Shattered Relationships
The Handmaid’s Tale 2.10 “The Last Ceremony”
The handmaids get a new source of gossip when a Commander drops dead (presumably of a heart attack) while in the middle of raping his handmaid.
June goes into false labor and Serena, eager to be rid of her (it’s mutual) asks for her to be induced, but the doctor refuses to do so right away. Lydia suggests exercise and spicy tea.
But Serena gets caught up in an old wives’ tale. No, having sex while close to term is not likely to induce labor. Being raped certainly isn’t, but that’s the solution Serena goes for, losing perhaps any hope of a return to their bond.
Serena is the classic victim-abuser. Meanwhile, Eden kisses another guy right in front of Nick to try and make him jealous. Given he doesn’t even like her, this doesn’t work.
And then the Commander arranges for a brief reunion between June and Hannah. It does not go well…
The Handmaid's Tale 2.11 "Holly"
This episode is about birth. Abandoned in the woods after Nick is arrested, June tries to run...only to go into hard labor. She gives birth alone...interweaved with flashbacks of giving birth to Hannah in the hospital.
She names the kid Holly, after her mother, perhaps showing a mental reconciliation there.
She even has an opportunity to kill Fred and Serena, but she elects not to take it. She can't bring herself to do it, especially with the state Serena is in. That marriage isn't long for this world...but, of course, divorce is totally not a thing in Gilead!
Points taken away for the lone wolf who thinks he's going to mess with a human and also that thing was at least 50% dog. Also, she cut her own cord? Afterbirth? Okay, now I'm picking nits.
The Handmaid's Tale 2.11 "Postpartum"
June is, of course, dragged back to the Waterfords with the baby, then she's supposed to go to her next posting, but Serena is talked into allowing her to pump in the house...in her room...as long as she doesn't have any contact with the child.
Her resolve doesn't last. The relationship between these two is complex and nuanced.
Meanwhile, Emily is finally assigned, to a Commander who makes Waterford look like a saint. He's abusing his wife, wants to beat women down even further and is, apparently, the architect of the Colonies. Shudder.
Maybe she'll manage to kill him?