The Handmaid's Tale (2017) s03e10 Episode Script
Bear Witness
1 NARRATOR: Previously on The Handmaid's Tale Aunt Lydia, may I go home, please? You may go home when your walking partner goes home.
You and the Commander tried to have children? I wanted to.
He disagreed.
They were always adjusting my dosage.
I wish we could've.
- WATERFORD: Once Nichole's returned - SERENA: I love you.
WATERFORD: we'd do our best to move the others along quickly.
So much leverage comes from the child.
With her back home You want me to keep her there.
WINSLOW: Just for a bit.
You're not well.
- No.
- SERENA: June.
[BOTH GRUNTING.]
[GROANING.]
SERENA: You're out of your mind.
TUELLO: I can help you.
You'd never have to go back to Gilead again.
Do you really think that I would leave my home? My offer still stands.
Treason and coconuts.
I probably won't see my daughters again.
She's someone's child, too.
YATES: I honor the Handmaid's life by saving her child's.
How will you honor your daughters? OFJOSEPH: I don't know how yet, but I'm gonna get out as many children as I can.
- They all deserve to be free.
- [GIRLS PLAYING.]
["SYMPHONY NO.
9" BY BEETHOVEN.]
The Handmaid's Tale 3x10 Bear Witness AUNT LYDIA: Ofjoseph.
Ofjoseph.
Okay, Ofjoseph.
Almost there now.
One step at a time, dear.
Almost there.
[KNOCKING.]
SIENNA: Blessed day.
Blessed day.
Thank you.
[CHUCKLES.]
SIENNA: Blessed be the fruit.
May the Lord open.
Ofjoseph, you need to get rest today.
You can go straight upstairs to your room and take a snooze.
Thank you, Aunt Lydia.
Mmm.
JUNE: But I don't want rest.
I don't want to rest ever again.
AUNT LYDIA: Oh! Oh! Well Isn't this a delight? The Lawrences redecorated.
AUNT LYDIA: All households doing their best to conform to Commander Waterford's new regulations.
Every residence elevated to D.
C.
standards.
I suppose you've missed a few things in your time away.
Mmm.
Suppose I have.
Perhaps God will deem this household worthy of a child after all, should he forgive us for taking you away from last month's Ceremony.
Happily, we've returned you just in time for the next.
I believe that my time of prayer has led me to see my true purpose.
Oh.
You are a good girl, Ofjoseph.
[AUNT LYDIA CHUCKLES.]
Go on.
I'll let you get settled.
Hmm? - [FOOTSTEPS APPROACHING.]
- [DISHES RATTLING.]
Scones mean no.
Welcome home.
"Scones mean no"? BETH: A message from the network.
No more medication for Eleanor.
I've asked everyone I can think of.
When they can't help, they send scones.
She's getting worse? She throws things now.
- Beth - Hmm? I need you to ask the Marthas for something else.
Of course you do.
Do you know anyone who could help me move children out? [CREEPY MUSIC.]
I'm gonna get them out.
I know how it sounds.
You're gonna get yourself killed.
[ARGUING UPSTAIRS.]
ELEANOR: I said I didn't want it.
LAWRENCE: They can bring you something else.
ELEANOR: I'm not hungry! LAWRENCE: Eleanor, sweetheart ELEANOR: No, just leave me alone! LAWRENCE: Eleanor ELEANOR: Don't you touch me! Get out! - [DOOR OPENS.]
- Get out! [CRYING.]
Go! Get out of here! [DOOR SLAMS.]
- [ELEANOR SOBBING.]
- [FOOTSTEPS APPROACHING.]
[LAWRENCE SIGHING.]
Welcome home.
Thank you, sir.
[CLOCK CHIMES.]
[LAWRENCE CONTINUES SIGHING.]
Reorganizing, sir? LAWRENCE: Hmm.
Beth told me she can't get any more of her medication.
LAWRENCE: I would appreciate it if you would give my wife her privacy.
Well, I'm just worried.
You really think she's safe here? Of course she's safe.
This is It's her home.
You can't keep her locked up here forever.
LAWRENCE: What do you propose I do? I'm not sending my wife away.
OFJOSEPH: You can leave Gilead with her.
Get a truck.
Get her out.
And get her the help that she needs.
[TENSE MUSIC.]
She cannot go on like this.
What do you know about how much someone can take? Everything.
JUNE: He's scared.
Fear can be a great motivator.
- [PA DINGS.]
- [DOORS BUZZ.]
[SOFT MUZAK.]
ANNOUNCER: Attention shoppers.
Handmaids must remain with her walking partner at all times.
Walk with God.
JUNE: Another walking partner dead.
They must think I'm cursed.
Or a terrorist.
I'm not, though.
Not yet.
[WOMEN WHISPERING.]
[CLEARS THROAT.]
[WHISPERING CONTINUES.]
I need your help.
I can't help.
They're watching everything we do.
And you're really conspicuous.
[DOOR CLOSES.]
[ALMA SIGHS.]
How many Handmaids' kids are still in this district? Can you find out? Why? Because I'm gonna get them out.
And a lot of them.
[DARK MUSIC.]
You'll get put on the wall just for thinking that.
Are you okay? No.
I am not fucking okay.
[ALERT CHIMING OVER PA.]
Inspection? Another one.
AUNT LYDIA: Let's go, girls! - AUNT 1: Move! - AUNT LYDIA: Let's go! - AUNT 1: Quick! - AUNT LYDIA: Hurry up! Faster! To your places! Find your spot, then be still.
AUNT 2: All the way out! Quickly, girls! Move it! Move it! This is not a parade.
Don't leave any spaces.
AUNT 3: Move over! AUNT LYDIA: Make it even.
Even spacing.
All the way up! All the way to the top, girls! AUNT 4: Back row, no talking! AUNT 5: You two, not so close.
AUNT LYDIA: Up those stairs! - Up those stairs! - AUNT 4: Quiet, now.
AUNT LYDIA: Heads down.
Hands in front.
Excellent.
We want you looking your best for our very special visitors.
- [HELICOPTER HOVERING.]
- [SIREN WAILING.]
[INDISTINCT RADIO CHATTER.]
[EVIL MUSIC.]
Blessed be the fruit.
WATERFORD: Mmm-hmm.
You're looking well.
Thank you, sir.
WATERFORD: Sorry to keep you out here in the cold.
I'm fine.
Yes.
A Boston girl.
[CHUCKLES.]
Born and bred.
Hardy.
It's much warmer in D.
C.
I may be able to arrange a transfer for you there, if you prefer.
Your wife is here.
SERENA: Aunt Lydia will answer any questions that you might have.
We are honored to have you, Commander.
WINSLOW: May God bless our endeavor.
Shall we? I'm curious to see what you have here.
Your girls have quite a reputation.
Blessed be the fruit.
HANDMAIDS: May the Lord open.
WATERFORD: I think you'll be pleased with the progress we've made since the Calhoun incident.
And two more confirmed pregnancies.
True miracles, indeed.
This is not regulation.
AUNT LYDIA: Ofhoward's alterations were damaged through criminal actions, and we decided to make an allowance.
WINSLOW: You're comfortable with that in a district that has fostered violent rebellion? AUNT LYDIA: I am, Commander, at present.
WINSLOW: The veil.
The ring.
WATERFORD: We're rolling it out slowly.
AUNT LYDIA: And the vow is voluntary, of course.
WINSLOW: We hold the devotion of veiled Handmaids to the highest esteem.
WATERFORD: Praise be.
SERENA: How are you feeling? WATERFORD: We'll continue to encourage their good work.
I'm fine.
AUNT LYDIA: Oferic has faithfully served Commander Simon - for nearly a year.
- OFJOSEPH: Thank you.
AUNT LYDIA: She is a model Handmaid.
WINSLOW: And how do you find Commander Simon? How's your arm? WINSLOW: [WHISPERS.]
So young.
We'll get a lot of mileage out of that one.
WATERFORD: George, you remember Ofjoseph? Of course.
Joseph Lawrence is an old friend.
Is he? WINSLOW: Yes.
Golf buddies from before.
Every Sunday after church.
Always [LAUGHS.]
always an experience.
How do you find Commander Lawrence? He treats me with respect, sir.
Respect? I am grateful to be in his service.
WINSLOW: Good.
Thank you.
OFJOSEPH: Hmm.
[KNIFE CHOPPING.]
Where is he? SIENNA: He's at work.
BETH: He goes to meetings now.
[CHOPPING CONTINUES.]
[MYSTERIOUS PIANO MUSIC.]
All I want is the TASCHEN Gauguin.
He hides things just to bother me, I swear to God.
Ha! Hi.
Hi.
ELEANOR: What are you doing? You're up to something again.
What is it? Is it your daughter? No.
Hannah's gone.
ELEANOR: Well, tell me what you're doing in here.
I'm looking for other people's children.
My friends' children.
You mean Handmaids? Yes.
I'm trying to find out where they are.
That information is in The Red Center dossiers.
Right.
ELEANOR: Joseph keeps them in the basement.
Let's go! I don't have all day.
[INTRIGUING MUSIC.]
ELEANOR: They keep sending them for him to review.
He just sticks them down here.
Like we need any more clutter.
Oh! This place is a mess.
What is the point of having as many maids as you want if they aren't allowed to actually clean anything? [ELEANOR SIGHS.]
Joseph likes to keep them "Of labor resources.
" Here they are! [ELEANOR EXHALES.]
Aha.
Oh! [BITTERSWEET MUSIC.]
Where is that - Mrs.
Lawrence? - Hmm? OFJOSEPH: Have you ever thought about leaving Gilead? You mean go somewhere where I could get mood stabilizers instead of herbal tea? Joseph would help you.
You could leave together.
He wants you to be safe.
He loves you so much.
Joseph is a war criminal.
He can't cross the border.
[SIGHS HEAVILY.]
He would be jailed for the rest of his life.
Or killed.
And he would deserve it.
[ELEANOR SCOFFS.]
[SIGHS.]
Oh, I've been looking for this! [LAUGHS.]
Oh! Oh! Oh, I'm so glad you're back, Ofjoseph.
Things are always so much more exciting when you're here.
After the bombing last year, we weren't sure the district would ever recover.
Our community is very resilient, by His hand.
- [WINSLOW CHUCKLES.]
- [SOFT JAZZ MUSIC PLAYING.]
WINSLOW: If only the fringe cities would be so quick to get their houses in order.
Has there been pushback on the new policies elsewhere? Some men are set in their ways.
WINSLOW: Very true.
WATERFORD: Once Gilead is finally recognized as a sovereign state, we won't have time to indulge with those clinging to old habits.
Is there someone in particular that you're concerned with, Fred? I I hesitate to say.
I'd like to hear.
Commander Lawrence.
WINSLOW: Lawrence's contributions to Gilead have been substantial.
WATERFORD: At first.
Now, I fear his influence does more harm than good.
WINSLOW: Oh? WATERFORD: He's made some cosmetic changes to his household, yes, but [SCOFFS.]
He's had four Handmaids.
Not one has produced.
And from what I've seen from his current Ofjoseph, that lack of discipline persists.
We may need to set an example.
Challenging someone like Lawrence is a delicate business, Fred.
[WATERFORD CHUCKLES.]
I'm only suggesting we make certain that he and his household are abiding by Gilead's most sacred tenets.
There are mechanisms in place to ensure virility.
Isn't that a little extreme? WINSLOW: If he's unfit to lead his household, he's unfit to lead Gilead.
[SIGHS.]
Praise be.
[MELANCHOLIC VIOLIN MUSIC.]
JUNE: It's been five years since we had our children torn away from us.
An eternity.
- They were one.
- - Now they're six.
- - They were seven.
- - Now they're 12.
- We've missed everything.
- The steps.
- - The smiles.
- - The tragedies.
- - Children still die.
- Even in Gilead.
Janine's son, Caleb, four years ago.
[CLOCK CHIMING.]
Prayers can't stop car accidents.
[FOOTSTEPS APPROACHING.]
BETH: Ofjoseph? They want you in the sitting room.
[INDISTINCT CONVERSATION.]
[OMINOUS MUSIC.]
[CONVERSATION CONTINUES.]
[DOOR CLOSES.]
[GASPS.]
Um You both should stand over there.
[DOOR OPENS.]
SERENA: What a lovely room.
[DOOR CLOSES.]
I pray that nothing will impede God's will tonight.
[KNOCKING ON DOOR.]
[KNOCKING CONTINUES.]
Come in.
[DOOR OPENS.]
Eleanor.
Such a pleasure to see you.
ELEANOR: [SIGHS.]
How are Olivia and the kids? WINSLOW: Couldn't be better.
LAWRENCE: Shall I get you a drink, George? WINSLOW: I'll help myself, Joseph.
Thank you.
WATERFORD: We sincerely apologize for intruding.
LAWRENCE: No, no.
The more the merrier.
In bearing witness, we pray with you for a fruitful outcome.
JUNE: They used to do this in the first months of Gilead to the households that resisted the Ceremony.
They declared it unnecessary.
Things change.
The Aunt checked on us before.
WATERFORD: Oh! It's mere formality, Mrs.
Lawrence.
Shoring up those households that have had difficulties with Handmaids.
Bearing witness ensures that every member of the family is performing their role.
Any deviation could tip the scales to failure.
LAWRENCE: Are you gonna sit in the bed with us, too? Because that would definitely make things more interesting.
WINSLOW: [CHUCKLES.]
Joseph.
Ah, I think it's time to get started.
Right.
Of course.
[EXHALES.]
[SOMBER MUSIC.]
Beth? Don't move my stuff.
WINSLOW: Forgetful moments sneaking up on you there, old man? And when Rachel saw that she bore Jacob no children, Rachel envied her sister, and said unto Jacob, "Give me children, or else I die.
" [INDISTINCT RADIO CHATTER.]
Aunt Lydia? There's no need to worry.
Dr.
Michaels will be efficient.
Lickety-split.
Ofjoseph.
[CLOCK TICKING.]
We'll sit here quietly for 20 minutes.
And then, we'll go go down.
We can't just sit here.
We can play uh Canasta.
Got some cards up here.
The doctor is going to check me afterwards for the proof that there was a Ceremony.
[BREATHING HEAVILY.]
You swore - Eleanor, shh! Quiet! - ELEANOR: we would never - You need to be quiet! - ELEANOR: .
have to do this! - We don't have to do anything! - You swore it! - LAWRENCE: Quiet! - [ELEANOR GRUNTING.]
LAWRENCE: Stop.
You need to stop.
We don't have to do anything.
OFJOSEPH: Sir Yes, we do.
[CRYING.]
You helped to create this world.
How long did you think it would be before it came for you? Every government makes room for exceptions.
OFJOSEPH: This one ends with both of you on the wall.
[SCOFFS.]
Maybe we deserve it.
I mean at least, it would all be over.
[EXHALES.]
You'll be fine.
It's It's our sin.
LAWRENCE: Handmaids are required to report deviancy.
Mmm-hmm.
And Marthas.
We would all be punished.
ELEANOR: [WAILING.]
No! No! My love! My love! - [ELEANOR SOBBING.]
- [OFJOSEPH SHUSHING.]
LAWRENCE: My love.
No! LAWRENCE: [REPEATING.]
You need to be quiet.
[ELEANOR WAILING.]
[LAWRENCE SHUSHING.]
LAWRENCE: You need to be quiet.
- ELEANOR: [SOBBING.]
No! - [LAWRENCE SHUSHING.]
Look at me.
It's okay.
It's gonna be okay.
Look at me.
You can do this.
Okay? Come on.
- [ELEANOR CRYING.]
- [LAWRENCE SHUSHING.]
LAWRENCE: Come over here.
Sit right there.
[ELEANOR CONTINUES CRYING.]
LAWRENCE: It doesn't mean anything.
[SAD MUSIC.]
No matter what happens.
It's okay, my love.
You are the love of my life.
You are my love.
You just treat it like a job.
Try to detach yourself.
See it from the outside.
You're not you.
I'm not me.
This is a transaction.
And then it's over.
Are you sure? Mmm-hmm.
It's easier if you close your eyes.
[ELEANOR SOBBING QUIETLY.]
[FOOTSTEPS DESCENDING STAIRS.]
[KNOCKING ON DOOR.]
[DOOR OPENS.]
Where is Mrs.
Lawrence? Eleanor? Serena.
I'm so sorry.
It's been so long since we've had dinner.
[EXHALES SHARPLY.]
[MICHAELS OPENS MEDICAL BAG.]
[PUTTING ON SURGICAL GLOVES.]
MICHAELS: Let's see what we have.
Any pain or discomfort? No, sir.
MICHAELS: Bleeding or cramping? No, sir.
All good.
MICHAELS: Great.
May He see fit to bring about His blessed miracle.
May I be truly worthy.
[MICHAELS TAKES OFF GLOVES.]
[FOOTSTEPS DESCENDING STAIRS.]
A successful Ceremony.
Praise be.
Praise be.
We should give the Lawrences back their privacy.
He does have good Scotch.
[WATERFORD SCOFFS.]
Are you all right? Mmm-hmm.
I mean, at least it wasn't you.
How is Eleanor? She's very quiet.
[SIGHS.]
[LAWRENCE SNIFFLES.]
A collector's item.
The punishment for contraception is being torn apart by dogs.
LAWRENCE: That's right.
That's not gonna be the last time that happens.
You know that, right? I know.
[POURING DRINK.]
I'll get you a truck.
[DRAMATIC VIOLIN MUSIC.]
You get my wife out safely.
[LAWRENCE SIGHS.]
You can get out, too.
You just have to bring them something.
Something valuable.
Kids.
The stolen children of Gilead.
[LAWRENCE SCOFFS.]
I'd be a hero.
[DOOR BUZZES.]
[INDISTINCT RADIO CHATTER.]
[SOFT MUZAK.]
What do you want? I have a plan.
You're like a nightmare right now.
Dylan's new name is Joshua.
He's five, right? He lives in Amherst, with a Commander's family.
And he's blond.
His dad was blond.
How long are we gonna let Gilead keep him? What's your plan? I have a truck.
I think it fits 10.
I've seen it.
And you? I'm not leaving without Hannah.
ALMA: We can't do something like that ourselves.
I know that.
I can help.
What? I'm brave.
Sasha's little girl is still in the Torrance house.
Just a few blocks from me.
She's old enough.
And quiet.
I'll ask around.
June? Mmm-hmm? Did you find out anything about Caleb? Yeah.
I did.
His family was transferred to California.
His mom seems super nice.
[TRAGIC MUSIC.]
[EXCLAIMS.]
He lives on the beach? OFJOSEPH: Yeah.
He lives on the beach.
[DOOR OPENS.]
[MUSIC TURNS GLOOMY.]
[DOOR CLOSES.]
[FOOTSTEPS APPROACHING.]
I know last night was difficult.
Thank you for your resilience.
Well, we have to be a united front.
Always.
Fred, you've done so much for Gilead.
And I see that.
But you're getting distracted.
It's been months, and we're no closer to Nichole.
I'm assuring a life for her.
You're prioritizing yourself.
[EXCITING PIANO MUSIC.]
And that's enough now.
Serena SERENA: I thought that the Gilead channels were the only way to get to Nichole, but they're not.
I met someone in Canada who can help us.
An American.
You just have to offer your cooperation.
[DOOR OPENS.]
[DOOR CLOSES.]
I did what you asked.
The Marthas? Muffins mean yes.
["GLORIA" BY VIVALDI.]
I spread the word.
I asked if anyone would help get children out.
I thought they'd all say no.
We're gonna need a bigger boat.
[SINGING OPERA.]
[SONG CONTINUES.]
You and the Commander tried to have children? I wanted to.
He disagreed.
They were always adjusting my dosage.
I wish we could've.
- WATERFORD: Once Nichole's returned - SERENA: I love you.
WATERFORD: we'd do our best to move the others along quickly.
So much leverage comes from the child.
With her back home You want me to keep her there.
WINSLOW: Just for a bit.
You're not well.
- No.
- SERENA: June.
[BOTH GRUNTING.]
[GROANING.]
SERENA: You're out of your mind.
TUELLO: I can help you.
You'd never have to go back to Gilead again.
Do you really think that I would leave my home? My offer still stands.
Treason and coconuts.
I probably won't see my daughters again.
She's someone's child, too.
YATES: I honor the Handmaid's life by saving her child's.
How will you honor your daughters? OFJOSEPH: I don't know how yet, but I'm gonna get out as many children as I can.
- They all deserve to be free.
- [GIRLS PLAYING.]
["SYMPHONY NO.
9" BY BEETHOVEN.]
The Handmaid's Tale 3x10 Bear Witness AUNT LYDIA: Ofjoseph.
Ofjoseph.
Okay, Ofjoseph.
Almost there now.
One step at a time, dear.
Almost there.
[KNOCKING.]
SIENNA: Blessed day.
Blessed day.
Thank you.
[CHUCKLES.]
SIENNA: Blessed be the fruit.
May the Lord open.
Ofjoseph, you need to get rest today.
You can go straight upstairs to your room and take a snooze.
Thank you, Aunt Lydia.
Mmm.
JUNE: But I don't want rest.
I don't want to rest ever again.
AUNT LYDIA: Oh! Oh! Well Isn't this a delight? The Lawrences redecorated.
AUNT LYDIA: All households doing their best to conform to Commander Waterford's new regulations.
Every residence elevated to D.
C.
standards.
I suppose you've missed a few things in your time away.
Mmm.
Suppose I have.
Perhaps God will deem this household worthy of a child after all, should he forgive us for taking you away from last month's Ceremony.
Happily, we've returned you just in time for the next.
I believe that my time of prayer has led me to see my true purpose.
Oh.
You are a good girl, Ofjoseph.
[AUNT LYDIA CHUCKLES.]
Go on.
I'll let you get settled.
Hmm? - [FOOTSTEPS APPROACHING.]
- [DISHES RATTLING.]
Scones mean no.
Welcome home.
"Scones mean no"? BETH: A message from the network.
No more medication for Eleanor.
I've asked everyone I can think of.
When they can't help, they send scones.
She's getting worse? She throws things now.
- Beth - Hmm? I need you to ask the Marthas for something else.
Of course you do.
Do you know anyone who could help me move children out? [CREEPY MUSIC.]
I'm gonna get them out.
I know how it sounds.
You're gonna get yourself killed.
[ARGUING UPSTAIRS.]
ELEANOR: I said I didn't want it.
LAWRENCE: They can bring you something else.
ELEANOR: I'm not hungry! LAWRENCE: Eleanor, sweetheart ELEANOR: No, just leave me alone! LAWRENCE: Eleanor ELEANOR: Don't you touch me! Get out! - [DOOR OPENS.]
- Get out! [CRYING.]
Go! Get out of here! [DOOR SLAMS.]
- [ELEANOR SOBBING.]
- [FOOTSTEPS APPROACHING.]
[LAWRENCE SIGHING.]
Welcome home.
Thank you, sir.
[CLOCK CHIMES.]
[LAWRENCE CONTINUES SIGHING.]
Reorganizing, sir? LAWRENCE: Hmm.
Beth told me she can't get any more of her medication.
LAWRENCE: I would appreciate it if you would give my wife her privacy.
Well, I'm just worried.
You really think she's safe here? Of course she's safe.
This is It's her home.
You can't keep her locked up here forever.
LAWRENCE: What do you propose I do? I'm not sending my wife away.
OFJOSEPH: You can leave Gilead with her.
Get a truck.
Get her out.
And get her the help that she needs.
[TENSE MUSIC.]
She cannot go on like this.
What do you know about how much someone can take? Everything.
JUNE: He's scared.
Fear can be a great motivator.
- [PA DINGS.]
- [DOORS BUZZ.]
[SOFT MUZAK.]
ANNOUNCER: Attention shoppers.
Handmaids must remain with her walking partner at all times.
Walk with God.
JUNE: Another walking partner dead.
They must think I'm cursed.
Or a terrorist.
I'm not, though.
Not yet.
[WOMEN WHISPERING.]
[CLEARS THROAT.]
[WHISPERING CONTINUES.]
I need your help.
I can't help.
They're watching everything we do.
And you're really conspicuous.
[DOOR CLOSES.]
[ALMA SIGHS.]
How many Handmaids' kids are still in this district? Can you find out? Why? Because I'm gonna get them out.
And a lot of them.
[DARK MUSIC.]
You'll get put on the wall just for thinking that.
Are you okay? No.
I am not fucking okay.
[ALERT CHIMING OVER PA.]
Inspection? Another one.
AUNT LYDIA: Let's go, girls! - AUNT 1: Move! - AUNT LYDIA: Let's go! - AUNT 1: Quick! - AUNT LYDIA: Hurry up! Faster! To your places! Find your spot, then be still.
AUNT 2: All the way out! Quickly, girls! Move it! Move it! This is not a parade.
Don't leave any spaces.
AUNT 3: Move over! AUNT LYDIA: Make it even.
Even spacing.
All the way up! All the way to the top, girls! AUNT 4: Back row, no talking! AUNT 5: You two, not so close.
AUNT LYDIA: Up those stairs! - Up those stairs! - AUNT 4: Quiet, now.
AUNT LYDIA: Heads down.
Hands in front.
Excellent.
We want you looking your best for our very special visitors.
- [HELICOPTER HOVERING.]
- [SIREN WAILING.]
[INDISTINCT RADIO CHATTER.]
[EVIL MUSIC.]
Blessed be the fruit.
WATERFORD: Mmm-hmm.
You're looking well.
Thank you, sir.
WATERFORD: Sorry to keep you out here in the cold.
I'm fine.
Yes.
A Boston girl.
[CHUCKLES.]
Born and bred.
Hardy.
It's much warmer in D.
C.
I may be able to arrange a transfer for you there, if you prefer.
Your wife is here.
SERENA: Aunt Lydia will answer any questions that you might have.
We are honored to have you, Commander.
WINSLOW: May God bless our endeavor.
Shall we? I'm curious to see what you have here.
Your girls have quite a reputation.
Blessed be the fruit.
HANDMAIDS: May the Lord open.
WATERFORD: I think you'll be pleased with the progress we've made since the Calhoun incident.
And two more confirmed pregnancies.
True miracles, indeed.
This is not regulation.
AUNT LYDIA: Ofhoward's alterations were damaged through criminal actions, and we decided to make an allowance.
WINSLOW: You're comfortable with that in a district that has fostered violent rebellion? AUNT LYDIA: I am, Commander, at present.
WINSLOW: The veil.
The ring.
WATERFORD: We're rolling it out slowly.
AUNT LYDIA: And the vow is voluntary, of course.
WINSLOW: We hold the devotion of veiled Handmaids to the highest esteem.
WATERFORD: Praise be.
SERENA: How are you feeling? WATERFORD: We'll continue to encourage their good work.
I'm fine.
AUNT LYDIA: Oferic has faithfully served Commander Simon - for nearly a year.
- OFJOSEPH: Thank you.
AUNT LYDIA: She is a model Handmaid.
WINSLOW: And how do you find Commander Simon? How's your arm? WINSLOW: [WHISPERS.]
So young.
We'll get a lot of mileage out of that one.
WATERFORD: George, you remember Ofjoseph? Of course.
Joseph Lawrence is an old friend.
Is he? WINSLOW: Yes.
Golf buddies from before.
Every Sunday after church.
Always [LAUGHS.]
always an experience.
How do you find Commander Lawrence? He treats me with respect, sir.
Respect? I am grateful to be in his service.
WINSLOW: Good.
Thank you.
OFJOSEPH: Hmm.
[KNIFE CHOPPING.]
Where is he? SIENNA: He's at work.
BETH: He goes to meetings now.
[CHOPPING CONTINUES.]
[MYSTERIOUS PIANO MUSIC.]
All I want is the TASCHEN Gauguin.
He hides things just to bother me, I swear to God.
Ha! Hi.
Hi.
ELEANOR: What are you doing? You're up to something again.
What is it? Is it your daughter? No.
Hannah's gone.
ELEANOR: Well, tell me what you're doing in here.
I'm looking for other people's children.
My friends' children.
You mean Handmaids? Yes.
I'm trying to find out where they are.
That information is in The Red Center dossiers.
Right.
ELEANOR: Joseph keeps them in the basement.
Let's go! I don't have all day.
[INTRIGUING MUSIC.]
ELEANOR: They keep sending them for him to review.
He just sticks them down here.
Like we need any more clutter.
Oh! This place is a mess.
What is the point of having as many maids as you want if they aren't allowed to actually clean anything? [ELEANOR SIGHS.]
Joseph likes to keep them "Of labor resources.
" Here they are! [ELEANOR EXHALES.]
Aha.
Oh! [BITTERSWEET MUSIC.]
Where is that - Mrs.
Lawrence? - Hmm? OFJOSEPH: Have you ever thought about leaving Gilead? You mean go somewhere where I could get mood stabilizers instead of herbal tea? Joseph would help you.
You could leave together.
He wants you to be safe.
He loves you so much.
Joseph is a war criminal.
He can't cross the border.
[SIGHS HEAVILY.]
He would be jailed for the rest of his life.
Or killed.
And he would deserve it.
[ELEANOR SCOFFS.]
[SIGHS.]
Oh, I've been looking for this! [LAUGHS.]
Oh! Oh! Oh, I'm so glad you're back, Ofjoseph.
Things are always so much more exciting when you're here.
After the bombing last year, we weren't sure the district would ever recover.
Our community is very resilient, by His hand.
- [WINSLOW CHUCKLES.]
- [SOFT JAZZ MUSIC PLAYING.]
WINSLOW: If only the fringe cities would be so quick to get their houses in order.
Has there been pushback on the new policies elsewhere? Some men are set in their ways.
WINSLOW: Very true.
WATERFORD: Once Gilead is finally recognized as a sovereign state, we won't have time to indulge with those clinging to old habits.
Is there someone in particular that you're concerned with, Fred? I I hesitate to say.
I'd like to hear.
Commander Lawrence.
WINSLOW: Lawrence's contributions to Gilead have been substantial.
WATERFORD: At first.
Now, I fear his influence does more harm than good.
WINSLOW: Oh? WATERFORD: He's made some cosmetic changes to his household, yes, but [SCOFFS.]
He's had four Handmaids.
Not one has produced.
And from what I've seen from his current Ofjoseph, that lack of discipline persists.
We may need to set an example.
Challenging someone like Lawrence is a delicate business, Fred.
[WATERFORD CHUCKLES.]
I'm only suggesting we make certain that he and his household are abiding by Gilead's most sacred tenets.
There are mechanisms in place to ensure virility.
Isn't that a little extreme? WINSLOW: If he's unfit to lead his household, he's unfit to lead Gilead.
[SIGHS.]
Praise be.
[MELANCHOLIC VIOLIN MUSIC.]
JUNE: It's been five years since we had our children torn away from us.
An eternity.
- They were one.
- - Now they're six.
- - They were seven.
- - Now they're 12.
- We've missed everything.
- The steps.
- - The smiles.
- - The tragedies.
- - Children still die.
- Even in Gilead.
Janine's son, Caleb, four years ago.
[CLOCK CHIMING.]
Prayers can't stop car accidents.
[FOOTSTEPS APPROACHING.]
BETH: Ofjoseph? They want you in the sitting room.
[INDISTINCT CONVERSATION.]
[OMINOUS MUSIC.]
[CONVERSATION CONTINUES.]
[DOOR CLOSES.]
[GASPS.]
Um You both should stand over there.
[DOOR OPENS.]
SERENA: What a lovely room.
[DOOR CLOSES.]
I pray that nothing will impede God's will tonight.
[KNOCKING ON DOOR.]
[KNOCKING CONTINUES.]
Come in.
[DOOR OPENS.]
Eleanor.
Such a pleasure to see you.
ELEANOR: [SIGHS.]
How are Olivia and the kids? WINSLOW: Couldn't be better.
LAWRENCE: Shall I get you a drink, George? WINSLOW: I'll help myself, Joseph.
Thank you.
WATERFORD: We sincerely apologize for intruding.
LAWRENCE: No, no.
The more the merrier.
In bearing witness, we pray with you for a fruitful outcome.
JUNE: They used to do this in the first months of Gilead to the households that resisted the Ceremony.
They declared it unnecessary.
Things change.
The Aunt checked on us before.
WATERFORD: Oh! It's mere formality, Mrs.
Lawrence.
Shoring up those households that have had difficulties with Handmaids.
Bearing witness ensures that every member of the family is performing their role.
Any deviation could tip the scales to failure.
LAWRENCE: Are you gonna sit in the bed with us, too? Because that would definitely make things more interesting.
WINSLOW: [CHUCKLES.]
Joseph.
Ah, I think it's time to get started.
Right.
Of course.
[EXHALES.]
[SOMBER MUSIC.]
Beth? Don't move my stuff.
WINSLOW: Forgetful moments sneaking up on you there, old man? And when Rachel saw that she bore Jacob no children, Rachel envied her sister, and said unto Jacob, "Give me children, or else I die.
" [INDISTINCT RADIO CHATTER.]
Aunt Lydia? There's no need to worry.
Dr.
Michaels will be efficient.
Lickety-split.
Ofjoseph.
[CLOCK TICKING.]
We'll sit here quietly for 20 minutes.
And then, we'll go go down.
We can't just sit here.
We can play uh Canasta.
Got some cards up here.
The doctor is going to check me afterwards for the proof that there was a Ceremony.
[BREATHING HEAVILY.]
You swore - Eleanor, shh! Quiet! - ELEANOR: we would never - You need to be quiet! - ELEANOR: .
have to do this! - We don't have to do anything! - You swore it! - LAWRENCE: Quiet! - [ELEANOR GRUNTING.]
LAWRENCE: Stop.
You need to stop.
We don't have to do anything.
OFJOSEPH: Sir Yes, we do.
[CRYING.]
You helped to create this world.
How long did you think it would be before it came for you? Every government makes room for exceptions.
OFJOSEPH: This one ends with both of you on the wall.
[SCOFFS.]
Maybe we deserve it.
I mean at least, it would all be over.
[EXHALES.]
You'll be fine.
It's It's our sin.
LAWRENCE: Handmaids are required to report deviancy.
Mmm-hmm.
And Marthas.
We would all be punished.
ELEANOR: [WAILING.]
No! No! My love! My love! - [ELEANOR SOBBING.]
- [OFJOSEPH SHUSHING.]
LAWRENCE: My love.
No! LAWRENCE: [REPEATING.]
You need to be quiet.
[ELEANOR WAILING.]
[LAWRENCE SHUSHING.]
LAWRENCE: You need to be quiet.
- ELEANOR: [SOBBING.]
No! - [LAWRENCE SHUSHING.]
Look at me.
It's okay.
It's gonna be okay.
Look at me.
You can do this.
Okay? Come on.
- [ELEANOR CRYING.]
- [LAWRENCE SHUSHING.]
LAWRENCE: Come over here.
Sit right there.
[ELEANOR CONTINUES CRYING.]
LAWRENCE: It doesn't mean anything.
[SAD MUSIC.]
No matter what happens.
It's okay, my love.
You are the love of my life.
You are my love.
You just treat it like a job.
Try to detach yourself.
See it from the outside.
You're not you.
I'm not me.
This is a transaction.
And then it's over.
Are you sure? Mmm-hmm.
It's easier if you close your eyes.
[ELEANOR SOBBING QUIETLY.]
[FOOTSTEPS DESCENDING STAIRS.]
[KNOCKING ON DOOR.]
[DOOR OPENS.]
Where is Mrs.
Lawrence? Eleanor? Serena.
I'm so sorry.
It's been so long since we've had dinner.
[EXHALES SHARPLY.]
[MICHAELS OPENS MEDICAL BAG.]
[PUTTING ON SURGICAL GLOVES.]
MICHAELS: Let's see what we have.
Any pain or discomfort? No, sir.
MICHAELS: Bleeding or cramping? No, sir.
All good.
MICHAELS: Great.
May He see fit to bring about His blessed miracle.
May I be truly worthy.
[MICHAELS TAKES OFF GLOVES.]
[FOOTSTEPS DESCENDING STAIRS.]
A successful Ceremony.
Praise be.
Praise be.
We should give the Lawrences back their privacy.
He does have good Scotch.
[WATERFORD SCOFFS.]
Are you all right? Mmm-hmm.
I mean, at least it wasn't you.
How is Eleanor? She's very quiet.
[SIGHS.]
[LAWRENCE SNIFFLES.]
A collector's item.
The punishment for contraception is being torn apart by dogs.
LAWRENCE: That's right.
That's not gonna be the last time that happens.
You know that, right? I know.
[POURING DRINK.]
I'll get you a truck.
[DRAMATIC VIOLIN MUSIC.]
You get my wife out safely.
[LAWRENCE SIGHS.]
You can get out, too.
You just have to bring them something.
Something valuable.
Kids.
The stolen children of Gilead.
[LAWRENCE SCOFFS.]
I'd be a hero.
[DOOR BUZZES.]
[INDISTINCT RADIO CHATTER.]
[SOFT MUZAK.]
What do you want? I have a plan.
You're like a nightmare right now.
Dylan's new name is Joshua.
He's five, right? He lives in Amherst, with a Commander's family.
And he's blond.
His dad was blond.
How long are we gonna let Gilead keep him? What's your plan? I have a truck.
I think it fits 10.
I've seen it.
And you? I'm not leaving without Hannah.
ALMA: We can't do something like that ourselves.
I know that.
I can help.
What? I'm brave.
Sasha's little girl is still in the Torrance house.
Just a few blocks from me.
She's old enough.
And quiet.
I'll ask around.
June? Mmm-hmm? Did you find out anything about Caleb? Yeah.
I did.
His family was transferred to California.
His mom seems super nice.
[TRAGIC MUSIC.]
[EXCLAIMS.]
He lives on the beach? OFJOSEPH: Yeah.
He lives on the beach.
[DOOR OPENS.]
[MUSIC TURNS GLOOMY.]
[DOOR CLOSES.]
[FOOTSTEPS APPROACHING.]
I know last night was difficult.
Thank you for your resilience.
Well, we have to be a united front.
Always.
Fred, you've done so much for Gilead.
And I see that.
But you're getting distracted.
It's been months, and we're no closer to Nichole.
I'm assuring a life for her.
You're prioritizing yourself.
[EXCITING PIANO MUSIC.]
And that's enough now.
Serena SERENA: I thought that the Gilead channels were the only way to get to Nichole, but they're not.
I met someone in Canada who can help us.
An American.
You just have to offer your cooperation.
[DOOR OPENS.]
[DOOR CLOSES.]
I did what you asked.
The Marthas? Muffins mean yes.
["GLORIA" BY VIVALDI.]
I spread the word.
I asked if anyone would help get children out.
I thought they'd all say no.
We're gonna need a bigger boat.
[SINGING OPERA.]
[SONG CONTINUES.]