Ep 4. Other Women

In "The Handmaid's Tale" season 2 episode 4, titled "Other Women," we continue to follow Offred (Elisabeth Moss) as she navigates life in Gilead as a handmaid. The episode begins with Offred and her fellow handmaids being forced to attend a "praise be" ceremony for one of their own who has successfully delivered a healthy baby. The event is a stark reminder of the handmaids' sole purpose in this society: to bear children for the ruling class.

As the episode progresses, we see the consequences of Offred's previous actions. In an effort to protect her friend and fellow handmaid Janine (Madeline Brewer), Offred lied to the authorities about Janine attempting to harm herself and her baby. This lie leads to Janine being taken away and put on trial, with potential repercussions for Offred as well.

Meanwhile, we also see more of Serena Joy's (Yvonne Strahovski) struggles with her diminished role in her household. As a woman in Gilead, Serena is denied many of the rights and privileges she enjoyed before the revolution, even though she was a key figure in bringing it about. She chafes under the restrictions placed on her, and her frustration and anger are palpable.

Another major plot line in "Other Women" involves the character of Emily (Alexis Bledel). Previously known as Ofglen, Emily is a handmaid who was forcefully subjected to genital mutilation as punishment for her perceived disobedience. In this episode, we see her assigned to a new household, where she is expected to bear children for the Commander and his infertile wife. Emily's experiences in her new posting are horrific, and we see the toll this trauma takes on her over the course of the episode.

Overall, "Other Women" continues the Handmaid's Tale's signature blend of horror, heartbreak, and political commentary. We are reminded of the horrors of totalitarianism and the ways in which it can dehumanize and oppress its citizens. At the same time, we see glimpses of resistance and resilience in the face of this oppression. The episode leaves us on a cliffhanger, with several characters' fates uncertain and the sense that more tragedy and trauma is yet to come.