Ep 3. Late

In the third episode of The Handmaid's Tale season 1, titled "Late," we see Offred continuing to navigate her life as a handmaid in Gilead. As the title suggests, the episode focuses on the theme of being late or running out of time.

The episode opens with Offred getting ready for her monthly trip to the doctor, a routine check-up to determine whether or not she is pregnant. This is a crucial element of her role as a handmaid, as her only value to Gilead is her ability to bear children. However, as we see in this episode, Offred's body may not be willing or able to do so.

As Offred waits to see the doctor, she reflects on her life before Gilead and her daughter, who was taken from her when the government was overthrown. These flashbacks provide a glimpse into Offred's past and give us a sense of the life she once had.

Once she sees the doctor, Offred is told that she is not pregnant, which is a major blow to her role as a handmaid. She begins to fear for her safety and her future in Gilead, as she knows that handmaids who are unable to conceive are often punished severely. This fear is heightened by the fact that the Commander's wife, Serena Joy, seems to be growing increasingly frustrated with Offred's lack of progress.

Meanwhile, Offred continues to bond with Ofglen, another handmaid who she has grown close to. However, their friendship is put to the test in this episode when Ofglen reveals that she is a member of an underground resistance group. While Offred is initially hesitant to get involved, she eventually comes around and agrees to help Ofglen in any way she can.

Throughout the episode, we also see flashbacks of Offred's life with her husband, Luke, and their daughter. These flashbacks provide a stark contrast to the bleak reality of Gilead, and serve to remind the audience of what has been lost.

As the episode draws to a close, Offred is once again left feeling hopeless and powerless. She is forced to attend a bizarre ceremony, where the Commander attempts to impregnate her while Serena Joy watches. The entire scene is uncomfortable and disturbing, and serves as a reminder of the trauma that Offred and the other handmaids must endure on a regular basis.

Overall, "Late" is a tense and emotional episode that further explores the world of Gilead and the struggles of its inhabitants. The theme of time is prevalent throughout, as Offred realizes that her time as a handmaid may be running out. It's a powerful episode that leaves a lasting impact.