**Serious Spoilers Ahead**
If you don’t already know, “The Handmaid’s Tale” debuted its second season on Hulu on Wednesday, April 25th. Let me just say, I am a hardcore fan. The first season was absolutely incredible, and “excited” does not even adequately describe how I was feeling about the season two premiere. As an added bonus, Hulu released not one, but two episodes. After the cliffhanger last season, I really needed those two episodes to make me feel okay again. The premiere episodes were packed with powerful moments that shook me to the core. Here are some of the most shocking moments:
When they legitimately almost killed all the Handmaids we have come to know and love.
This moment was brutal and, to make matters worse, it happened within the first five minutes of the episode. I knew they couldn’t kill June, but I was truly worried for the safety of all the other poor women. Did you see that lady pee herself in fear? I don’t know how you wouldn’t feel overwhelmed with emotion watching this scene. On a related note, screw Aunt Lydia.
When the doctor’s security guard called June by her name and she found the escape route.
I was honestly so shooketh. When Aunt Lydia took June back to the commander and his wife, I thought she was done for. Also, can we just take a second to recognize how much we all wanted to punch Serena when she tried to put down June in the doctor’s office? When the security guard said June’s real name, I had an audible reaction. I knew something good was finally going to happen for her, and it did. Thank god she’s getting a chance to escape because, honestly, she deserves it.
When June cut off a piece of her freaking ear.
When June cuts off part of her ear to remove the tag that is placed on all Gilead Handmaids, it was definitely a liberating moment that was a long time coming. However, it was bloody and kinda disturbing to see the pain she was in. It was a real and raw moment though that didn’t hide behind “film magic.”
When we finally got to see how bad the Colonies are.
No one was exaggerating; the Colonies are a really horrible place to be sent. Seeing the plight of all of the workers and how much this place affected Emily in the short time she has been there was an absolutely eye-opening experience.
That sex scene though.
Okay, I’m still not really on board with the whole June and Nick romance now that we know her husband is alive. However, this scene was just plain hot. June took control and subverted every expectation of women in Gilead. She took her power back. Good for you, girl.
When we saw Emily leave her family.
Talk about devastating. This scene ripped my heart out about four times over. As the audience, we know she won’t be able to go with her wife and son to Canada. However, if you’re like me, part of you still hoped.
When Emily killed the wife who was sent to the Colonies.
This was a great twist. Honestly, all I have to say is good riddance.