Going through season 1 of "The Handmaid's Tale" for a second time, I'm kinda realizing why certain things needed to be shown. I feel like the first season is the 'downer' season. A season of hopelessness and loss. It's the hardest 10 episodes to get through in any show ever in my opinion. It's full of psychological abuse and violence. Some of the most harrowing imagery one can put in a TV show. In re-watching it with my dad, I find myself just as sad and heavy-hearted as the first time I saw it back in 2017. It's tough to watch. Which it should be. We're talking of a male run society of sexism and a total lack of respect and love for women. To treat them as slaves. Of course, the beautiful cinematography and brilliant acting make it so, so watchable-even though it makes me want to cry.
Now, season 2-is it bleak? Yeah. But their is so much more going on, you feel like June has more of a chance. You feel like certain things are falling into place. Like in real life. For good things to happen, it takes time and energy and heartbreak. One step forward. Three steps back. Like modern politics. While it is horrifying, make no mistake-we start to see little glimmers of hope. We see that Canada is a heroic force to be reckoned with. We see arrests being made as well.
Season 3- I'll admit, I don't remember much of this season. But I do remember June gathering allies and planning for a big revolution. But like I said-it's many steps forward and back.
Season 4- Now, this is the season I call 'the Revenge season' Simply due to one moment. I won't spoil it, but if you've seen the show...one major death happens that will forever change the course of the show.
"The Handmaid's Tale" is ultimately a show about how one person can ignite change. Yes, it has its horrifying moments-but we see how strong June is through the course of everything her life has thrown at her. It's a show that deserves to be seen. Season 5 is something that I can't wait for. For all the men out their-this isn't a Lifetime show. I think I've learned quite a bit and have read into feminism quite a bit because of this show.
This is truly something that should be watched and discussed. The show isn't some fantasy. It's realistic. What would it take to overturn a tyrannical government? What is the effect of not speaking out for those who are in trouble? Can one person truly make a difference? It's the only show or movie that tackles these questions with slow, deliberate answers. It's realistic. It's raw. It's perfect.
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