
Sir.
Pardon the interruption.
Ambassador, gentlemen,
please join us for some
hors d'oeuvres.
Thank you, dear.
Shall we make our way, then?
Please, after you.
A pleasure
to meet you, Offred.
Blessed be the fruit.
Under His eye.
Thank you for your time
and your thoughts.
You're welcome.
Might, may I ask,
and I apologize
if this is too personal,
but you have chosen
such a difficult life.
Are you happy?
(OMINOUS MUSIC PLAYING)
I have found happiness,
yes.
MRS. CASTILLO: I'm very glad,
Offred.
SERENA JOY: Ambassador.
(SOFT PIANO MUSIC PLAYING)
(INDISTINCT CHATTER)
WATERFORD: I'm so pleased
and honored you've traveled
so far to be with us.
Por favor.
FLORES: Everything looks
delicious.
Gracias.
We've transitioned to
a completely organic
agricultural model.
MRS. CASTILLO: Impressive.
How is the harvest
in your country?
Ah, we have challenges,
like the rest of the world.
Most of our staples are
not adjusting to the
new weather patterns.
WARREN: Our citrus
orchards in Florida
are doing really well.
Rita, could you check and see
if we have any oranges?
Yes, sir.
I believe we do.
Good.
I hope we'll find other
valuable resources to share
with you as well.
God has blessed
our new nation...
Thank you... In so many ways.
MRS. CASTILLO: Yes.
I'm curious.
Hmm.
How does the quiet half of
the room feel about Gilead?
It's absolutely wonderful.
Mrs. Waterford?
I am blessed to have a home
and a husband to care
for and follow.
WATERFORD: Traditional values
are at the core of
everything we do here,
including trade policy.
"Never mistake a woman's
meekness for weakness."
Clever.
MRS. CASTILLO: Yes, it is.
It's from A Woman's Place.
My wife's book.
MRS. CASTILLO:
I reread it on the plane.
Such a thoughtful argument for
domestic feminism,
as it was called.
Thank you.
That's very kind.
I heard you speak
once at a rally,
before the war,
you were very passionate.
Women were abandoning
their families and we needed
to make a change.
We were running out of time.
You were arrested for inciting
to riot, if I recall?
I had a temper in those days.
Back then, did you ever
imagine a society like this?
A society that has reduced
its carbon emissions
by 78% in three years?
A society in which women can
no longer read your book.
Or anything else.
No.
I didn't.
God asks for sacrifices,
Mrs. Castillo.
That has always been His way,
but He gives the righteous
blessings in return.
And I think that
it's safe to say
Gilead has been blessed
in so many ways.
Amen.
Shall we have dinner?
We shouldn't have
invited the wives.
It was a dinner at home.
Consider the optics.
If we don't make
progress on trade,
in six months
our currency will
fall off a cliff.
Consider that.
Recounting your arrest
record doesn't do anything
to help that problem.
You have meetings tomorrow.
You can talk about the issues,
and then we have
the reception afterwards.
Waste of time.
I disagree.
Let's go over the details.
I'm sure you'll make it
all look perfect.
(SIGHS)
(DOOR OPENS)
Hi.
Hi.
You look tired.
We met until 3:00 a. m.
Colby and Harris had to
take the train in.
They're still
being followed.
FBI?
I don't know.
Most likely.
Well, if they made it and
you had the full committee,
what happened?
Nothing happened because
all these men know how
to do is talk.
I honestly don't know
if they have the faith
to see this through.
Hey, hey.
Come here.
(SIGHS)
We're going out.
No.
I have calls to make,
and I just wanna
go to sleep.
I wasn't asking.
Thanks.
(UPBEAT SONG PLAYING)
Thank you.
(INDISTINCT CHATTER)
You sure this is big enough?
There is no problem that
cannot be solved with
enough movie popcorn.
Did you make your proposal
to the committee?
Yes, if it did any good.
D6 and 7.
What about you?
I've barely had a chance
to talk to you.
Did you turn in
your article?
No, I'm still
working on it.
But, you know,
I was thinking,
fertility as a national
resource, reproduction as
a moral imperative.
I think that's a really
interesting idea and it could
make for a great second book.
Or not. I honestly didn't
think that I would ever
write another book.
You should.
It's a great idea.
Okay. Okay.
(CELL PHONE VIBRATES)
Hold this.
(INDISTINCT CHATTER)
(SIGHS)
What?
It's happening.
They issued the orders.
It's what we proposed.
Three separate attacks.
When?
Three weeks.
Congress first,
then the White House,
then the Court.
Praise be.
(SLOW MUSIC PLAYING)
SERENA JOY:
Things have to change.
WATERFORD: I know.
There's still going
to be a lot of pain.
There's pain now.
So much of it.
(LION ON SCREEN ROARING)
We're saving them.
We're doing God's work.
(MAN ON SCREEN CLAMORING)
(GUNSHOTS FIRING)
(CLAMORING CONTINUES)
(GUNFIRE CONTINUES)
(EXHALES)
(FOOTSTEPS APPROACHING)
(KNOCKS ON DOOR)
Hey.
Hey.
He, uh...
He wants to see you
in his office.
Okay.
It only makes it worse.
(HEAVY BREATHING)
(SOFT PIANO MUSIC PLAYING)
WATERFORD: Did you see
the way she looked at us?
Like we were fucking freaks.
Who are they to judge us?
Half their population
is malnourished.
They've had four elections
in three years.
What are they doing
to save the planet? Hmm?
Not a single thing.
Can't they see the good work
we're doing here?
Am I boring you?
No. Sorry.
Being in here is a privilege.
I know that.
Time to go.
(OMINOUS MUSIC PLAYING)
I'm sorry.
Can I...
Can I stay here
with you?
Please?
You want to stay?
Come.
Here.
(OMINOUS MUSIC
CONTINUES PLAYING)
Kiss me.
Not like that.
Like you mean it.
Sweet girl.
Big day tomorrow.
Get some sleep.
(FOOTSTEPS RECEDING)
(OMINOUS MUSIC
CONTINUES PLAYING)
(SPITS)
(WATER RUNNING)
AUNT LYDIA: All right, girls.
When we are inside,
there will be
no wandering about.
You will stay
at your own tables.
We have tables?
Tonight you are guests,
just like everyone else.
This is not an excuse
to misbehave.
Girls, don't you all
look beautiful.
Mmm-hmm.
Line them up, please.
Now, Aunt,
if you would.
All right, girls.
One line.
Neat as you please.
Very nice.
Lovely.
Please remove
the damaged ones.
Mrs. Waterford, ma'am.
Whatever punishment these
girls had to endure was
for the greater good.
They deserve to be honored
just like everyone else.
And we do honor them.
But you don't put
the bruised apples at
the top of the crate,
do you?
No.
Quietly, please.
All right.
Come forward. Oflyle,
Ofthomas, Ofjohn, Oftim.
Ofwarren, you too.
Quick-quick.
Take them to the van.
(QUIETLY) No.
No, I want to go to the party.
AUNT LYDIA: Ofwarren.
JANINE: No!
No!
Janine!
No, get off of me!
No, I didn't...
Janine.
I didn't do anything wrong.
OFFRED: I know.
I just wanna go to the party.
AUNT LYDIA: Ofwarren.
I know.
JANINE: I didn't do
anything wrong.
OFFRED: Shh.
JANINE: I didn't do anything.
Janine.
It's not fair.
You're absolutely right.
But sometimes we have to do
what is best for everyone,
not what is fair.
(SOBS)
Now, go with Aunt Dylan
and I will make sure you get
a whole tray of dessert.
You promise?
Cross my heart.
And hope to die?
Hope to die.
All right, girls.
Two lines!
Best behavior!
(INDISTINCT CHATTER)
OFGLEN: Praised be.
It's like a dream.
I think I went to
a Bat Mitzvah here once.
(INDISTINCT CONVERSATIONS)
(SPEAKING INDISTINCTLY)
(PIANO MUSIC PLAYING)
They won't let you speak.
(SIGHS) I'm sorry.
It is what it is.
Thank you for trying.
I won't give up trying.
You should be a part
of these decisions.
I'm going to keep
telling them that.
No, don't.
We need to work together now,
not argue amongst ourselves.
I'm going to see you at home.
We're moving on
to the security
discussions.
Was she upset?
No, just frustrated.
(CHUCKLES)
She's been involved
in this from
the very beginning.
Well, this is our fault.
We gave them more
than they could handle.
They put so much focus
on academic pursuits
and professional ambition,
we let them forget
their real purpose.
We won't let
that happen again.
(INDISTINCT CHATTER)
(WHISPERING)
Where are they?
They were supposed
to be seated when
the Ambassador got here.
Patience.
Even the righteous need
a little show business.
Good evening, everyone.
I want to welcome our guests.
Tonight is a celebration
of Gilead
and of what we have achieved.
We have made great strides
cleaning the environment,
and restoring a healthy
and moral way of life.
And we're very proud
of what we're leaving behind
for future generations.
But we know that
none of it matters
if we cannot solve
our most pressing problem.
And we have finally begun
to do just that.
With God's blessing,
and with the devotion
of a group of girls.
Please, stand.
(APPLAUSE)
SERENA JOY: Tonight we honor
your contribution.
And now, for our guests,
we have a very special
surprise.
It is my honor to present
to you the children of Gilead.
All brought forth in this
district by our Handmaids.
(PEOPLE EXCLAIMING
AND APPLAUDING)
(CHILDREN GIGGLING)
Now, let's go and say hello
to the head table.
(OMINOUS MUSIC PLAYING)
(CHILDREN'S VOICES ECHOING)
Looks like Waterford's
gonna get his trade deal.
What did they talk
about last night?
What?
I don't know.
You didn't hear anything?
Schedules, dates?
Why do you care so much?
What did you hear?
What does it matter how many
oranges we trade with Mexico?
You think they want
to trade oranges?
Don't be an idiot.
Gilead only has one thing
to trade that anyone wants.
Red tags.
What?
They want to
trade us, dummy.
They want to trade
for Handmaids.
(OMINOUS MUSIC PLAYING)
This can go to the trash.
This can come in here.
Just by the closet.
And those can go, too.
Thank you.
What do you think?
Does it, does it fit?
Well, you look
very important.
Are you heading in?
Senior staff
meets at 10:00.
You should be coming with me.
So, what are your
plans for today?
I'm going to make
this place a home.
(EXHALES)
(INDISTINCT CHATTER
ON POLICE RADIO)
(PIANO MUSIC PLAYING)
(DOOR CREAKS OPEN)
Tired?
The opposite, actually.
I don't think
that I'll be able
to get to sleep.
I'm just glad that it went
so well. Congratulations.
You, too.
You should discuss
with the other Commanders.
See the best way
to move forward.
No.
They can wait.
The timing for implementation
is the most important thing
right now.
You're an amazing woman.
(BREATHES HEAVILY)
I forgot.
(SLOW MUSIC PLAYING)
(GASPS)
(KISSING)
(HEAVY BREATHING)
We should...
We should stop.
No.
Hey.
Hey, what's going on?
I should've said something.
I should've said something.
I should've...
I should've told her.
I should've told her
what they do to us.
You're being too hard
on yourself.
You were in a room
full of Commanders.
No, I should've...
I said I was happy.
(SOBBING)
I said I was happy.
What choice did you have?
I can't be here.
I can't be here.
Sit down for a second.
I can't. No, I can't.
Talk to me. Hey.
Offred.
If they find us here.
If they find us...
Offred.
If they find us together,
I'm gonna get sent
to the colonies.
You're an Eye.
You're untouchable.
It's...
That's not true.
Fuck you, Nick. Fuck you!
They don't rape you,
do they?
He doesn't come in here
once a month and
read you a little scripture
and stick his cock up
your ass?
I said I was happy!
Offred.
Don't call me that!
It is not my name.
Can I get you
a glass of water?
(FRIDGE DOOR OPENS)
(WATER POURS)
It's June.
My name. It's June.
It's nice to meet you, June.
(SOBS)
Here.
I'll let the Commander
know you're here.
Thank you. No rush.
We are a bit early.
Oh, good morning.
Blessed be the fruit.
You must be going on
one of your walks?
OFFRED: Yes.
Well, I better not keep
my partner waiting.
MRS. CASTILLO: Of course.
Of course.
Oh, um, I just wanted
to give you a gift,
um, to thank you
for your candor.
It was invaluable.
Mexican chocolates,
from my home town.
Thank you,
for helping me understand
your world a bit.
Under His eye.
But you don't understand.
I lied to you.
This is...
A brutal place.
Offred?
We're prisoners.
If we run,
they'll try to kill us.
Or worse.
They beat us.
They use cattle prods
to try to get us to behave.
If we're caught reading,
they'll cut off a finger.
Second offense,
just the whole hand.
They gouge out our eyes.
They just maim us
in worse ways
than you can imagine.
They rape me.
Just every month.
Whenever I might be fertile.
I'm...
Sorry.
I didn't choose this.
They caught me.
I was trying to escape.
They took my daughter.
So don't be sorry.
Okay?
Please don't be sorry.
Please do something.
I...
Can't help you.
What are you going
to trade us for?
Hmm?
What?
Fucking chocolate?
(SOBBING) We're human beings.
How can you do that?
How?
How can you do that?
I am from Xipica,
Ms. Offred.
It is nice city,
maybe the size of Boston.
There hasn't been a child
born alive in Xipica
in six years.
My country is dying.
(SOBBING)
My country's already dead.
(FOOTSTEPS APPROACHING)
Ambassador. There you are.
Is everything all right?
I was just giving Offred
a farewell gift.
I have one for
Mrs. Waterford as well.
That's very kind of you.
Please.
WATERFORD: Straight ahead.
To the right.
(OFFRED SNIFFLING)
Offred?
I have to go.
I want to help you.
I don't know where
your daughter is,
but I think I can get
a message to your husband.
My husband's dead.
Lucas Bankole,
born 29 April,
1980, in Nyack,
formerly New York State.
He's alive.
OFFRED: No.
I heard shots.
We don't have much time.
Please...
June.
Write something.
I'll try to get it to him.
(GUITAR PLAYING)
The Handmaid's Tale...
How was your trip?
I was in Mexico to coordinate
a trade delegation.
Something wrong?
You don't need to worry
about this.
We've got good men
working on it.
Don't you ever touch me like
that, when she's there.
I didn't mind it.
I don't think you did either.
Your time is
running out here.
I was thinking maybe
we could try another way.
NICK: I couldn't say no when
Mrs. Waterford asked me.
I'm sorry.
WATERFORD: We only wanted
to make the world better.
Now you have respect.
You can fulfill
your biological
destinies in peace.
Biological destiny?
Children. What else
is there to live for?
OFFRED: Love.
(MOANING)
(MOANING)
(KISSING)
(BREATHING HEAVILY)
(MOANING)
OFFRED: Once.
Actually, twice for him.
Two times for me.
Almost three.
So close.
It doesn't matter.
It can never happen again.
Sorry, Nick.
Spick and span, girls.
He loves us for our labors!
Why do we have to do this?
JANINE: It's fun.
Look, it's like painting.
ALMA: They just want
everything to look
pretty and perfect.
There are people visiting.
Foreigners.
Tourists?
That's kind of messed up.
No, like government people,
diplomats.
They'll be at
your house tonight.
How do you know that?
My Commander.
Small dick, big mouth.
It looks kind of weird
without all the dead bodies,
doesn't it?
Yeah.
I guess you get used
to things being one way.
(OMINOUS MUSIC PLAYING)
(EXHALES)
(FOOTSTEPS APPROACHING)
(KNOCKS ON DOOR)
RITA: Hurry up in there.
Coming.
(DOOR OPENS)
I left a clean dress
for you.
Thanks.
As soon as you're dressed,
Mrs. Waterford wants
to see you.
In her room.
Awesome.
I'll keep a good thought.
Mrs. Waterford?
(FLOOR CREAKING)
(OMINOUS MUSIC PLAYING)
(FOOTSTEPS APPROACHING)
All cleaned up?
Yes, Mrs. Waterford.
Good.
Now, we have some
important guests tonight,
a trade delegation
from Mexico.
The Commander worked very hard
to arrange this visit.
We need to make
the right impression.
So, let's see you.
Turn around.
You're fine. Thank you.
Red's my color.
Well, that's lucky.
Our visitors may have
some questions.
They're curious about
our lives here.
I know that if spoken to,
you'll speak wisely.
I'll try to
speak wisely, Mrs. Waterford.
Please don't disappoint me.
Do you understand?
Yes, Mrs. Waterford.
You can go.
SERENA JOY:
You took your time.
It's a good day for us.
WATERFORD: I left as early
as I could.
SERENA JOY: That's good,
'cause I have a conference
call at 4:00.
WATERFORD: You know...
Wait, wait, wait.
I'm not your boy toy.
I need to be romanced.
Let us pray.
Maybe some flowers.
You could write me a poem.
It doesn't have to rhyme.
(BOTH BREATHING HEAVILY)
(CLEARS THROAT)
And the Lord God
caused a deep sleep
to fall upon Adam,
and he took one of his ribs,
and closed up the flesh
instead thereof.
Hmm. I like that skirt.
Focus, focus.
And the rib,
which the Lord God
had taken from man,
made he a woman,
and brought her unto the man.
My bones, flesh of my flesh,
she shall be called Woman,
because she was...
Therefore, shall a man...
Unto his wife.
They were naked,
the man and the wife,
and they were not ashamed.
May God bless this union...
And make it fruitful.
SERENA JOY: Amen.
(SOFT PIANO MUSIC PLAYING)
They're through security.
Should be here any minute.
You look very handsome.
Thank you.
They're having dinner
at the home of a very
powerful Commander.
Let them be nervous.
(BELL RINGING)
(INDISTINCT CHATTER)
Blessed be the fruit.
May the Lord open.
How's your day going?
You look pretty.
Thanks.
I wore it just for you.
You shouldn't wear
anything for me.
(SLOW MUSIC PLAYING)
(BREATHES HEAVILY)
(DOOR OPENS)
Nick? Bring her in.
(OMINOUS MUSIC PLAYING)
Deputy Ambassador Castillo,
puedo presentar
our Handmaid, Offred.
May the Lord open.
No, Mrs. Castillo
is the Ambassador.
Mr. Flores is her assistant.
I'm sorry.
No apologies are necessary.
It is a pleasure to meet you.
May the Lord open.
We've heard a bit
about Handmaids,
but it's difficult to
separate rumors from facts.
WATERFORD: That is why I'm so
pleased we're opening a dialog
between our countries.
Offred, what is
your given name?
From before.
I don't use that anymore.
Handmaids take patronymics,
derived from the head
of their household.
Ofwarren, Offred, et cetera.
It's a symbol of their
sacred position.
MRS. CASTILLO: Yes.
I would like to know more
about your sacred position.
Did you choose
to be a Handmaid?
Yes.
Well.
It's an enormous sacrifice,
what you're doing.
WATERFORD: Handmaids
are having children
for the entire nation.
Offred knows how grateful
we are for her choice in this.
(KNOCKS ON DOOR)
Come.
Sir.
Pardon the interruption.
Ambassador, gentlemen,
please join us for some
hors d'oeuvres.
Thank you, dear.
Shall we make our way, then?
Please, after you.
A pleasure
to meet you, Offred.
Blessed be the fruit.
Under His eye.
Thank you for your time
and your thoughts.
You're welcome.
Might, may I ask,
and I apologize
if this is too personal,
but you have chosen
such a difficult life.
Are you happy?
(OMINOUS MUSIC PLAYING)
I have found happiness,
yes.
MRS. CASTILLO: I'm very glad,
Offred.
SERENA JOY: Ambassador.
(SOFT PIANO MUSIC PLAYING)
(INDISTINCT CHATTER)
WATERFORD: I'm so pleased
and honored you've traveled
so far to be with us.
Por favor.
FLORES: Everything looks
delicious.
Gracias.
We've transitioned to
a completely organic
agricultural model.
MRS. CASTILLO: Impressive.
How is the harvest
in your country?
Ah, we have challenges,
like the rest of the world.
Most of our staples are
not adjusting to the
new weather patterns.
WARREN: Our citrus
orchards in Florida
are doing really well.
Rita, could you check and see
if we have any oranges?
Yes, sir.
I believe we do.
Good.
I hope we'll find other
valuable resources to share
with you as well.
God has blessed
our new nation...
Thank you... In so many ways.
MRS. CASTILLO: Yes.
I'm curious.
Hmm.
How does the quiet half of
the room feel about Gilead?
It's absolutely wonderful.
Mrs. Waterford?
I am blessed to have a home
and a husband to care
for and follow.
WATERFORD: Traditional values
are at the core of
everything we do here,
including trade policy.
"Never mistake a woman's
meekness for weakness."
Clever.
MRS. CASTILLO: Yes, it is.
It's from A Woman's Place.
My wife's book.
MRS. CASTILLO:
I reread it on the plane.
Such a thoughtful argument for
domestic feminism,
as it was called.
Thank you.
That's very kind.
I heard you speak
once at a rally,
before the war,
you were very passionate.
Women were abandoning
their families and we needed
to make a change.
We were running out of time.
You were arrested for inciting
to riot, if I recall?
I had a temper in those days.
Back then, did you ever
imagine a society like this?
A society that has reduced
its carbon emissions
by 78% in three years?
A society in which women can
no longer read your book.
Or anything else.
No.
I didn't.
God asks for sacrifices,
Mrs. Castillo.
That has always been His way,
but He gives the righteous
blessings in return.
And I think that
it's safe to say
Gilead has been blessed
in so many ways.
Amen.
Shall we have dinner?
We shouldn't have
invited the wives.
It was a dinner at home.
Consider the optics.
If we don't make
progress on trade,
in six months
our currency will
fall off a cliff.
Consider that.
Recounting your arrest
record doesn't do anything
to help that problem.
You have meetings tomorrow.
You can talk about the issues,
and then we have
the reception afterwards.
Waste of time.
I disagree.
Let's go over the details.
I'm sure you'll make it
all look perfect.
(SIGHS)
(DOOR OPENS)
Hi.
Hi.
You look tired.
We met until 3:00 a. m.
Colby and Harris had to
take the train in.
They're still
being followed.
FBI?
I don't know.
Most likely.
Well, if they made it and
you had the full committee,
what happened?
Nothing happened because
all these men know how
to do is talk.
I honestly don't know
if they have the faith
to see this through.
Hey, hey.
Come here.
(SIGHS)
We're going out.
No.
I have calls to make,
and I just wanna
go to sleep.
I wasn't asking.
Thanks.
(UPBEAT SONG PLAYING)
Thank you.
(INDISTINCT CHATTER)
You sure this is big enough?
There is no problem that
cannot be solved with
enough movie popcorn.
Did you make your proposal
to the committee?
Yes, if it did any good.
D6 and 7.
What about you?
I've barely had a chance
to talk to you.
Did you turn in
your article?
No, I'm still
working on it.
But, you know,
I was thinking,
fertility as a national
resource, reproduction as
a moral imperative.
I think that's a really
interesting idea and it could
make for a great second book.
Or not. I honestly didn't
think that I would ever
write another book.
You should.
It's a great idea.
Okay. Okay.
(CELL PHONE VIBRATES)
Hold this.
(INDISTINCT CHATTER)
(SIGHS)
What?
It's happening.
They issued the orders.
It's what we proposed.
Three separate attacks.
When?
Three weeks.
Congress first,
then the White House,
then the Court.
Praise be.
(SLOW MUSIC PLAYING)
SERENA JOY:
Things have to change.
WATERFORD: I know.
There's still going
to be a lot of pain.
There's pain now.
So much of it.
(LION ON SCREEN ROARING)
We're saving them.
We're doing God's work.
(MAN ON SCREEN CLAMORING)
(GUNSHOTS FIRING)
(CLAMORING CONTINUES)
(GUNFIRE CONTINUES)
(EXHALES)
(FOOTSTEPS APPROACHING)
(KNOCKS ON DOOR)
Hey.
Hey.
He, uh...
He wants to see you
in his office.
Okay.
It only makes it worse.
(HEAVY BREATHING)
(SOFT PIANO MUSIC PLAYING)
WATERFORD: Did you see
the way she looked at us?
Like we were fucking freaks.
Who are they to judge us?
Half their population
is malnourished.
They've had four elections
in three years.
What are they doing
to save the planet? Hmm?
Not a single thing.
Can't they see the good work
we're doing here?
Am I boring you?
No. Sorry.
Being in here is a privilege.
I know that.
Time to go.
(OMINOUS MUSIC PLAYING)
I'm sorry.
Can I...
Can I stay here
with you?
Please?
You want to stay?
Come.
Here.
(OMINOUS MUSIC
CONTINUES PLAYING)
Kiss me.
Not like that.
Like you mean it.
Sweet girl.
Big day tomorrow.
Get some sleep.
(FOOTSTEPS RECEDING)
(OMINOUS MUSIC
CONTINUES PLAYING)
(SPITS)
(WATER RUNNING)
AUNT LYDIA: All right, girls.
When we are inside,
there will be
no wandering about.
You will stay
at your own tables.
We have tables?
Tonight you are guests,
just like everyone else.
This is not an excuse
to misbehave.
Girls, don't you all
look beautiful.
Mmm-hmm.
Line them up, please.
Now, Aunt,
if you would.
All right, girls.
One line.
Neat as you please.
Very nice.
Lovely.
Please remove
the damaged ones.
Mrs. Waterford, ma'am.
Whatever punishment these
girls had to endure was
for the greater good.
They deserve to be honored
just like everyone else.
And we do honor them.
But you don't put
the bruised apples at
the top of the crate,
do you?
No.
Quietly, please.
All right.
Come forward. Oflyle,
Ofthomas, Ofjohn, Oftim.
Ofwarren, you too.
Quick-quick.
Take them to the van.
(QUIETLY) No.
No, I want to go to the party.
AUNT LYDIA: Ofwarren.
JANINE: No!
No!
Janine!
No, get off of me!
No, I didn't...
Janine.
I didn't do anything wrong.
OFFRED: I know.
I just wanna go to the party.
AUNT LYDIA: Ofwarren.
I know.
JANINE: I didn't do
anything wrong.
OFFRED: Shh.
JANINE: I didn't do anything.
Janine.
It's not fair.
You're absolutely right.
But sometimes we have to do
what is best for everyone,
not what is fair.
(SOBS)
Now, go with Aunt Dylan
and I will make sure you get
a whole tray of dessert.
You promise?
Cross my heart.
And hope to die?
Hope to die.
All right, girls.
Two lines!
Best behavior!
(INDISTINCT CHATTER)
OFGLEN: Praised be.
It's like a dream.
I think I went to
a Bat Mitzvah here once.
(INDISTINCT CONVERSATIONS)
(SPEAKING INDISTINCTLY)
(PIANO MUSIC PLAYING)
They won't let you speak.
(SIGHS) I'm sorry.
It is what it is.
Thank you for trying.
I won't give up trying.
You should be a part
of these decisions.
I'm going to keep
telling them that.
No, don't.
We need to work together now,
not argue amongst ourselves.
I'm going to see you at home.
We're moving on
to the security
discussions.
Was she upset?
No, just frustrated.
(CHUCKLES)
She's been involved
in this from
the very beginning.
Well, this is our fault.
We gave them more
than they could handle.
They put so much focus
on academic pursuits
and professional ambition,
we let them forget
their real purpose.
We won't let
that happen again.
(INDISTINCT CHATTER)
(WHISPERING)
Where are they?
They were supposed
to be seated when
the Ambassador got here.
Patience.
Even the righteous need
a little show business.
Good evening, everyone.
I want to welcome our guests.
Tonight is a celebration
of Gilead
and of what we have achieved.
We have made great strides
cleaning the environment,
and restoring a healthy
and moral way of life.
And we're very proud
of what we're leaving behind
for future generations.
But we know that
none of it matters
if we cannot solve
our most pressing problem.
And we have finally begun
to do just that.
With God's blessing,
and with the devotion
of a group of girls.
Please, stand.
(APPLAUSE)
SERENA JOY: Tonight we honor
your contribution.
And now, for our guests,
we have a very special
surprise.
It is my honor to present
to you the children of Gilead.
All brought forth in this
district by our Handmaids.
(PEOPLE EXCLAIMING
AND APPLAUDING)
(CHILDREN GIGGLING)
Now, let's go and say hello
to the head table.
(OMINOUS MUSIC PLAYING)
(CHILDREN'S VOICES ECHOING)
Looks like Waterford's
gonna get his trade deal.
What did they talk
about last night?
What?
I don't know.
You didn't hear anything?
Schedules, dates?
Why do you care so much?
What did you hear?
What does it matter how many
oranges we trade with Mexico?
You think they want
to trade oranges?
Don't be an idiot.
Gilead only has one thing
to trade that anyone wants.
Red tags.
What?
They want to
trade us, dummy.
They want to trade
for Handmaids.
(OMINOUS MUSIC PLAYING)
This can go to the trash.
This can come in here.
Just by the closet.
And those can go, too.
Thank you.
What do you think?
Does it, does it fit?
Well, you look
very important.
Are you heading in?
Senior staff
meets at 10:00.
You should be coming with me.
So, what are your
plans for today?
I'm going to make
this place a home.
(EXHALES)
(INDISTINCT CHATTER
ON POLICE RADIO)
(PIANO MUSIC PLAYING)
(DOOR CREAKS OPEN)
Tired?
The opposite, actually.
I don't think
that I'll be able
to get to sleep.
I'm just glad that it went
so well. Congratulations.
You, too.
You should discuss
with the other Commanders.
See the best way
to move forward.
No.
They can wait.
The timing for implementation
is the most important thing
right now.
You're an amazing woman.
(BREATHES HEAVILY)
I forgot.
(SLOW MUSIC PLAYING)
(GASPS)
(KISSING)
(HEAVY BREATHING)
We should...
We should stop.
No.
Hey.
Hey, what's going on?
I should've said something.
I should've said something.
I should've...
I should've told her.
I should've told her
what they do to us.
You're being too hard
on yourself.
You were in a room
full of Commanders.
No, I should've...
I said I was happy.
(SOBBING)
I said I was happy.
What choice did you have?
I can't be here.
I can't be here.
Sit down for a second.
I can't. No, I can't.
Talk to me. Hey.
Offred.
If they find us here.
If they find us...
Offred.
If they find us together,
I'm gonna get sent
to the colonies.
You're an Eye.
You're untouchable.
It's...
That's not true.
Fuck you, Nick. Fuck you!
They don't rape you,
do they?
He doesn't come in here
once a month and
read you a little scripture
and stick his cock up
your ass?
I said I was happy!
Offred.
Don't call me that!
It is not my name.
Can I get you
a glass of water?
(FRIDGE DOOR OPENS)
(WATER POURS)
It's June.
My name. It's June.
It's nice to meet you, June.
(SOBS)
Here.
I'll let the Commander
know you're here.
Thank you. No rush.
We are a bit early.
Oh, good morning.
Blessed be the fruit.
You must be going on
one of your walks?
OFFRED: Yes.
Well, I better not keep
my partner waiting.
MRS. CASTILLO: Of course.
Of course.
Oh, um, I just wanted
to give you a gift,
um, to thank you
for your candor.
It was invaluable.
Mexican chocolates,
from my home town.
Thank you,
for helping me understand
your world a bit.
Under His eye.
But you don't understand.
I lied to you.
This is...
A brutal place.
Offred?
We're prisoners.
If we run,
they'll try to kill us.
Or worse.
They beat us.
They use cattle prods
to try to get us to behave.
If we're caught reading,
they'll cut off a finger.
Second offense,
just the whole hand.
They gouge out our eyes.
They just maim us
in worse ways
than you can imagine.
They rape me.
Just every month.
Whenever I might be fertile.
I'm...
Sorry.
I didn't choose this.
They caught me.
I was trying to escape.
They took my daughter.
So don't be sorry.
Okay?
Please don't be sorry.
Please do something.
I...
Can't help you.
What are you going
to trade us for?
Hmm?
What?
Fucking chocolate?
(SOBBING) We're human beings.
How can you do that?
How?
How can you do that?
I am from Xipica,
Ms. Offred.
It is nice city,
maybe the size of Boston.
There hasn't been a child
born alive in Xipica
in six years.
My country is dying.
(SOBBING)
My country's already dead.
(FOOTSTEPS APPROACHING)
Ambassador. There you are.
Is everything all right?
I was just giving Offred
a farewell gift.
I have one for
Mrs. Waterford as well.
That's very kind of you.
Please.
WATERFORD: Straight ahead.
To the right.
(OFFRED SNIFFLING)
Offred?
I have to go.
I want to help you.
I don't know where
your daughter is,
but I think I can get
a message to your husband.
My husband's dead.
Lucas Bankole,
born 29 April,
1980, in Nyack,
formerly New York State.
He's alive.
OFFRED: No.
I heard shots.
We don't have much time.
Please...
June.
Write something.
I'll try to get it to him.
(GUITAR PLAYING)