The Handmaid's Tale

:

Season 2
  • Network: HULU
  • Series Premiere Date: Apr 26, 2017
Season #: 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1
User Score
7.4

Generally favorable reviews- based on 193 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 148 out of 193
  2. Mixed: 13 out of 193
  3. Negative: 32 out of 193
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User Reviews

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  1. OlivierPiel
    Apr 25, 2018
    0
    Not only are the premises of this show preposterous but its tactics are obscene. The first scene shows maids brought to the gallows . Anyone with half a brain knows they won't be executed for the simple and obvious reason that the maids are priceless commodities. Killing them would be the same as committing mass-suicide on a country-wide scale. Imagine the Romans murdering the SabinesNot only are the premises of this show preposterous but its tactics are obscene. The first scene shows maids brought to the gallows . Anyone with half a brain knows they won't be executed for the simple and obvious reason that the maids are priceless commodities. Killing them would be the same as committing mass-suicide on a country-wide scale. Imagine the Romans murdering the Sabines instead of raping them. That would defeat the purpose, wouldn't it!
    It is obscene because it tries to be a metaphor for the plight of "womanhood", trying to create a parallel with the suffering of real minorities that were indeed rounded up in stadiums and executed later on (Armenians, Jews, Bosnians etc...). I wonder how a Bosnian or a Rwandan that has survived such an ordeal would feel watching that kind of scene. It is obscene because it uses cheap depiction of violence to further its point of view. As such, it is nothing more than a form of pornography, same as those gratuitous massacre and sex scenes in Game of Thrones.

    In short, this "feminist" show is ham-fisted, shallow and shameless just like hippies burning bras in the 70's.
    Sadly, the American populace has shown us it hasn't evolved much since then. It has probably regressed actually.

    PS: Ironic that a scientologist is the lead of a feminist show! But Hollywood and myopic feminists are hypocritical enough until the next PC scandal

    PPS: Rectify, oh, rectify...that was a truly great work of art. TV as an art form has really died with Netflix, Hulu and Amazon. Mediocrity reigns supreme...    … Expand
  2. Ilyasmiles
    Aug 2, 2018
    0
    Lots of logic mistakes. Characters become really crazy and have no motivations.
  3. abm0
    Jun 28, 2018
    7
    It's been slowing down more and more compared to S1, to the point where I had to start skipping scenes. There's only so much dramatic-moving-around or dramatic-facial-expressions of "Offred" I can find worthwhile before it becomes just a waste of time to keep watching that stuff. Same with the flashbacks of the life they used to have. I haven't lost interest in the series as a whole, IIt's been slowing down more and more compared to S1, to the point where I had to start skipping scenes. There's only so much dramatic-moving-around or dramatic-facial-expressions of "Offred" I can find worthwhile before it becomes just a waste of time to keep watching that stuff. Same with the flashbacks of the life they used to have. I haven't lost interest in the series as a whole, I expect to keep following this to the end and into the next season, but... things are not looking up quality-wise after this season.… Expand
  4. PrettyGood
    Sep 2, 2018
    6
    The second season stumbles upon itself, failing to match the heights of the first season. The characters became victims of the writing, the plot keeps getting a reset over and over throughout the season, only to culminate with a final episode unable to deliver the season's promise.
  5. james-cordoban
    Jul 6, 2018
    3
    Season 1 was worth watching. In season 2 the characters loose their credibility and the story just trickles away. Almost everything is over dramatic (scenery, light, music, colors) and nearly everything triggers a flashback showing family, harmony and better life. You miss nothing if you finish with the end of season 1.
  6. Honest-Yan
    Jul 24, 2018
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Season Two follows the story of a woman called June who really enjoys living in Gilead, in spite of the majority of the cast trying to get her to leave. She keeps saying that she doesn't like being there but when presented with an opportunity to leave she always chooses not to take it. She is the opposite of a prisoner.
    I was left at the end of Season One looking forward to seeing some retaliation against the extreme patriarchal theocracy and wondering how June would escape. I left Season Two wondering why the whole cast are behaving in the most irrational and unrealistic ways. I was angry and frustrated at watching June stalling her escape to fill air time, and then, for no logical reason, trying to be re-captured multiple times. It pretty much ends up with the majority of the cast conspiring, in ways that often contradicts their characters, to risk their lives to rescue June, (but not themselves for no reason), and June trying her hardest not to be rescued. Instead she feels the need to stop to write rebellious graffiti, stack some tin cans neatly or stare at some clothes, have a chat with someone or daydream. She is eventually given the most clear cut opportunity to get out and, even though for the whole of Season One she had been trying to get out, she decides not to leave because 'no reason given'. Also, I already know that there will be no consequences for any of these actions and Season Three will carry on, redoing the same beats as Season One, but with some added themes of race and sexuality because it is in fashion. Seeing as only minor cast members are killed or have parts amputated, June is perfectly safe in Gilead. She must have grown to like it there, she has now volunteered to be there. Terrible, terrible writing. I am left not caring at all about what happens to June because she is both blessed with plot serving immortality and invulnerability and also acts solely to prolong the series duration in the most illogical and unlikely ways.    … Expand
  7. Lpenn
    Jun 20, 2018
    3
    Handmaid's Season 2 has the ability to over-promise and under-deliver unlike I've ever seen. Flawless execution on that front. Save yourself time and assume the end of season 1 was the end of the series.
  8. Faizannaeem71
    Apr 25, 2018
    10
    Very few shows have the power to move you both emotionally and mentally. Season 2 continued the legacy of its previous season only to be more brutal, with excellent performances, specially Ann Dowd role's as Aunt Lydia is breathtakingly devilish and the way she reigns over Handmaid's is oddly satisfying. Then written novel by Margaret Atwood has been crafted so beautifully it almost feelVery few shows have the power to move you both emotionally and mentally. Season 2 continued the legacy of its previous season only to be more brutal, with excellent performances, specially Ann Dowd role's as Aunt Lydia is breathtakingly devilish and the way she reigns over Handmaid's is oddly satisfying. Then written novel by Margaret Atwood has been crafted so beautifully it almost feel that all of this is actually happening in real life. And with times like this full of uncertainties and inevitability of life who knows what may happen in future. Hat's off to such quality production values and standards.… Expand
  9. Aryaman
    Apr 26, 2018
    10
    The Handmaid's Tale returns with a purpose to make a mark in the TV landscape. A story this haunting and scary, and with performance that have never seen the face of this earth!!! The winner of 8 Emmys & 2 Golden Globes is looking up to be a TV classic of our times joining the ranks of other TV classics that defined their particular eras. OURS IS ''THE HANDMAID'S TALE ERA''!!!!!!
  10. Erald
    Apr 26, 2018
    0
    After the initial premise this show simply has no sense at all. The story of the novel ended with the events of the first season. What exactly are they going to explore now?
  11. EmperorofDubbo
    Apr 26, 2018
    10
    Insanely intense & gob-smackingly good. Only 2 episodes in but Season 2 is already as good, if not better, than Season 1...
  12. Cyanurea
    Jul 5, 2018
    3
    Season 1 was flawed but essentially solid. Season 2 is loud stupid senseless drama with a pretty budget. Overdone shock-value gore attempts to convince you of the dystopia's brutality while key characters miraculously survive their dramatic stupidity, repeatedly. The characters become mouthpieces for writers' beliefs, often at ends with the reality of their individual situation, and loseSeason 1 was flawed but essentially solid. Season 2 is loud stupid senseless drama with a pretty budget. Overdone shock-value gore attempts to convince you of the dystopia's brutality while key characters miraculously survive their dramatic stupidity, repeatedly. The characters become mouthpieces for writers' beliefs, often at ends with the reality of their individual situation, and lose much of their inner life. I couldn't suspend my disbelief.… Expand
  13. avr50
    Jul 18, 2018
    8
    It may be hard to watch, but The Handmaid´s Tale is a must seen. The first season was excellent, this second season is really good, it may not be at the same level as the first, but is an excellent show. The first episodes I was thinking that maybe The Handmaid´s Tale didn't needed a second season even with the blank spaces that It left, but as the show progresses it became better andIt may be hard to watch, but The Handmaid´s Tale is a must seen. The first season was excellent, this second season is really good, it may not be at the same level as the first, but is an excellent show. The first episodes I was thinking that maybe The Handmaid´s Tale didn't needed a second season even with the blank spaces that It left, but as the show progresses it became better and better. The way that they lead the story is very good, it seems that they really care about the characters and story that Margaret Atwood started and want to give us great television. Elizabeth Moss is great again, she really knows how to give powerful acting without saying a word. Season two may not be every ones taste, but at least to me, is another great example of how a tv show could be entertaining, smart, powerful, and with a must told message, all at the same time.… Expand
  14. JLuis_001
    Oct 27, 2019
    7
    The lack of source material is noted for the repetitiveness of certain situations. The drama no longer feels so strong and although Elisabeth Moss is still a good protagonist, her character feels erratic in many situations.
  15. Masquic
    Jul 11, 2018
    10
    Another season and "The handmaid's tale" doesn't shock with the perfection in every aspect. We are in front of one of the best shows that will ever exist. Excellent in every aspect, and with that end, the viewers can't wait to see what you happen next.
  16. GrantD243
    Aug 25, 2018
    8
    June continues to be a frustrating character, but the story continues to be enthralling.
  17. Bruciato
    Nov 15, 2018
    3
    As seen in other work for tv/cinema, gender identity politics make its entrance in this kinda thing. It's annoying, biased, driven with agenda. It was difficult to keep it out but I don't think there was any effort. Apart from this, it's all really boring, slow and makes very little sense. Get ready for a 6 seasons long tv serie making money on the first season.
  18. drlowdon
    May 30, 2023
    7
    The writing, directing and performances are still top notch, but this second season is even bleaker than the first, which was already a pretty tough watch. I’m currently on the fence as to whether to continue into season three as at times it’s almost too depressing to watch.
  19. nj06
    Sep 26, 2019
    2
    Serious drop off after Season 1. Tropes of low quality TV started to make their appearance: new illogical short lived characters, convoluted changes in behavior of main characters, soap opera style alliances and frenemies, etc. About half way through I decide that I had enough of being jerked around by incompetent writing and I quit.
  20. Felindie
    Jul 16, 2019
    8
    The second season of 'The Handmaid's Tale' keeps delivering intrigue. The series is still a well-executed one.
  21. All_ButTrU4
    Dec 19, 2021
    9
    Though still as breathtaking as before this season does meander and feel quite uneven at some points. It asks more questions than it cares to answer and despite maintaining challenging stakes and nuanced plights it's so dense the hopelessness becomes exhausting so much so I had to take breaks from watching which still reinforces it as outstanding television but exposes the absence of theThough still as breathtaking as before this season does meander and feel quite uneven at some points. It asks more questions than it cares to answer and despite maintaining challenging stakes and nuanced plights it's so dense the hopelessness becomes exhausting so much so I had to take breaks from watching which still reinforces it as outstanding television but exposes the absence of the paced thrill of it's first season. The direction is enviable with just how well it moves,cinematography is out of this world -literally pause at any moment and that scene could be a masterpiece canvas. Unfortunately this season extends itself without an end in sight,risking spoiling a great thing buy wanting more episodes but in so far it's still satisfying television you shouldn't abandon yet.… Expand
  22. DrollPony
    May 27, 2019
    7
    The first season was a brilliant adaptation of Atwood's brilliant book. The 2nd season, however, shows that they're off the source material. This is still better than so much else, but the sophomore slump makes it all the more frustrating.

    It is still exquisitely crafted and acted, and they do have decent writers. But they now seem to be blinded by the accolades (or money?) and want to    The first season was a brilliant adaptation of Atwood's brilliant book. The 2nd season, however, shows that they're off the source material. This is still better than so much else, but the sophomore slump makes it all the more frustrating.

    It is still exquisitely crafted and acted, and they do have decent writers. But they now seem to be blinded by the accolades (or money?) and want to drag the series on forever - apparently without quite knowing what new to say, or where to take the story.

    The 1st season showed Atwood's genius in building the world, atmosphere, characters and story with such efficiency and effectiveness. The 2nd season, however, brings little new to what already was. The story (and character traits) keeps resetting, the pace is often glacial, and a lot of time is spent with unnecessary flashbacks.

    It's understandable to now expand from Offred's POV, but this is not used well. Things that were told in jarringly curt - and therefore impactful - sentences in season 1 (e.g. what happens in the Colonies, or how Ofglen's pre-war fleeing attempt was aborted), are now spelt out in tediously drawn out sequences (many of which I fastforwarded).

    If only this had been condensed to, say, 5 episodes, as a preface to season 3 (assuming they'll then move on with the story). Now, it's just too much of everything; of trying to manipulate the audience feelings. Everybody speaks and does things very slowly and sparsely. Elizabeth Moss emotes in countless extreme closeups. Darkness, bleakness, torture. And women crying; goodness, so much of women crying! It almost felt like a parody towards the end - which is a terrible result, considering how horrific the subject is.

    The protagonist has also become a problem. Part of her appeal in the source material is how she's anonymous, one of many, could be any one of us. Passive and timid, and thus relatable. Now, it feels she's being built into a Chosen One, out of the blue.

    SPOILERS:

    Bizarrely, dozens of unknown people risk their limbs and even lives just to help Offred escape. Not the other Handmaids, not the taken children, and pointedly not themselves. Why her then? She hasn't even asked for help, just passively sulked around with a jutting chin - and chooses actually not to escape, twice.

    All the while Offred and the other main characters are protected by an unbreakable plot armour - and their hazardous behavior exposes that they know it. They survive everything, and make implausible comebacks after misdeeds that would behead anyone else. This shoots holes in the story logic, and lessens the feel of dread.

    I can only hope the writers find their own voice with season 3.    … Expand
  23. Gabunviper
    Jan 7, 2020
    2
    After a good Season one Season two is just Boeing and the writing is terrible. Very sorry für this at First good Show :(
  24. samy1117
    Aug 1, 2020
    0
    Show must have ended with Season 1. Now they are just milking the character June. No real movement in the script. Just June has become kind of a liability for this show. Monotonous acting. Manipulative which are hard to digest.
  25. geewah
    Jul 21, 2021
    9
    An excellent follow up to an outstanding debut season.
    As with the first season, this brutal and confronting show is led by some excellent acting and writing to make it one of the best shows of 2018.

Awards & Rankings

13
#13 Best TV Season of 2018
42
#42 Most Discussed TV Season of 2018
35
#35 Most Shared TV Season of 2018

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
86

Universal acclaim - based on 28 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 27 out of 28
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 28
  3. Negative: 0 out of 28
  1. TV Guide Magazine
    Reviewed by: Matt Roush
    Apr 26, 2018
    80
    Silence speaks volumes as June withstands the psychological abuse of the fearsome Aunnt Lydis (ann Dowd) and endures domestic tension. [30 Apr - 13 May 2018, p.13]
  2. Slate
    Reviewed by: Willa Paskin
    Apr 25, 2018
    80
    The Handmaid’s Tale is powerful and propulsive. After the first three episodes, when the horrors become more predictable, it’s even pretty watchable. And, even so, it should have ended after the first season.
    Read full review
  3. Yahoo TV
    Reviewed by: Ken Tucker
    Apr 25, 2018
    80
    Dowd’s performance is absolutely essential to keeping this show from tipping over into excessive self-seriousness. You’ll notice that whenever Handmaid’s Tale shifts away from Lydia and Offred, and back to the Canadian border and the subplot involving Offred’s husband, Luke (O.T. Fagbenle), and Moira (Samira Wiley), the show becomes deadly drab and dull.
    Read full review
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