For a while June has been the Handmaid for the Lawrence’s, a home that – a rarity – didn’t practice the ceremony. This has allowed her a safety most Handmaids haven’t been afforded, and it is much different than it was at the Waterfords.
“Bear Witness” changes things for June, in a few ways, and this episode does so with a harsh, unrelenting hand that makes for a compelling episode.
A Difficult, But Well-Executed Watch
It shouldn’t be overlooked how talented Joseph Fiennes is in this show as Fred. I think it is easy to do because he’s, well, quite despicable (especially lately) but he is very convincing. Mostly the issue this season, with Serena Joy (Yvonne Strahovski) as well, was a lack of direction for the two.
This episode showed how deep his obsession, possession and emotions controlled his decisions. When he sees June and asks her about her experiences with Mr. Lawrence, her response about how he treats her respectfully, irked him. His inability to let it and her go puts into effect a tailspin of actions over the course of the episode.
Serena sees his behavior and recognizes that he’s spending more time on himself than the quest for Nichole. Again, we get a glimmer of compassion from her, both with Mrs. Lawrence and June. He decides to bring attention to Mr. Lawrence’s household and his frequency of Handmaids without a pregnancy. He questions his home, his motives, and together with Commander Winslow (Christopher Meloni) they decide to head over there on ceremony night to make sure the deed is done.
While we have seen this act before, nothing can prepare you for this heart wrenching scene. Both of the Lawrence’s don’t want to, as much victims as June, and it’s her who talks them into it, reminding them that it’s a matter of survival. All three are incredible as the scene unfolds. It is devastating, powerful, and yet another reminder, lest we forget from all the other horrors this season: This. Is. Gilead.
It’s worth noting that afterwards June is asked by Mr. Waterford if she’s alright. Her response, “I mean, at least it wasn’t you,” is perfect. Just the kind of bite we’d expect from June without the clouded haughtiness that has made her aggravating this season.
“What do you know about how much a person can take?” – “Everything.”
Eleanor Lawrence’s (Julie Dretzin) mental fragility is something they’ve touched on a few times, and in this episode, they confirm that she doesn’t have access to the medications she needs in Gilead. She’s unnecessarily suffering, and June pushes Mr. Lawrence (Bradley Whitford) to get her out. This could be the push she needs to secure passage for her plan- but how will she manage it?
From the moment they show June, hobbling ahead of Aunt Lydia (Ann Dowd) toward her home, she looks steadfast, ready to take on the world. Her plan? To get the children out. This sounds like an impossibility, specifically given how important they are. They are reason for the creation of Gilead. However, as improbable as it seems, by episode’s end, we have a glimmer of light ahead. The cost for this potential resurrection though, is steep.
In the beginning of the episode June is searching for files on the kids taken away from the Handmaids and Mrs. Lawrence delivers her right to them. This begins her on her quest and features a great scene between the two, as well as setting up one between June and Janine (Madeline Brewer) later when she lies about what’s happened to Janine’s first child. Overall, the writing of this episode is really sharp.
Joseph Lawrence (Bradley Whitford) is really taken down several pegs in “Bear Witness.” We know he had a large part to do with Gilead’s beginning (though no specifics, yet) and even his wife says he’d be considered a war criminal, with good reason, to outside countries. And yet… he’s been intimidating, shown he has power, but still shown a level of compassion. He clearly loves his wife, and doesn’t have interest in duties, like so many of the men. He’s always come across as arrogant, still enforcing his will on women, but choosing to be merciful, as if that made it better. Well, now, he’s on the receiving end of the unjust cruelty, by merely being forced to do an act that’s part of his creation.
While there are a lot of things in Gilead that we don’t know, because the writers haven’t taken the time to explain the inner-workings with us, one things we have discovered – the Martha’s baked good’s code when dealing with rebellious activities. Scones= no, muffins= yes.
Plus, you gotta love the Jaws reference with June’s final line: “We’re gonna need a bigger boat.”
Conclusion: Bear Witness
This was one of the season’s best, not because of the events, but the certainty for which it was executed. A confidence that had been wavering at times in the show’s third year. Director Diana Reid and the team knew what they were going for and it fired on all cylinders. The creators of the show are finally focusing on something worthwhile, bringing us an excellent episode that sets the series up for a potential shift that it really needs.
June’s back, she’s determined, and now, there’s a real chance at change. And so, it (finally – really) begins.
What did you think? How do you think the rest of the season will go? Let us know in the comments below!
The Handmaid’s Tale premieres new episodes Wednesdays on Hulu.
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