Ep 1. Offred

In The Handmaid's Tale season 1 episode 1, titled "Offred", the audience is introduced to a dystopian society in which fertility rates have plummeted, leading to a totalitarian government called Gilead that controls every aspect of citizens' lives. The episode follows the story of a woman named Offred, who is played by Elisabeth Moss, a former wife and mother who has been separated from her husband and daughter, and has been forced to become a handmaid - a woman who is kept for reproductive purposes and is assigned to a new family.

As the story unfolds, Offred is seen living in her new home with the Waterfords, a high-ranking family in Gilead, whose wife is unable to conceive a child. Offred is regularly subjected to humiliating rituals, such as the "ceremony," a monthly ritual in which she must have sex with Mr. Waterford, with his wife present, in an attempt to conceive a child that will belong to the Waterford family.

Throughout the episode, there are glimpses into Offred's past life, where she was married to a man named Luke, played by O.T. Fagbenle. The couple had a young daughter, and Offred worked as a book editor. However, as the government started to take away people's rights, Luke and Offred became increasingly worried about their safety. Eventually, they attempted to escape to Canada, but were caught by military officials.

The episode also introduces many other characters, including Moira, Offred's best friend from college who is also a handmaid, and a government official named Nick, who Offred becomes secretly involved with. The audience is also given a glimpse into the world beyond Gilead, where people are protesting and fighting against the oppressive government.

Overall, The Handmaid's Tale season 1 episode 1 provides a suspenseful and eerie glimpse into a world that feels all too possible, with themes of reproductive oppression and governmental control. Elisabeth Moss's powerful performance as Offred anchors the show, and the direction by Reed Morano allows viewers to fully immerse themselves in the chilling world of Gilead.