The Handmaid’s Tale Review: Women’s Work (Season 2 Episode 8)

Returning home after a lengthy hospital stay, the Commander fears his position is being usurped on The Handmaid’s Tale Season 2 Episode 8, “Women’s Work.”

After the terrorist attack, two big questions loom: Will the Commander survive, and even more importantly, how will his absence affect the relationship between June and Serena? With both the primary source of their friction and their buffer gone, how will they interact?

An outside threat pushes these two women into a truce that blossoms into not quite a friendship — is such a thing possible in Gilead? — but an alliance. On “Women’s Work,” each character is influenced by the actions of the other. June becomes a co-conspirator, a confidante, helping Serena pursue her agenda and cover for her husband.

In return, Serena is more empathetic and accommodating, allowing June a familiarity she never has in the past. Serena begins to value June for her insight and opinions as well as her achievements outside of the ability to conceive.

The Commander is turned on by much that is considered hedonistic in Gilead. He gives June fashion magazines and nights at Jezebels, because he views these as gestures that will placate her and make her grateful for his generosity.

Serena’s gifts of the music box and the white rose (white roses generally symbolize new beginnings or remembrance) are far more intimate, reinforcing Serena’s appreciation for June. Serena succeeds in establishing an emotional connection to June that the Commander desperately wants but constantly fails to achieve.

Because Serena often comes across as the primary antagonist on The Handmaid’s Tale, viewers might perceive Fred as June’s ally, even though the Commander has never done anything that didn’t serve his own predilections where June is concerned.

It’s Serena who brings June to her daughter, Hannah. Yes, her motive is self-serving, but the Commander dismisses June’s request to see her daughter or protect Hannah from Serena. It’s now obvious after watching Serena go against Fred in an effort to save Angela that she has no intention of hurting Hannah.

The Commander’s return forces Serena and June to be more discreet, but his presence no longer pulls them apart — it brings them closer. Serena continues to give back to other women (not just June) some of what she’s taken away, directly or indirectly.

While Serena and June’s relationship evolves and deepens, Fred grows increasingly possessive of June. Her pregnancy would appear to be the catalyst, even though Serena revealed the baby isn’t his. Either the Commander doesn’t care, or he’s deluded himself into believing otherwise.

When Fred confronts Serena about her actions, his anger stems less from the liberties she’s taken as his “conduit” and more from the bond she’s formed with June. He’s jealous after finding the mementos from his wife in June’s room.

The Commander has always been an imposing figure on The Handmaid’s Tale, but now, he’s becoming something darker. He’s threatened by the relationship between Serena and June. If June is loyal to Serena, she’s less likely to supplicate to him, and with Serena and June working together behind his back, his power is lessened.

Serena has always been a willing, if not overly enthusiastic, follower of Gilead’s rules, retaining a bit more independence than the laws allow. The Commander hasn’t aggressively enforced them, until he punishes her disobedience.

There’s a lot going on in the scene when Fred beats Serena. This signifies a turning point in their marriage.

Serena is no longer immune to the cruelty endured by women beneath her station. His decision to whip her in front of June serves several purposes: Serena’s humiliation is made greater, the act is a reminder to both women they’re under his control, and he discourages them from further collusion.

Would the Commander have punished Serena for her transgressions if it weren’t for June? Is his behavior also due to the recent attempt on his life?

Initially, June isn’t deterred by the Commander’s actions. But when she goes to Serena and is rebuffed, she realizes her newfound connection with Serena is severed. She must go to the Commander who is not as amenable towards her as before, and he sends her away.

Whether June seeks the Commander’s forgiveness because she hopes it will distract him (enabling her and Serena to remain close) or because she knows appeasing his ego is her best hope for survival is a matter of interpretation.

June crumbles onto the floor, giving in to her anguish. There’s no going back to the way things were before for June, Serena, or the Commander. The hopelessness that once only enveloped June is like a virus, spreading unchecked throughout the Waterford home.

The Commander doesn’t seem particularly gratified by his actions, and the ramifications are sure to be felt long after the emotional and physical wounds he’s inflicted begin to heal.

The Handmaid’s Tale remains completely unpredictable, because there are no one-dimensional characters. Every episode peels back a layer, revealing yet another, causing viewers to second guess everything they think they know.

What did you think of this episode of The Handmaid’s Tale? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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The Handmaid’s Tale airs Wednesdays on Hulu.

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