Ep 2. Unwomen

In "The Handmaid's Tale" season 2 episode 2, titled "Unwomen," we continue to follow the story of Offred (played by Elisabeth Moss) and her struggles in the oppressive, dystopian society of Gilead. The episode begins with a flashback to June's life before the rise of Gilead, when she was happily married and had a daughter. However, this peaceful existence is abruptly shattered when she and her family are taken into custody and separated by the authorities.

In present day Gilead, Offred is still reeling from the traumatic events of the season 1 finale, in which she was forcibly taken away from her newborn baby. She is once again at a "Red Center," the training facility for new Handmaids, where she is belittled and abused by Aunt Lydia (played by Ann Dowd) and the other enforcers of the regime. However, Offred refuses to be broken and continues to fiercely resist her captors in whatever small ways she can.

The episode also introduces us to Janine (played by Madeline Brewer), a fellow Handmaid who is clearly struggling with mental health issues. Janine's erratic behavior and frequent outbursts draw negative attention from Aunt Lydia and the other staff, who treat her with hostility and disdain. However, Offred extends kindness and compassion to Janine, and the two develop a tentative friendship.

As the episode progresses, we get a sense of the horrors that await those who are deemed "unwomen" in Gilead. This term is used to describe women who are unable to bear children, or who are considered disposable for other reasons. We see a group of these women being taken away in a van, presumably to be sent to a brutal labor camp. Their fate is uncertain, but it is clear that they will not be treated humanely.

"Unwomen" is a harrowing and intense episode that showcases the darkest elements of the "Handmaid's Tale" universe. However, it also serves as a reminder of the resilience and strength of the human spirit, as Offred and Janine continue to fight for their freedom and dignity in the face of overwhelming oppression. The episode is expertly directed and acted, with powerful performances from Moss, Brewer, and Dowd in particular. Overall, "Unwomen" is a must-watch episode for fans of the series, and a powerful indictment of the dangers of religious extremism and authoritarianism.