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. 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
  2. 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
  3. 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''!!!!!!
  4. 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...
  5. 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
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. GrantD243
    Aug 25, 2018
    8
    June continues to be a frustrating character, but the story continues to be enthralling.
  9. 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.
  10. Felindie
    Jul 16, 2019
    8
    The second season of 'The Handmaid's Tale' keeps delivering intrigue. The series is still a well-executed one.
  11. 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
  12. 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
  13. 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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