The Handmaid’s Tale S04E05 is the fifth instalment of the fourth season of a dystopian alternate-reality drama TV series based on Margaret Atwood’s novel of the same name. In this alternate history, the USA has been taken over by hardcore fundamental religious fanatics and renamed as Gilead. In Gilead, women have become the property of men once more as the nation is ruled by theocratic patriarchy.
The ending of The Handmaid’s Tale S04E05 – entitled “Chicago” – opens up a world of possibilities as far as this series is concerned. Of course, longtime faithful followers of The Handmaid’s Tale have been teased numerously times before to an uptick in June’s fortunes. Is June’s ultimate dramatic need about to be met at this stage of the season? Or is there – as usual – another dark twist of fate that will disappoint June (and her supporters) all over again.
READ OUR REVIEWS OF THE HANDMAID’S TALE SEASON 4.
If the former proves true and the writers are able to spin a completely new direction for June in the remainder of the season then these writers would deserve a standing ovation for an excellent job well done. However, considering the narrative setup in the rest of the episode regarding Aunt Lydia, Commanders Lawrence and Blaine, then there is still every chance that the status quo will be returned to, soon than later.
READ OUR REVIEW OF THE HANDMAID’S TALE SEASON 1.
Should that be the case then it would be time to abandon this series for painting itself into a creative cul-de-sac. That would be unfortunate as the very idea of June as rebel leader sounds very attractive indeed! But let’s be realistic based on the track record of The Handmaid’s Tale creative team that is unlikely to happen and what we will return to is the annoying dismal status quo. Hopefully our optimistic assessment of The Handmaid’s Tale S04E05 comes true!
Now streaming on Hulu.
… still there’s more …