Ep 2. Nightshade

The Handmaid's Tale season 4 episode 2, titled "Nightshade", follows June Osborne (played by Elisabeth Moss) as she continues to fight for justice and freedom in the totalitarian society of Gilead.

The episode opens with June and her fellow handmaids on a mission to rescue a group of Marthas (domestic servants) who are being held captive by a Gilead soldier. The tension is high as they sneak through the woods and attempt to evade detection, knowing that if they are caught, they will face severe punishment or even death.

The group manages to successfully rescue the Marthas, but June is injured in the process. As she recovers, she struggles with the guilt of putting herself and her friends in danger, and wonders if their fight is truly worth the risk.

Meanwhile, in Canada, June's husband Luke (played by O.T. Fagbenle) receives a mysterious package on his doorstep containing a strange plant called nightshade. He starts to suspect that it may be a message from June, and seeks the help of a Gilead refugee named Moira (played by Samira Wiley) to decipher the meaning behind it.

Back in Gilead, tensions begin to rise as the commanders become increasingly paranoid about the growing resistance movement. One commander in particular, Joseph Lawrence (played by Bradley Whitford), is increasingly under suspicion for his potential involvement with the rebels.

As the episode progresses, June continues to battle with her own doubts and fears, while also coming up with a plan to smuggle herself and some of her fellow handmaids out of Gilead. But as with any mission in the oppressive regime, there are obstacles and dangers at every turn.

Overall, "Nightshade" is a tense and emotionally charged episode that highlights both the bravery and the vulnerabilities of the characters as they navigate the complexities of life in Gilead. It showcases the strength of human will in the face of oppression, and leaves viewers on the edge of their seats wondering what will happen next.