Egos are out of control at Mayday. Luke barely seems to notice that his manslaughter case was dismissed. He barely says a word when June talks of returning to Alaska to be with Holly. Soon, Luke, Moira, and June are screaming at each other over which lucky winner gets to risk their live going to Jezebels to kill a bunch of commanders and anyone else unlucky enough to be there.
This parallels a real-life problem in America. The good guys are trying to figure out where the lines are. Following the rules and staying safe has led to innocent people being disappeared to foreign torture camps. But because they ignore the courts and there’s no law enforcement for the tyrants in the broligarchy...we feel for the members of Mayday who talk about collateral damage and ‘in a perfect world.’ Because in a perfect world, nobody has to fight fascism.
Mayday, of course, has its work cut out for it. Not just because Gilead got the American military in the national divorce—but the rest of the world is prepping to resume trade and diplomatic relations with Gilead via the plausible deniability of New Bethlehem.
It makes sense to send Moira in to Jezebels for recon. June’s argument that they might recognize her is valid...until she says she wants to go again. As if June Osborn isn’t the most notorious rebel in the country. It’s tough seeing June, Moira, and Luke disagree so hard on stuff that’s so important. They’re all terrified when the others are in danger. They’re all furious and have people to save, and people to avenge. It sucks when passionate, well-intentioned people can’t figure out how to take down the bad guys. June doesn’t want her husband and bestie to die. Luke feels like his June has risked her life for Hannah and he hasn’t—which I think wounds him because of sexism—he feels like he should be risking more because he’s the man.
There were some especially impactful scenes this week. Rita arrival in New Bethlehem only to see a purple-clad Serena and not her sister (at first) made me rage. It’s infuriating seeing Serena smile and wave at the woman she enslaved—who she once punched in the face for no damn reason—talking to her like she was her savior. Seeing Rita with her sister was tearful and rewarding. I really hope Rita doesn’t end up in that Twilight Zoney place for long. New Bethlehem seems like a place where you could never fully relax, the threat of violent religious whackadoolery around every corner.
Lawrence’s promotion includes a ceremony that looks half-mafia, half-skull-and-bones. It ends with a trip to Jezebels that illustrates which men are sincere in their faith and beliefs, and which are performative but useful. I’m not sure who that prick was that talked to Janine that way, but I’ll be very glad when he meets Mayday. As always, Madeline Brewer is delightful as Janine. Imagine having only one eye and still rolling it that friggin’ hard.
Imported watches and fine jewelry are raining down on the Commanders and their wives—a reward for opening trade with France. It’s important to note how at the highest levels, powerful men aren’t expected to live by their own rules—almost like if a heroin addict said people didn’t deserve healthcare if they drank soda. But I digress.
Lawrence is sure that power will come from reform—but that sounds like more jibber-jabber meant to placate. That guy is a world-class placater. At the same time, he talks to Angela about a future where she’ll be able to read. He knows he’s made some terrible mistakes. Maybe as a High Commander, he can fix a few so long as order is maintained. But what will that mean for his relationship with the rebellion? People want order and rebels mean chaos. As time goes on and the intensity of the memories of the atrocities fade...people in Gilead and all over the world will slowly choose comfort, safety, and money before righteousness. Just ask Volkswagen.
Commander Wharton seems to be a true believer in the old Gilead, so it’s not surprising that he and Serena enjoyed a fascist meet-cute that ended with a scandalous waltz in the street. Aunt Lydia happens by, hilariously embarrassing the couple. Wharton appeals to Serena’s ego--her need to be heard, to feel important. She has no shame and her sense of self-importance is massive. Not to mention, Serena is still sure she’s a good person. People like Rita and her sister, who endured horrors, are more apologetic to each other than Serena was to any of the people she willfully hurt.
Aunt Lydia’s intruding on Serena and Wharton’s late-night dance was fun because it underscores that her eventual wrath promises to be epic. In the meantime, I hope she tones down her mouth-agape incredulity whenever the massive corruption and hypocrisies are presented to her. She’s a respected Aunt in good standing and needs to stay that way to be effective in the revolution.
Promotion ends on a difficult note. Luke and June finally have a conversation that isn’t clouded by ego. Vulnerabilities are expressed, blessings are counted, and a consensus is reached: they’re all going to go to Gilead and enact Luke’s plan. June is very clear in telling Luke that they could do everything right and still not get to Hannah, still not get her out. The resounding sentiment is “We have to try.” Even when it seems hopeless. Even when it’s safer to run to safety. We have to try. And they will. 8/10