THE HANDMAID’S TALE (S3E11) “Liars”: Nowhere To Run

I knew after last week’s episode that things were really starting to change and we would see some consequences. Well, we got it. There’s only two episodes left this season, and for the first time (despite enjoying it) I can’t wait for the next one. We are on the precipice of significant ends and beginnings for these characters, and The Handmaid’s Tale is finally delivering.

This is a heavy hitting episode with a lot to unpack, so let’s get started.

The Shit Is Hitting The Fan

Let’s talk Serena Joy (Yvonne Strahovski) and Fred Waterford (Joseph Fiennes). They have done some horrible things to June undoubtedly, and they’ve been on a journey to get back June’s daughter Nichole from Canada. They’ve also occasionally been sympathetic, but that ship sailed a while ago. After their recent move to D.C and schmoozing with high officials, their position may had been benefitting, but their attempt ot get back Nichole wasn’t showing any results.

Serena told Fred about her “friend” Mark (Sam Jaeger) from Canada who had offered his assistance should she ever want to get out. He provided her with a phone to do so, and it seemed like this episode, for once, that Fred might really be willing to do anything for Serena. He’s let her down many times before, so I was surprised that he took this chance.

Together they drive up to meet him, which means long drives (including letting Serena drive – scandalous) and spending the night at what appears to be a Gilead style B&B. They share an intimate moment at night with one another, and then head off for their meeting. Serena says she trusts him.

Well, that was foolish.

They follow him unknowingly beyond the border, where they are both rushed by officers, arresting them. Karma has finally found the Waterfords, and I’m really interested to see that side of things. The show hasn’t explored what happens to the criminals if apprehended, and I’ll be curious to see how this is written out.

“Wouldn’t it be funny if you actually turned out to be a hero?”

June’s (Elisabeth Moss) plans look like they may actually be happening, except… well, several setbacks.

There are 52 children June is looking to get out and many Martha’s are in on helping. There’s a snag when Mrs. Lawrence (Julie Dretzin) has a melt down and points a gun at Mr. Lawrence (Bradley Whitford). June is able to talk her down, but then the two run off leaving a note and shredded files, no explanation, just “Sorry.”

They don’t make it far, though Mr. Lawrence jokes that it was his conscience – it’s because he’s unable to get his wife out. He’s scared, and he knows they’re coming for him. June isn’t letting him deter her from her mission, and she shouldn’t.

Another problem, the vehicle only fits 10. Also, some of the rebel Martha’s have something else they are planning and demand June shuts this down. It’s too risky and will potentially jeopardize something they’ve had planned for a long time. Finally, this makes June resort to heading to Jezebels, as you may remember from a previous season. She dons a fancy dress and make up, and heads to speak with an associate that’s from the rebellion who works there. She asks for his help keeping a plane grounded, allowing her to get children on. He’s hesitant, though greed seems to get him offering up a maybe.

This is when things really go wrong. She’s about to leave when she’s spotted by Commander Winslow (Christopher Meloni). As June has become quite capable on the fly, she comes up with a story about Commander Lawrence and his strange kinks. This leads to a discomforting scene in the bedroom where Winslow attempts to rape her.

At first June is doing her voiceover, talking herself into getting through this horrible event. Then, she fights back. It isn’t unexpected, June is becoming stronger and bolder in a way that isn’t as foolish as she had been. Yes, she isn’t thinking about repercussions when she stabs him with a pen several times and then beats him over the head with a statue, but she knows she’s done being a conduit for men and their constant exercise in power.

Luckily, one of the Martha’s she had rescued previously when making a choice for Mr. Lawrence works there and gets her out. Before the credits roll it also looks like they burn the body, further protecting June.

Conclusion: Liars

This is another very strong episode. There’s a merciless series of events that make for riveting TV, and that set up our cast for some exciting potentials. Overall, we see some huge moments that promise one thing: nothing is going to be the same. It’s going to be rough waters coming up, and I can’t wait to see how June handles them.

What did you think?  How do you think things will play out? Let us know in the comments below!

The Handmaid’s Tale premieres Wednesdays on Hulu.