The Handmaid's Tale (TV Series) Safe (2022) User Reviews

After 57 episodes - I just can't wait for more

[dakjets · 9/10 · 10 November 2022]

This year's season ended the way we like; the familiar characters in full force, surprises, brutal events and many questions we long for answers to. Most people I've spoken to who like the series agree that the season has been variable, and uneven. Although it is still far above the competition.

After a somewhat uneven season which can be explained by the fact that it has built up to what we can expect in the sixth and final season of this incredible series. Without revealing anything, it is clear that June's future is now much more open than we assumed. The character's ability and willingness to make drastic choices is a characteristic that makes the series both astonish and grip us, time and time again.

The action here also places great expectations on what will happen in the future, but we can hope for decisive confrontations and clarifications on the fate of June, Nick, Janine and the other characters.

Looking forward the next season already.

It is time to end this show

[astonmatters · 7/10 · 17 November 2022]

I think it's time to end this show. It has become far too convoluted with loads of different story lines, character arcs and the logistics of different political systems - yet somehow, most of the time, nothing of real importance seems to be happening. It sometimes becomes really hard to follow, be it because of confusion or boredom. Don't get me wrong, I love all the actors and they are doing a fantastic job, especially of course Elisabeth Moss, Yvonne Strahovski and Ann Dowd. I could probably watch these women for weeks doing their magic and still be excited. But the writing appears to be going nowhere, there's a lot of filler and not a lot happening. Season 4, 5 and the upcoming last one could probably have been condensed into one fantastic 10 to 15 episode final season. However, here we are, dragging on.

Stop shooting shows so DARK

[ddio-26092 · 7/10 · 10 November 2022]

Hello producers and directors of TV shows,

PLEASE stop shooting shows so dark. This episode was good. But holy crap there were entire scenes where you couldn't see anything. It's crap. It's a disservice to your actors and audiences. If I can't see their faces thenwhy are they acting. It's ludicrous to think "oh i want to be cool and shoot like we are in a cave". You're making TV. Entertainment. Something someone wants to watch. So there's my preach. This episode was good. The second half of the season was better than the last couple of seasons. Decent story line building towards The Testaments.

Fantastic finale to a very good season

[Dannyboi94 · 10/10 · 10 November 2022]

Wow, what an episode! The first half of season 5 was very slow, not much really happened, but these past 5 episodes have been so good, I reminded me of the earlier seasons. Elizabeth Moss, proves yet again how good on an actress she is, and also proves herself as a director. The episodes she directed last season were good, but not to this level. Ep 10: Safe, is perfectly paced and shot. It is very well done.

I'm glad that most characters got more to do this season, like Luke and Nick. While I'm rooting more for Nick, since he's my favourite character in the show, I really liked how the show elevated Luke's character. He is no longer the same man from season 1 and 2, he's now tough and willing to do anything for his family. Amazing character development. And then there is Serena. What a journey her character has been on. Going from one of the most evil people in the show, to a very sympathetic mother.

My biggest issue with this season has been the lack of Janine and Aunt Lydia. Janine has less screen time in this season that Nick did in season 3. She was reduced to a minor part and it was felt. Janine always felt like the heart of the show. So her not being in season 5 all that much felt weird.

Overall, season 5 and this finale have been solid. Aside from the first several slow episodes, it has been thrilling and emotionally engaging. Seeing Nick do more things, and his feelings come into play was one of the biggest highlights, the development of Luke, the struggles of June, the traumatised Serena. All well written.

It's hard to believe that the next season will be the last, but since there is a new book which takes place many, many years later, I'm holding onto hope we will see these characters again after the story wraps.

10/10 episode and 9/10 season.

WOW! This was a surprising AMAZING finale!

[isaquepereirasantos · 10/10 · 11 November 2022]

I really didn't expect to be this good!! For me the season overall was the weakest, with a few good episodes. The finale had incredibles twists that we didn't see it coming. Another thing that got me, was how good was the direction, they took every scene on the best level possible, remembered the first seasons, everything felt real and scary. The Last scene was the icing on the cake, truly. I fell like they are going to go to start the path thath lead on The Testaments, don't now how, but i can see the puzzle starting making sense, but i don't like the idea of a spin off show, i wish they do that on a bigger final season, with some time jumping, than finish the show with a cliffhanger to another. Looking foward to what happens next!

Masterpiece.

[christinapetalwti1 · 10/10 · 10 November 2022]

This show has been keeping us on edge since day one, and this season has kept up. The finale was meant to stir up the pot and change dynamics in Canada and also Gilead.

June is definitely facing an unsure future away from Canada. Will she ever see Luke again? Will she be reunited with Hannah if she goes to Hawaii or is New Bethlehem a better way for them to be together? How can anyone be sure that this train isn't leading them to New Bethlehem under Commander Lawrence's orders?

Is Nick safe? Did he plan all this with Lawrence or is he finally fed up and blew his cover over his undeniable love for June?

What about Serena? Who helped her get on that train? Is she finally ready to team up and take down Gilead along June?

Season 6 as the show's last season is leading us to the great unknown. There are too many possibilities as to what to expect, the thirst for Justice is more real than ever and many characters seem to be ready to fight, including passive characters like Janine and Nick or even supporters of Gilead like Serena or Aunt Lydia who seem to be switching sides.

Marvelous season, wonderful finale (talk about that train scene!) and much more to be expected for the next one.

Great great show!

[marielvillabla · 10/10 · 7 January 2023]

Simply amazing how it's still so good, 5th season and still going strong. One of my favourite shows. So many paths to take it from here, the finale was so good! I am loving Serena's story line, that was great writing. Also Moira has to be shown more like the strong character she is, at the moment she is really weak and a nanny more than anything but she always was June's second and her rock and strength, they need to take her back there. It's just raw and very real, besides the amazing acting of Elizabeth Moss, what else can you ask for, someone please give her a good acting award because she deserves it so much.

Trials, Sacrifices, and Unexpected Reunions

[badeclerck · 10/10 · 3 March 2024]

In the riveting tenth episode of The Handmaid's Tale Season 5, June finds herself in the crosshairs of escalating anti-American sentiment in Canada, as she is struck by a car while escorting Mark Tuello, who had come for a breakfast rendezvous. However, the driver turns out to be a pro-Gilead operative, illustrating the tangible threat posed to June's life by the Mackenzie regime.

Luke intervenes to prevent the assailant from completing his deadly mission, but inadvertently lands himself in hot water for causing the would-be assassin's critical injuries. June, now facing even greater danger than during her time as a Gileadean slave, experiences a brief hospital stay under morphine-induced haze, where Nick pays her a visit and agrees to act as a triple agent for Mark Tuello.

Back in Gilead, disillusioned by his compatriot's abandonment of June's cause, Nick confronts Joseph Lawrence publicly, shattering his clandestine reputation and credibility. Lawrence's marital woes worsen as his wife severs ties during a surprise visit, while Aunt Lydia faces repercussions for her favoritism towards Janine, negotiating a transfer that aligns with Janine's daughter's residency.

June and Luke resolve to flee before it's too late, unaware that their escape plans have been compromised. Mark Tuello intervenes, redirecting them to a train station where refugees are being deported westward towards Hawaii, still part of the United States. As Luke sacrifices himself to ensure June and Nichole's escape, June boards the train, where she encounters a familiar face-Serena, holding Noah in her arms.

The unexpected reunion between June and Serena, set to the backdrop of a Billie Eilish melody, marks a poignant moment as former adversaries contemplate a future together, united by shared struggles and the love for their children. Their reconciliation echoes the prophetic vision hinted at in a previous episode, as they embark on a journey to rebuild their lives, defying the odds and forging a bond forged in adversity.

In this gripping episode, The Handmaid's Tale delves into themes of sacrifice, resilience, and unlikely alliances, underscoring the enduring human spirit amidst the tumultuous backdrop of a dystopian society.

The van... oi

[pzlgirl · 6/10 · 1 May 2023]

Oof... it's so frustrating because I want to know how this turns out, but it's so hard to watch. I'll start with the likes: Likes: I do like that they are shining a light on the refugee situation in real life. So many people only hear numbers and don't think of them as real people with real life threatening situations that they are fleeing from. They just view them as a burden or as a drain... instead of using compassion. That's the great thing about acting/films/theatre... it helps you see through others' eyes and gain perspective and empathy.

Dislikes: Getting hit by a van - 1. June knows something is up with the van. 2. She is on high alert enough to get a bullet-proof vest. 3. Actually sees the van coming toward her

Yet... she goes for a walk outside IN THE STREET and she can't take two steps to the right and get up on the curb? Bad writing and/or direction choice.

No one questioned that before committing it to film?? Or they are just pandering to a low intelligence.

I don't mind the train scene with June and Serena... they've always had a complicated history. It could have definitely been a better line to finish on... I mean... if this was the last episode ever... what a horrible last line.

I'm so confused.

[lostknowledge · 6/10 · 11 November 2022]

So, this is my review of 'The Handmaids Tale'. Firstly, I still love the characters (June, Selena, Nick etc) but this show has gotten so silly it's not even funny now.

The endless effort to get Hannah out but yet Nick can just get in a car and cross over to see June in a Canadian hospital with no issues, or Commander Lawrence just in and out aswell, I mean is Gilead in the next suburb, because it seems pretty easy to get there and back with no one noticing haha. Oh and the scene where June is run knocked down and run over with a car, but is seemingly fine the next day, oh come on, in real life you'd be hospital bound for weeks haha.

I loved season four but season five to me, personally seems irrelevant (except for the birthing scene which was spectacular). But nothing really happened this season at all. I did smile with the closing scene which of course has hooked me yet again for the final season and intro into the Testaments spin-off. And to be honest, I'm not sure they even need a Testaments spin-off. They had the opportunity to to weave that story into season 5 and season 6 could have been the demise of Gilliad, but I'm sure we will get six seasons of that show too. Lol.

Getting silly after so much previous intelligence

[neilkempe · 5/10 · 12 November 2022]

I have so loved this show right through but the silliness it has arrived at, thanks to some incredibly incredibly silly writing, can be summed up in one question: why did June just stand there and let herself get run over?

She looked like anyone other than the smart representative of strong survivors we had so come to admire and root for. When writers do this, it becomes a slap in the face to the viewers and to the intelligence and cunning and strength June previously portrayed. It's a road. You are in the middle of it. Some redneck is revving the engine - what do you not get?? Why do you writers do this?

The worst ending

[pariisaap · 7/10 · 20 April 2023]

I watched whole series waiting for a good ending but surprisingly not only anything got better in the USA but also the situation got worse in Canada.

Nick also lost control and did stupid thing made trouble for himself.

I was waiting to see what happened to Serina and in the last five minutes i found her in the train met June . They meant to be together until the end.

For me as an iranian who live in a same country as Gilead it is so difficult to see no revenge till the end .

And the other stupid thing is in the last episode they made commender lawrence a different person and made him responsible for everything.

The only good episode of season 5

[AnnaLopez007 · 6/10 · 26 October 2023]

I felt like I was watching a completely different show this season and not a good one. This episode was the only one that was great from start to finish. Watching June & Luke together is cringeworthy at best. While Fagbenle and Moss are good actors, they have lacked on-screen chemistry since season1 episode1 and instead of replacing Fagbenle or rectifying the problem they decided in the 8th inning to double-down and try to push some epic love story? They should have replaced Fagbenle when their lack of chemistry evident in season 1 . Moss and Minghella are completely on fire when they are on the screen together, yet we got 3 scenes with them together for an entire season. The entire supporting cast, which is amazing all took a back seat to The Husband's Tales. I will not be back for season 6 what a letdown for a show I was once was so passionate about.

What an incredible oportunity this show has lost. Very sad

[armandogpa · 1/10 · 12 November 2022]

I honestly envy the people who loved this season.

I just can't bare with the incoherences of the script.

Since June arrived to Canada the show has lost an incredible oportunity to make this character shine as the strong woman she was while she was in Gilead.

The moment she gets freedom could have been used to make an example of what a woman can achieve in a free country as a symbol against the tyrany of the misoginist Gilead.

She had suffered the constant torture of the best patriarcal example we could have and her voice should have been listened all over the world. She could have become the leader we all wanted her to be.

She could have been the voice of all women who have been abused in any way by those miserable men who think that women shoudn't study, shouldn't read books, shouldn't vote or even worst that think that women should sleep with them whether they like it or not.

And what do we have instead?

June has become erratical, hysterical, impulsive and selfish (when she tells the other maids who helped her to kill Fred that she didn't know if she felt like helping them to get their revenge) Serena has become the biggest June's fan (she even calls her "angel") Aunt Lydia has become the maids' biggest defender.

Yes, the very same woman that took Janine's eye off just because she made a joke or wanted her dead by stoned in the first season.

And Commander Joseph sends people to kill June!!!???

Yes, the very same person who risked his own life saving Emily and Nicole and then helped June to make possible the angels' flight, now is her worst enemy???

This is sad, really really sad.

You can't pervert the very essence of the main characters and transform all of them in the oposite of how they were when they started at the beginning of the show.

And the final of this season is the biggest unfunny joke of all.

Serena asking for diapers to June as a symbol of her new friendship at the beginning of their new life as fugitives far from Gilead or Canada. So, from a macrostory about a woman fighting against a misoginist dystopia this has become a thelma & louise show with babies.

Seriously?

[6.8] Why don't you have that for my baby with you?!

[cjonesas · 7/10 · 16 June 2023]

A sour-bitter-sugary and "deserving" [6.8] rating for The Handmaid's Tale's season 5, which had the same flow, vibe, acting as seasons 3 and 4 and this time (too), we also got more on Elisabeth Moss' experimenting on "in-depth" acting and especially directing. I'm sure she's so happy with those, like a new thrilling toy she has found.

The thing more irritable than June Osborne's fixed-bland-irascible face is her husband Luke, who each season manages to get more on my nerves and as much as the ending of this season was diapery cheesy, I was glad that June and Serena were in together for a thrilling "adventurous" trip without him by June's side.

• Screenplay/story: 6
• Development: 7.5
• Realism: 6.5
• Entertainment: 6.5
• Acting: 7.5 (for Janine and Aunt Lydia)
• Filming/photography/cinematography: 7.5
• Visual/special effects: 7.5
• Music/score/sound: 6.75
• Depth: 7
• Logic: 6
• Flow: 6.5
• Editing: 7

-Drama/sci-fi/thriller: 6.5

• Ending: 6.

Episode 510

[bobcobb301 · 7/10 · 13 March 2023]

I know what they were going for with that final moment between Serena and June but it just came off as really poor. They could have come up with something much stronger than "do you have any diapers" but knowing this writing team maybe they actually couldn't.

Overall the finale was fine, but this season was kind of a letdown. Things got way too over the top and oddly comical at times and still is not clear how many people still exist in this world. There's enough for airstrikes, but then it seems like everyone in Gilead knows every single other person there, so who knows how many at this point?

The whole season could've benn one episode

[reihanesamany · 2/10 · 11 November 2022]

This season was awful!! Lots of extra plots! I don't understand what the purpose of this season was!

It seems that you have no idea how to continue the show.

At the first episodes, they said that Emily went back to Giliad to kill aunt Lydia. What did happen to her?

The sudden changes in aunt Lydia manner and thoughts doesn't make sense.

And Elizabeth Moss is awful too. I can't stand watching her exaggerating her emotions. She isn't a proper actress for this role.

I feel you just want to continue the show but you have no plan. The last two seasons were so confusing.

I really hope a good writer joins your team and show you how to finish the show properly.

Treading water

[Leofwine_draca · 1/10 · 21 December 2022]

An incredibly poor final episode of the show, that once again does away with any potential intrigue, interest or excitement in favour of the most bland, dull, incoherent and pointless dialogue scenes making up 99% of the running time. Supporting characters go round and round in circles, doing things they should have learnt not to do in season one, while a big set-piece is made nothing by insipid direction. And, of course, they're letting Moss direct again, for no discernable reason that I can see except she has way too much power behind the scenes on this show. The ending is a big anticlimax, the whole season just treading water from beginning to end.

Incredible fall from grace

[Wolfdeus · 2/10 · 28 March 2023]

The first two, or possibly three, seasons of this show were magnificent. I mean, episodes were genuinely electrifying, frightening, inspirational and heartbreaking at times. It was edge-of-the-seat viewing! Depressingly, the show is now just a background filler for me.

It is saddening how steep of a fall in quality has happened so quickly. The characters are either flat or make choices or u-turns so unfathomable that it makes no sense and I am no longer emotionally invested and cannot care about them. The plot is an unholy and confusing mix of ludicrousness and being stretched thin that I am bored stiff. I don't know if the writers have changed, but the script is woeful and as much as I like Moss as an actor, she should not be directing.

It's a familiar story in TV nowadays, but at this point they are clearly milking this show for revenue, overlooking any degree of artistry and they should have done the dignified thing and going out on a high a la Succession by wrapping up long ago. The book, which is excellent, ended ambiguously where season 1 ends. The show was always more sensationalist (and a lot of the time it worked for TV), but I can't imagine Margaret Atwood being proud of the gargantuan mess they have made of her masterpiece.

Very sad, but I won't be watching the final season as it's beyond unsalvageable. If you haven't already, please do seek out the novel - it will blow your hair back, unlike this sad, meandering mess. Thanks for reading.

Getting old

[brandoncallen-58930 · 5/10 · 17 November 2022]

For some stupid reason I thought this was the final season. Either way how damned ridiculous. After every damned thing that these people have gone through and they just can't get anyone to help them or give them any kind of justice. I thought that they would at LEAST get Hannah back I swear she is going to be a full grown adult who will never recover from the trauma of being in there for so damned long we are supposed to believe all this other crap is possible but nobody can help get that girl out, especially Com. Lawrence apparently he has enough pull to get another commander killed but he can't or won't help June get her daughter back and Nick makes me sick to my stomach, he has loved June this whole time but yet he does NOTHING to help her. Like get Hannah out for one. The let's talk about Luke and Janine no matter what those two do they just can't catch a break. Then of course Serina was on the train in the exact same car by the way. Now they are going to cruise to Hawaii and be besties while Luke rots away for a ridiculous crime by the way that asshole was going to kill his wife it was self defense all the way. Another to season is totally not needed they could have wrapped it this season if they were wasting time on stupid story lines. They are going to have to be real creative to make next year not a joke.

No no no

[smitjef · 2/10 · 11 November 2022]

What kind of crap are you trying to shove down people's throats?

It's so bad let's count the number of awful things this season. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 , 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 ,26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44;45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55.

Why is the character limit so high now? This is insane. If something is a trainwreck you don't have a million things to say. It's just awful now and that Fred was killed while the much more awful character is becoming friends with June is insane and this is a just delusional show that I can't believe is still on.