02x09 - Smart Power

Episode transcripts for the TV show "The Handmaid's Tale". Aired: April 2017 to present.*
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Based on the best-selling novel by Margaret Atwood, a totalitarian society subjects woman called "Handmaids", into child-bearing servitude in a dystopian future following a Second American Civil w*r.
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02x09 - Smart Power

Post by bunniefuu »

[OFFRED]

Previously on The Handmaid's Tale

- [NICK]

Where'd you get this?

- They fell when I moved the trunk.

- Did you read these?

- [EDEN]

Of course not.

I left a first draft of your agenda for the Canadian trip.

[COMMANDER FRED]

Now, I'm sure you'll be glad that things are back to normal.

You saw her the last time we were here.

I know you know Ruby.

I know her, too.

[RACHEL]

As soon as we know more, we'll let you know.

I promise.

[MOIRA]

Luke, hey.

Where're you going?

You don't want to know that she's okay?

[LUKE]

She's not okay.

She's alive.

Have faith that she's alive.

You involved the Handmaid in your transgressions?

I did what I thought was necessary.

[COMMANDER FRED]

Now we must make amends.

[BELT WHIPPING]

[CHILDREN CHATTERING]

[BIRDS CHIRPING]

[DOGS BARKING]

[OFFRED]

This could be an Airbnb.

Not a great one.

Three-star reviews, maybe.

"Amazing house, tons of character, nice view of the yard.

Owners are super polite, but creepy as f*ck.

Some ritualized r*pe required.

" Or it could be a room in a rooming house of former times, for ladies in reduced circumstances.

That's what I am now.

My circumstances have been reduced.

I suppose I'm one of the lucky ones.

I still have circumstances.

A chair, sunlight.

I'm alive.

I feel the baby move.

These are not small things.

These are not things to be dismissed.

These are the things that are possible, in my reduced circumstances.

This room, this house, the way to the store and back.

Everything else is impossible.

Hannah.

Luke.

A dive bar with great music.

A really sharp machete.

It does no good to want the impossible.

[KNOCKING ON DOOR]

- Blessed day.

- [RITA]

Blessed day.

We've been summoned.

[OFFRED]

What's happening?

They'd tell me?

[INDISTINCT CHATTER ON RADIO]

Ah, there you are.

I hope I didn't keep you waiting.

I'm taking a short trip for work.

Mrs.

Waterford will be joining me.

While we're gone, Isaac will watch over the house and the baby.

Blessed be the fruit.

May the Lord open.

[COMMANDER FRED]

I know you all will be on your best behavior.

Yes, sir.

Yes.

Where are you going?

Canada.

Praise be.

The t*rror1st att*ck has given us an opening for diplomacy.

Maybe some good can come from this tragedy.

My trust in you.

Keep them safe.

Yes, sir.

I will.

[FOOTSTEPS RECEDING]

[SINISTER MUSIC PLAYING]

[INDISTINCT CHATTER ON RADIO]

[DOOR OPENS]

The attentive mother.

[SERENA]

The gray mold is back.

I already lost a tray of cuttings.

I'm sorry.

Fred, you don't need me to come with you.

The plants will survive.

I promise.

It's the third trimester.

This trip is for the baby.

We're building his future.

You're a crucial part of that.

Canadians think women here are oppressed.

That they're voiceless.

I need you.

To show them a strong Gilead wife.

Who can find a virtuous woman?

For her price is far above rubies.

Why don't you get cleaned up?

[SNIFFLING]

[SIGHS]

I made these.

For your international travels.

They have real chocolate chips.

Rita had a token.

I've never seen a token for chocolate before.

Thank you.

They look good.

You're welcome.

Such an honor.

You're going to be representing Gilead.

I'm on a security detail.

The Waterfords want to show off the best.

[INDISTINCT CHATTER ON RADIO]

I'm gonna miss you.

It's just a few days.

I know.

I'm still going to.

[NICK SIGHS]

- [CROWS CAWING]

- [SIGHS]

[INDISTINCT CHATTER ON RADIO]

[SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC PLAYING]

[PIGEONS COOING]

[FOOTSTEPS APPROACHING]

Blessed day.

How are you feeling?

Good.

Tired.

It's not long now.

No.

God will watch over you, my love.

I hate to leave.

We will be fine.

I promise.

Blessings for a safe trip.

Thank you.

Offred, I've given it some thought.

You'll be leaving the house as soon as the baby is born.

No, the The Handmaids stay till the baby is weaned.

Well, I think we've all had more than enough of one another.

Don't you?

Yes Mrs.

Waterford.

[INDISTINCT RADIO CHATTER]

[INDISTINCT RADIO CHATTER]

[CAR STARTING]

[MAN]

Car four holding position.

We're loading.

[FEMALE REPORTER ON TV]

Security was tight today at Toronto Pearson International Airport for a historic occasion.

- The first visit to Canada - [GASPING]

[LUKE]

What's up?

That's Waterford.

[FEMALE REPORTER]

The identity of the official, seen here with his wife, has not been made public, nor has an agenda for the visit.

Here is political reporter Brent with more.

[MALE REPORTER]

Trade will almost certainly be a major topic of discussion.

Our economy is still recovering from the loss of the former United States as trading partner.

Another long-hoped-for-goal is calming tensions along the Canada-Gilead border.

A lot of work to be done there, and today marks a promising start.

[FEMALE REPORTER]

Thank you, Brent.

A spokesperson for the American government in Anchorage expressed deep disappointment at Canada's perceived normalizing of Gilead and its controversial, even retrograde policies.

The Canadian government did not respond

[MOIRA]

He needs to be arrested.

It's not possible.

He's a f*cking w*r criminal!

I agree, but right now it's not possible.

- He kidnapped my wife!

- He's a serial r*pist!

Just send some Marines to the g*dd*mn airport

- and arrest him!

- Moira!

This isn't our country.

In the end, we are guests of the Canadian government.

You're not gonna do anything about it.

There's protests planned.

I encourage you to speak out.

What's the point?

I wish there was more I could do.

Yeah.

Thanks for your time.

[SOFTLY]

Oh, God.

[HEAVY BREATHING]

[SIREN CHIRPS]

[SIRENS BLARING]

[INDISTINCT CHATTER ON RADIO]

[LIVELY CHATTER]

[BELL TOLLING]

[HIP-HOP INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC PLAYING ON SPEAKERS]

[HORNS BLARING]

[LIVELY CHATTER]

[INDISTINCT TALKING]

[UPBEAT MUSIC PLAYING ON SPEAKERS]

[GASPS]

[MAN]

Taxi!

Hey, taxi!

[EXHALES]

[MAN]

Commander Waterford, welcome.

Stuart Williston.

PMO.

[COMMANDER FRED]

How do you do?

This is our Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Claudine Fournier.

[COMMANDER FRED]

Enchante.

Vous parlez francais?

Uh [SPEAKING FRENCH]

And our associate, Deputy Minister for Immigration, Kevin McConnell.

Pleasure.

[KEVIN]

I was very fond of visiting the States before.

With my husband.

Well, in the coming years, we anticipate that tourism will be a key part of our economy again.

I hope that you'll both return.

When we feel welcome.

Commander Waterford, please follow me.

We'll be meeting down here for most of the day.

- Mrs.

Waterford, I'm Genevieve.

- [SERENA]

Pleasure to meet you.

Here is your schedule of today's cultural activities.

Oh, thank you.

How lovely.

[GENEVIEVE]

I'll show you to your room.

[SIGHS]

[SERENA]

These orchids are just exquisite.

Mine are so finicky with moisture.

[GENEVIEVE]

Is gardening a common hobby for Wives?

- Am I using that term correctly?

- Yes, thank you.

Um, it is quite common, I think.

Although everybody does have their own passions.

What about you?

[GENEVIEVE]

I don't have much time outside of work.

When I can, I read.

I studied French literature at university.

I like to cook, but I don't get much opportunity.

Honestly, I really do work a lot.

Too much, probably.

Well, for some people, their work is their passion, if you're truly blessed.

I'm told you enjoy knitting as well?

Yes, yes, very much so.

- I can make a bad scarf, or a bad hat.

- [CHUCKLES]

That's about it.

[INDISTINCT RADIO CHATTER]

[OFWARREN]

Has the baby dropped yet?

[OFFRED]

No.

It's so crazy.

It's It's just like, boom, there's someone sitting on top of your vag*na.

[CHUCKLES]

I think Mrs.

Putnam's gonna let me see Charlotte again soon.

She say that?

No, but I have a feeling.

Charlotte smells like me.

I used to sniff her head while she was nursing, and she's just You just You can't keep people apart who smell like each other.

You just can't.

[ISAAC]

Quiet.

[INDISTINCT RADIO CHATTER]

When the baby comes, don't forget to ask for your ice cream.

Serena isn't gonna let me stay.

What?

No, that's not fair!

You have to nurse her.

- [ISAAC]

Hey!

- Well, no, she needs her mommy!

- [ISAAC]

I said, be quiet!

- You be quiet!

- Come on, Janine.

- No, well, we're having a conversation.

Shut your mouth, Unwoman.

Suck my d*ck!

- [GRUNTS]

- [GROANS]

[OFFRED]

Janine!

Janine!

Are you okay?

[ISAAC]

We're going home.

- Janine!

Janine, are you all right?

- [ISAAC]

We're going home.

I have to Janine, are you okay?

Can you stop it?

Let me go!

Janine?

Janine!

[INDISTINCT CHATTER ON RADIO]

[ISAAC]

Come on.

Get the other one home.

[INDISTINCT TALKING]

[PEOPLE LAUGHING]

[ELEVATOR DINGS]

Don't stare.

Hello.

Are you a princess?

Uh, no.

No, honey, I'm not.

- I'm sorry.

- Oh, it's fine.

She's precious.

You're very lucky.

[ELEVATOR DINGS]

After you.

We'll get the next one.

You should take it.

Please.

Come on.

Blessings to you.

[SIGHS]

Hello.

A Riesling, by the glass, please, if you have it.

- [BARTENDER]

Yes, ma'am.

- Thank you.

[MAN]

Excuse me.

Could I get a bourbon neat?

Want one?

Sorry, sir, there's no smoking in the bar.

You'll have to go outside.

Uh, it's freezing.

[BARTENDER]

Sir, that's the policy.

[PUTS OUT CIGARETTE]

- [BARTENDER]

Thank you, sir.

- [MAN]

Mmm-hmm.

You think he likes doing that?

Telling people what to do?

Well, I wouldn't presume.

Oh, I do.

All the time.

Do you mind if I join you?

Too presumptuous, right?

Sorry.

My other vice is talking very respectfully to beautiful women.

[CHUCKLES]

I'm afraid I don't speak to the press.

Well, lucky me.

I'm not the press.

- For later?

- No, thank you.

- Not a smoker?

- Mmm.

I quit, so your information is out of date.

We do our best.

We?

Mark.

Tuello.

Mrs.

Waterford.

Blessed day.

Blessed day to you.

So, you're from the embassy?

No.

But I am a representative of the American government.

Which American government is that?

We're still a nation.

Smaller than before.

But we still wield some power.

That's true.

But alliances are always shifting.

Very true.

So, what do you do for your American government?

Mmm.

I've got a Got a good job, actually.

I help people.

It's very rewarding.

I can help you.

With what?

Well, you don't want a cigarette.

Maybe a new life.

[CHUCKLES]

No, thank you.

Mrs.

Waterford, we could have you on a plane to Honolulu in an hour.

You'd never have to go back to Gilead again.

I'm afraid I didn't pack for the beach.

You could tell your story in your own words.

You write it, and we will publish it.

A Commander's Wife would make excellent propaganda.

A well-spoken Commander's Wife.

Do you really think that I would leave my home?

People often leave their homes in search of a better life.

So far, all you've offered me is treason and coconuts.

Gilead blames the fertility crisis on women.

On their sinfulness.

We see the problem often originating with the men.

Some of the best scientists in America have been working on fertility for years.

And they've made some progress.

Now, think of it.

A baby of your own.

And freedom.

I have a child on the way.

That's not your child.

You don't know what you're talking about.

I'm sorry.

I meant no offense.

If you had done better research, you would know that I would never betray my country.

I thought you already did.

It was nice to meet you, Mr.

Tuello.

Pleasure.

I've read so much about you.

I didn't think we'd ever get the chance.

Maybe we'll run into each other again.

[INDISTINCT TALKING]

[GASPS]

[INDISTINCT CHATTER ON RADIO]

[RITA]

Where's the chicken?

We had to cut our shopping short.

[RITA]

Doesn't change the fact a growing baby needs protein, and fat.

Beans.

We'll have some beans for supper.

[EDEN]

Praise be.

It set.

[ISAAC]

Ah.

What, uh, kind is that?

Strawberry.

They had some at the market last week.

All the way from California.

[ISAAC]

It's really good.

[EDEN]

Glory be His bounty.

It's time for your nap.

Rita, could you bring me a cup of hot milk?

Just when you have a chance.

My pleasure.

[FOOTSTEPS APPROACHING]

[KNOCKING ON DOOR]

As requested.

- Thank you.

- Mmm-hmm.

Mrs.

Waterford wants me to leave the house as soon as the baby comes.

And she's the boss.

Must be what she thinks is best.

Do you?

It doesn't matter what I think.

When Hannah was baptized, we asked my best friend to take care of her.

In case something happened to us.

I know what a godparent is.

And they don't baptize babies here.

I know.

I want my baby to know kindness.

I need her to have someone kind in her life.

By His hand.

That boy downstairs is maybe 20 years old.

And he can tell me to do anything.

He could break my jaw, and no one would say boo.

I'll do what I can.

Thanks.

Drink your milk.

[DOOR CLOSES]


There you go.

I got you someone.

[INDISTINCT TALKING]

[ALL CHANTING]

No hate!

No fear!

Gilead's not welcome here!

No hate!

No fear!

Gilead's not welcome here!

[CHANTING CONTINUES]

[CROWD CLAMORING]

[CROWD BOOING]

[WOMAN SHOUTING INDISTINCTLY]

Hey, Waterford!

Waterford, you f*cking piece of sh*t!

Commander Waterford, if you don't mind.

And you are?

Luke Bankole.

You r*ped my wife.

[COMMANDER FRED]

You have a twisted perception of our country, Mr. Bankole.

But we all know the media doesn't care much about the truth these days.

Hey, hey, you're gonna remember my face, 'cause I'm gonna remember yours.

And this is all going to be over someday, you piece of sh*t.

You should remember your scripture, Mr. Bankole.

His Kingdom endureth forever.

f*ck you!

Gently, please.

He is a lamb of God.

[STUART]

I am so sorry.

We worked very hard to secure the building.

Aw, it's fine.

There's a lot of misinformation out there.

People are bound to get riled up.

- Shall we?

- Yes, sir.

[CROWD CLAMORING]

[DOOR OPENS]

[DOOR SHUTS]

[COMMANDER FRED]

We made progress this morning.

Border security is on the table, maybe even extradition of illegal emigrants.

You seem worried.

Are you thinking about the husband?

No.

It was unpleasant.

But we soldier on.

[GASPING]

[LIVELY CHATTER]

[MELLOW MUSIC PLAYING ON SPEAKERS]

You leave me the f*ck alone.

I know June.

She's my friend.

Yeah?

Is she all right?

She's fine.

She's not fine.

She's pregnant.

[EXHALES]

By By Waterford?

Yeah.

Oh!

[SOBBING]

Oh, God.

You people, you people are f*cking monsters.

Get the f*ck out of here.

Get out.

Get out.

- Get the f*ck out!

Get out of here!

- Okay, okay.

Get out!

Wait!

Wait, wait, wait!

Wait, wait, wait!

Have you Have you seen, um, our daughter?

Hannah?

Is Is she all right?

I don't know.

Why did you come here?

I have something for you.

[SIGHS]

From June.

She gave these to me a while ago.

Maybe you can get them out.

Who are you?

I'm just a driver.

Listen, you, um You look out for her?

And you tell her that Moira made it out, and that she's living with me now.

And you tell her that I love her.

And you tell her that I'm not gonna I'm not gonna stop.

No matter what happens, I'm not gonna stop.

- You tell her that.

- I'll tell her.

Okay, thank you.

Thank you, um Nick.

My name's Nick.

[CARS HONKING IN THE DISTANCE]

You're in the home stretch now.

How are you feeling?

All right.

Your young Guardian told me there were some problems yesterday.

With disobedience.

I spoke out of turn.

I see.

It won't happen again.

Sometimes, late in pregnancy, there can be a rush of hormones.

Girls get quite forgetful.

I've been a bit spacey these days.

Perfectly normal.

But we must all remember to try and follow the rules.

Yes, Aunt Lydia.

[BLOOD PRESSURE METER HISSING]

Wonderful.

Aunt Lydia, can I be honest with you?

Of course, dear.

The reason why I was talking to Janine yesterday is 'cause I was worried.

Mrs.

Waterford said I have to leave the house soon as the baby comes.

That is her prerogative, of course.

Whatever the mother feels is right for the welfare of the baby.

Right.

Uh I want that as well.

Good.

[OFFRED]

You know that this can be a difficult house.

Children need to be in a safe place.

I know what children need.

Did anyone ever ask you to be a godmother?

In the time before?

I will make allowances for girls in your condition, but insolence is not permitted.

This baby is gonna come into this house very soon.

And, in my experience, any man who would hurt a woman would hurt a child.

What are you saying?

I'm saying I'm saying this baby needs protection.

I would never, ever allow anything to happen to a baby.

Praise be.

Aunt Lydia, thank you.

[SNIFFLES]

I was godmother to my sister's child.

He d*ed when he was four days old.

I'm sorry.

It wasn't my fault.

[SNIFFLING]

"My name is Maria Corrente.

I'm from Somerville, Mass.

They k*lled my wife and took our son.

His name is Thomas.

" [ERIN SIGHS]

Eun Jung Park.

She worked at Forever 21.

She's a Martha now.

[MOIRA]

This one was a nurse.

She's a Handmaid.

Tried to hang herself.

f*cking letters!

I thought that package was gonna have like C4 in it or whatever.

Something to make Gilead go boom.

This could go boom.

[CROWD CLAMORING]

[COMMANDER FRED]

Good morning, Stuart.

We won't be conducting this morning's session, Mr.

Waterford.

You can go directly to the airport.

We'll have your luggage brought down.

[CHUCKLES]

I don't understand.

You and your wife are no longer welcome in Canada.

Forgive me, is there an issue?

Last night, someone uploaded a series of letters from women in your country, and the public reaction here in Canada has been overwhelming.

[COMMANDER FRED]

Are you really going to cancel an entire agenda based on some anonymous slander?

We believe the women.

Yesterday you believed me.

Our former position is no longer sustainable.

[SOFTLY]

Coward.

[CROWD CLAMORING]

I don't know how you live with yourself.

It's sad what they've done to you.

Go in grace.

[CROWD CLAMORING]

- [CROWD CLAMORING]

- [BANGING ON CAR]

[BUZZER SOUNDING]

Look at this.

They can't even control their own people.

[GASPS]

[WOMAN]

They're not yours, you f*cking prick!

Not Ruby, assh*le.

[GASPING]

[CROWD CLAMORING]

[INDISTINCT TALKING]

[PHONE VIBRATING]

Oh, hey, hey, hey, everybody.

Everybody.

The m*therf*ckers are officially out of Canadian airspace!

[ALL LAUGHING AND CHEERING]

[MOIRA]

Yeah!

[SOFTLY SINGING "AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL"]

O beautiful for spacious skies For amber waves of grain For purple mountain majesties Above the fruited plain America, America God shed His grace on thee And crown thy good with brotherhood From sea to shining sea [SOBS QUIETLY]

[GATE BUZZER SOUNDING]

[DOGS BARKING]

[CHAINS CLANKING]

[DOGS BARKING]

[DOOR CLOSES]

[COMMANDER FRED]

What a mess.

I'll never hear the end of it.

It'll die down.

Thank you for coming.

Of course.

[COMMANDER FRED]

We're lucky in a lot of ways.

Aren't we?

Yes, we are.

[SOMBER MUSIC PLAYING]

[OWL HOOTING]

[KNOCK ON DOOR]

Did I wake you?

No.

I couldn't sleep.

[SIGHS]

Welcome home.

How was it?

It was good.

The letters, from Jezebel's They got out.

What?

It made a difference.

[GASPS]

Thank you.

What?

I met your husband.

Luke?

He came after the Commander, called him out.

Scared him, definitely.

- Did he get hurt?

- No.

I found him after.

Gave him the letters.

He's the one.

He's the one who got them out.

Is he Did he Did he seem okay?

Was he Was he okay?

He loves you.

He told me he'll never stop.

[SNIFFLING]

Thank you for that.

Thank you for bringing me that.

He wanted me to tell you that Moira got out, too.

Moira?

I think she's staying with him now.

She [CHUCKLES]

Oh, my Oh, my God.

They could k*ll each other.

[CHUCKLES]

I should go.

Eden's probably wondering.

Yes, okay.

[TENSE MUSIC PLAYING]

I love you.

[SIGHS]

[CHUCKLES]

[OFFRED]

Moira was Hannah's godmother.

Is.

Moira is Hannah's godmother.

And she got out.

It was impossible, and she did it.

I know I should accept the reality of you being born here, make my peace.

But f*ck that.

["CONSIDERATION" BY RIHANNA FEATURING SZA PLAYS]
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