03x06 - Household

[bunniefuu]

NARRATOR: Previously on The Handmaid's Tale

PUTNAM: We lodged a preliminary complaint to Canada petitioning for Nichole's return.

WATERFORD: I thought this is what you wanted.

Our daughter safe.

In Canada.

We'd like to arrange a visit with Nichole.

One visit to say goodbye.

Serena Waterford.

Luke Bankole.

What do you want out of this?

I just wanted to see my daughter.

- She's not your daughter.

- SERENA: Or yours.

Do you want to hold her?

[TENSE MUSIC]

Hi, my baby girl.

[NICHOLE COOING]

JUNE: Luke, there are some things I need to tell you.

Nichole was born out of love.

Her father's a driver named Nick.

You met him.

I'm doing what I need to, to survive.

You should, too.

For Hannah.

This is all for her.

I am trying to get to her.

I promise.

I love you.

WATERFORD: We are a family in mourning.

And we make this request to the Canadian government.

Our beloved baby daughter, Nichole Waterford, was kidnapped by a dangerous fugitive fleeing our country.

Nichole belongs in Gilead.

We just want her back.

The Handmaid's Tale 3x06 Household [SOFT PIANO MUSIC]

[PRAYING INDISTINCTLY]

MARTHAS: Blessed and eternal God, please return this child of Gilead to her loving home.

Blessed and eternal God JUNE: I see them every day now.

They've heard the Waterfords' plea.

They're praying for Nichole.

[PRAYING INDISTINCTLY]

"Blessed and eternal God, please return this child of Gilead to her loving home.

" And this is all I know about my baby.

If they're praying, then she's still safe.

If they're praying, she is still beyond their reach.

Even if just.

I have my own prayers.

I pray that their prayers go unanswered.

And I pray for Serena.

May she find her way back, may she see past her broken heart and remember that Nichole is better off where she is.

May she convince Fred to let things lie.

Or may they both get hit by a f*cking truck.

[AMPLIFIED CAR NOISE]

I'm honestly down for either.

LAWRENCE: Can't a Martha do that?

Just making myself useful, sir.

Right.

You should go pack.

Waterford asked to borrow you.

He's trying to force the Canadians to the table.

Talk about repatriating his daughter.

OFJOSEPH: Don't call her that.

Please, don't call her that.

LAWRENCE: He set up a week of public prayer in D. C.

It's a good idea, actually.

Canadians'll feel the pressure.

He wants the whole household.

Better visual.

Mrs.

Waterford will be there?

Whither thou goest.

[OMINOUS MUSIC]

Train's at 4:00.

[TRAIN HORN BLARES]

[INDISTINCT RADIO CHATTER]

[MUMBLES]

P. A. : National Station.

National Station, next.

[TRAIN BELL RINGING]

[TRAIN HORN BLARES]

[SINISTER MUSIC]

P. A. : Track change announcement AUNT LYDIA: Ah!

Isn't this magnificent?

The old one was so beautiful.

It was designed by a heretic.

Destroyed for the glory of Gilead.

Ah, I'm pumped.

[LAUGHS]

Didn't they used to say?

Are you pumped, dear?

Oh, yeah, I'm pumped, Aunt Lydia.

No one likes a sourpuss, Ofjoseph.

Wonderful!

The devotion!

[INDISTINCT RADIO CHATTER]

All right, dear, see you tomorrow.

Go to your spot.

My spot?

They don't stand for disorder, not in the capital.

Go on, now.

You be a good girl.

[ALARM BUZZING]

[INDISTINCT RADIO CHATTER]

[TENSE MUSIC]

[P. A. SYSTEM CHIMES]

P. A. : For your own safety and the safety of those you love, please stand back from the platform edge.

Remember to mind the gap between the train and the platform.

Have a blessed evening.

Blessed be the fruit.

May the Lord open.

Welcome to Washington.

Blessed are the silent, for only they will hear the voice of the Lord.

Head down, please.

WATERFORD: There you are!

AUNT: Blessed evening, Commander.

WATERFORD: She's ours.

Waterford.

AUNT: Yes.

Of course, sir.

We're guests of High Commander Winslow.

Praise be.

Up you go.

All together again.

Isn't this nice?

Yes, sir.

[INDISTINCT RADIO CHATTER]

Under His eye, Mrs.

Waterford.

I hope you're well.

[ALARM BUZZING]

And we're off, like a herd of dusty turtles.

[P. A. SYSTEM CHIMES]

P. A. : This is a pre-boarding announcement for Columbia.

Please make your way to Platform 5.

Columbia on Platform 5.

May the Lord open.

Hey.

Hi.

I miss you.

You, too.

[INDISTINCT RADIO CHATTER]

[WHISPERS]

She can't want this.

She misses the baby.

We all do.

It's the only thing she ever wanted.

[TURNSTILE SQUEAKS]

[INDISTINCT RADIO CHATTER]

[SIRENS BLARING]

[HELICOPTER WHIRRING]

[TIRES SQUEALING]

[DOGS BARK]

[DOOR CLOSES]

[DOGS BARK]

[INDISTINCT RADIO CHATTER]

WATERFORD: Isn't this beautiful?

SERENA: We should've stayed in a hotel.

WATERFORD: No need to be nervous.

[KNOCKING ON DOOR]

WATERFORD: I've heard they're very down-to-earth.

This is an opportunity.

For whom?

WATERFORD: Us.

All of us.

Nichole.

[DOOR OPENS]

WATERFORD: Blessed evening.

- [DOOR CLOSES]

- [BIRDS CHIRP]

WINSLOW: I'm so sorry.

Conference calls.

Welcome.

Blessed evening.

It's an honor, Commander.

Waterford.

SERENA: Thank you for inviting us to your blessed home.

WINSLOW: You can thank Mrs.

Winslow for the invitation.

I will be sure to.

Thank you.

Please.

Well.

[CLEARS THROAT]

We have an exciting week planned.

Yes.

We have to be judicious about the images we release to the world.

WATERFORD: Absolutely.

The correct image can sway opinion.

[BIRD CHIRPS]

[RUNNING FOOTSTEPS]

[DOOR OPENS]

Good night, Daddy!

Good night, my love!

- [KISSING]

- [CURIOUS MUSIC]

This is Polly, who obviously has forgotten how to knock.

WATERFORD: [CHUCKLES]

Blessed evening, Polly.

[CHILDREN GIGGLING]

WINSLOW: Oh-oh, oh!

[CHILDREN LAUGHING AND EXCLAIMING]

Where are my boys?

Okay.

[WINSLOW PLAY FIGHTING]

MRS.

WINSLOW: Micah!

WINSLOW: There's my boys.

Okay!

Jeez!

Everyone else is ready for bed.

Hi.

Hi!

[BABY FUSSING]

Welcome.

I'm Olivia.

It's just lovely to meet you.

WATERFORD: A pleasure.

Thank you for inviting us to your blessed home.

Please forgive our chaos.

Introduce yourselves to Mr.

and Mrs.

Waterford.

This is Isaiah.

He's the easy one, if you can believe it.

SERENA: Oh.

Hello.

Uh, I'm Serena Joy.

It's a pleasure to meet all of you.

How do you do.

- Fred Waterford.

- Hi.

- WATERFORD: How do you, sir?

- SADIE: I'm Sadie.

[WHISPERS]

Are they all yours?

Who else's would they be?

Micah!

[INDISTINCT PLAYFUL CHATTER]

[BABY COOS]

MRS. WINSLOW: Tamara, can you get them settled, please?

[WINSLOW CLEARS THROAT]

MRS. WINSLOW: Okay.

Let's get dinner.

[INDISTINCT CHATTER CONTINUES]

[GHOULISH MUSIC]

RITA: Have you ever seen that many before?

OFJOSEPH: No.

RITA: The most I've ever seen in one house was three.

They had, like, five.

MARTHA: You'll be staying here, with Ofgeorge.

Praise be.

Thank you.

- [RETREATING FOOTSTEPS]

- [DOOR CLOSES]

They have a Handmaid?

Privileges of rank, I guess.

Blessed night.

[RETREATING FOOTSTEPS]

[DOOR CLOSES]

[GRANDFATHER CLOCK RINGS CREEPILY]

[KNOCKING]

Yes?

[DOOR OPENS]

Settling in?

Yes.

[DOOR CLOSES]

Thank you for checking in.

All those children.

It's remarkable.

It's a miracle.

A miracle.

Someday it won't be so unusual, by His grace.

[INHALES]

Is there any news from Commander Winslow about tomorrow?

Oh, still nothing from the Canadians.

They could ask a neutral party to intervene.

SERENA: They could.

I pray.

Our turnaround will be fast.

Film in the morning, get images on Canadian news by night.

Bottom line, the more media we generate, the more pressure they'll feel.

Trust me.

This, I know about.

I should probably get some rest.

WATERFORD: Of course.

I still have work to do.

Here.

Just so everything looks right.

[DOOR OPENS]

Good night, Fred.

[DARK PIANO MUSIC]

[CAR DRIVES BY]

[DOOR OPENS]

[DOOR CREAKS]

[DOGS BARK IN DISTANCE]

[FLOORBOARD CREAKS]

Hey.

Blessed be the fruit.

I'm Ofjoseph.

I'm sorry to inv*de your space like this.

[HELICOPTER FLYING BY]

Pray, forgive me.

So, you must be Ofgeorge?

[FRIGHTENING MUSIC]

Sorry.

Nice to meet you.

[UNZIPS BOOTS]

[BOOTS THUD]

[OMINOUS MUSIC]

[DOOR OPENS]

[APPROACHING FOOTSTEPS]

WATERFORD: Is this all we have?

AUNT LYDIA: I believe so, Commander.

They do have duties of their own.

WATERFORD: What about their duties to their country?

All right.

Bring 'em over here.

AUNT LYDIA: Go on now, girls.

- That's it.

- [DOOR CLOSES]

WATERFORD: Semi-circle.

Facing the wings.

Good.

Ofjoseph?

You'll stand in the middle, between Mrs.

Waterford and myself.

Come up.

Come, come.

Thank you.

Handmaids [WHISPERS]

Serena.

WATERFORD: The cameras can be distracting.

Try and forget they're there.

How many more of these videos is he gonna do?

WATERFORD: And remember to be at peace.

- As many as it takes.

- WATERFORD: Okay.

- Everyone ready?

- [DOOR OPENS]

Now, Ofjoseph, I'll start.

They'll follow your lead to pray.

Understand?

[DOOR CLOSES]

This is going to be sweeping and stately.

I want a real feeling of grandeur.

Looks beautiful, sir.

Well, hello, Commander.

[TENSE MUSIC]

What a nice surprise.

I uh, I called on the Winslows, they sent me over.

WATERFORD: Really?

I thought you were on your way to the Front?

I should be getting my orders any day.

WATERFORD: Would you mind standing in for me?

Just for this sh*t.

Nice girl like you in a place like this.

WATERFORD: Good, good.

Thank you son.

[WATERFORD CLEARS THROAT]

Ready?

Action.

[CLEARS THROAT]

[CAMERA BEEPS]

He who is merciful, hear our prayer.

[CHILDREN LAUGHING]

[INDISTINCT CHATTER]

["TWINKLE, TWINKLE, LITTLE STAR" PLAYS SOFTLY IN BACKGROUND]

[TOYS SQUEAK]

Cheers to the queens.

BOTH: And cheers to the prince.

RITA: Yes, yes, and he can have some more.

And scoop this around.

But the secret is, you go very fast.

[RITA CONTINUES IN BACKGROUND]

Good morning, Mrs.

Waterford.

Good morning.

ISAIAH: Yum, yum, yum, yum.

[CHILDREN BABBLE IN BACKGROUND]

[WHISPERS]

Serena.

I know you don't want this.

Please talk to me.

We can talk if you like.

But you have to understand that seeing her changed everything for me.

I know.

Then what is there to talk about?

Because seeing her changed you.

[SOMBER MUSIC]

It changed you, it didn't change this place.

She deserves better.

Our girl deserves better.

And I know that you know that.

They seem happy here.

Have you seen their Handmaid?

WATERFORD: Rita.

Rita, can you steam this RITA: Yes, yes, of course.

for me, please?

RITA: Commander Waterford.

Thank you.

We've got movement.

Canadians have asked the Swiss to conduct interviews.

They'll act as a neutral party.

What does this mean for Nichole?

It's a small step, but it's a step.

They've asked to speak with the whole household.

Together.

OFJOSEPH: Please.

WATERFORD: Put on a clean dress.

We all want to make a good impression.

[DRAMATIC VIOLIN MUSIC]

[HORN HONKS]

[DOORS CLOSE]

[DOOR OPENS]

MATTIAS: Thank you, Mr.

and Mrs.

Waterford.

- That was illuminating.

- [DOOR CLOSES]

WATERFORD: Thank you for helping us rectify this tragic injustice.

MATTIAS: Yes.

Next, we will speak with Ofjoseph.

WATERFORD: Of course.

Ofjoseph!

MATTIAS: Thank you, Commander.

We'd like to speak with her alone.

Well, she's here as a member of my household.

In our culture, [CHUCKLES]

it wouldn't be appropriate.

MATTIAS: Yes.

But we would like to speak with her alone.

As long as Ofjoseph has no objection.

None at all.

MATTIAS: Good.

[WHISPERS]

Don't be stupid.

MATTIAS: If you please.

[RETREATING FOOTSTEPS]

[PEN CLICKS]

[PEN SCRATCHING ON PAPER]

Ofjoseph, is that right?

Do you prefer Ms.

Osborn?

June is fine.

Send them out.

You can be candid in this room, Ms.

Osborn.

If you want me to talk to you, then send them out.

[DOOR OPENS, BEEPS]

[DOOR CLOSES, BEEPS]

What would you like us to know?

I am the child's mother.

And I want Nichole to stay in Canada.

I see.

OFJOSEPH: I do not expect you to feel sorry for me or to promise that you're going to change things.

I just need to keep Nichole there.

We understand your feelings.

The situation is complicated.

Commander Waterford is not her father.

SOFIA: We do know that, from our associates in Canada.

There was an audio cassette.

[VIOLIN MUSIC]

So she can stay there, then.

If that's what both her parents want.

MATTIAS: Gilead is ah an extremely powerful country militarily.

Canada is eager to avoid conflict.

What do you need from me in order to keep her there?

LENA: Our biggest gap is information.

SOFIA: Gilead has been a black box for years.

We don't know how decisions are made, where the power lies.

The more we know, the more we can do.

What if I brought you someone who would talk?

A Commander.

An Eye.

It seems unlikely that kind of person would be cooperative.

I'll persuade him.

[TENSE MUSIC]

LENA: From the cassette.

The father of the child.

SOFIA: Are you two still in a relationship?

It's It's complicated.

MATTIAS: If Commander Blaine would talk to us, it could be of enormous consequence.

It could help us to protect Nichole.

That would be the trade, then?

SOFIA: I don't know that we can promise explicitly.

I need it to be explicit.

Bring us Commander Blaine, and we have a deal.

[DOOR OPENS, BEEPS]

[INDISTINCT CHATTER OVER RADIO]

["EVERYDAY" BY BUDDY HOLLY]

Everyday it's a-getting closer Going faster than a rollercoaster Love like yours will surely come my way A-hey, a-hey-hey [SONG CONTINUES ON RADIO]

You brought the Swiss to the table.

Power of prayer.

No.

The presentation of that power.

A stroke of genius.

Very kind.

WINSLOW: You know, I underestimated you, though, Waterford.

I'd heard about your recent difficulties, and Well, I made assumptions.

Stand up.

Here's to your bright future.

Perhaps here in D. C.

[MUSIC BOX LULLABY]

A posting in D. C.

would be an honor, sir.

George, please.

[CHUCKLES]

[EXHALES]

We'll just let this ordeal play out.

But a man of your talents could be an asset.

[FOOTSTEPS APPROACHING]

- POLLY: Daddy?

- WINSLOW: Yes, love.

POLLY: Would you and Mr.

Waterford have a tea party with me?

I can think of nothing I'd rather do.

Fred?

You'll never taste a better cup of tea.

[CHUCKLES]

Oh!

Then I happily accept your kind invitation.

POLLY: Yay!

[POLLY LAUGHING]

WATERFORD: Let the tea party begin.

WINSLOW: We have to take care of you your lions, I mean [INDISTINCT CHATTER]

[LAUGHTER]

MRS.

WINSLOW: Oversized children, aren't they?

Men.

Yes, Fred can be a bit much.

Whenever he gets a new idea, he gets very excited.

George is the same when he finds a new friend.

[INDISTINCT CHATTER]

I know this is a bit taboo, but I loved your book.

Thank you.

It's very kind of you to say.

MRS.

WINSLOW: You You really just saved me.

You should have seen us before.

Me at one corporate law firm, George at another.

No time for a family.

You have a beautiful family now.

You will too.

WATERFORD: I think there's something missing from the tea.

Sorry to intrude.

Uh May we borrow some sugar?

[SWEET PIANO MUSIC]

[LAUGHS]

[IMITATES ROARING]

[LAUGHS]

Of course.

POLLY: Hey, that's mine!

MRS.

WINSLOW: Oh!

Lost my lion.

[MRS. WINSLOW CHUCKLES]

WATERFORD: Got sugar.

Okay.

[WIND HOWLING SOFTLY]

[FOOTSTEPS APPROACHING]

[DOOR OPENS]

[FOOTSTEPS APPROACHING]

MARTHA: [WHISPERS]

Someone's here.

Outside.

[RETREATING FOOSTEPS]

[DOOR OPENS]

[BREATHES NERVOUSLY]

OFJOSEPH: [WHISPERS]

That way?

Okay.

- Hi.

- Hey.

What?

The Swiss are gonna act as a neutral party for Nichole.

[TENSE MUSIC]

I made a deal with them to keep her in Canada.

You made a deal with the Swiss?

I need you.

- I need your help.

- No.

Yes.

I They need information.

They don't give a sh*t about us.

Nick.

Nick.

- They're politicians.

- OFJOSEPH: I know.

They have their own agenda.

So do I.

You get in bed with a government, and it's not so easy to get out.

This is your one chance.

This is it.

This is your chance to be a father to our daughter.

How many of those do you think you're gonna get?

It's tomorrow morning.

Okay.

Okay.

OFJOSEPH: Thank you.

[DRAMATIC PIANO MUSIC]

[DOOR OPENS, BEEPS]

MATTIAS: Mr. Blaine.

[DOOR CLOSES, BEEPS]

This way.

- [DOOR OPENS]

- WATERFORD: Well.

Thank you so much for your time.

You'll be in touch with updates?

LENA: Of course.

WATERFORD: Let us get your coat.

What's going on?

We're recommending discussions continue.

Discussions about what?

Hmm?

About bringing her back here?

About bringing her back to this place?

LENA: Nothing has been decided.

But yes.

What about Nick?

LENA: We won't be able to do business with Mr.

Blaine.

You made a deal!

I don't think you know who Mr.

Blaine is.

Or who he was.

Our research indicates he is not to be trusted.

No, there's been There's some kind of mistake.

I will talk to him.

LENA: He's left for Chicago.

Some people are not to be dealt with.

WATERFORD: Now.

Will we see you at this afternoon's prayers?

You're more than welcome to watch the taping.

LENA: Ah, no.

Thank you for the invitation.

But I'm sure I'll see the finished product.

SERENA: Thank you.

What did Nick do?

Before he was a driver?

He served Gilead.

How did he serve Gilead?

Tell me.

He was a soldier in the crusade.

We wouldn't be here without him.

All this time you spent together and he never mentioned anything.

[DARK MUSIC]

[INDISTINCT CHATTER OVER RADIO]

[TRAIN WHEELS RATTLING, SQUEALING]

[TRAIN NOISE AMPLIFIES MENACINGLY]

[AMPLIFIED TRAIN NOISE STOPS ABRUPTLY]

[BIRDS CHIRPING]

[DOOR OPENS]

[AUNT LYDIA SIGHS]

Almost time to go.

Ah.

Let's take a look at you.

Ah!

Are you all right?

OFJOSEPH: I'm just tired, Aunt Lydia.

Huh.

One more thing.

Can I ask you Can I ask you a question, Aunt Lydia?

What is it?

Do you want us all to be silenced?

No.

No, I don't.

Ah.

This trip has been tiring, hasn't it?

OFJOSEPH: Yes.

AUNT LYDIA: It'll be good to be home.

OFJOSEPH: It will.

[EXHALES]

When I get tired I still try to think of the good I can do in God's world.

If I can help just one person, [EXHALES]

one soul, that's enough.

I think of you, dear.

[MELANCHOLIC MUSIC]

[OFJOSEPH CRYING]

I don't Can you help me?

[FASTENERS SNAP CLOSE]

Let's go.

[INDISTINCT CHATTER ON RADIO]

That's nice.

The silence.

You could return the favor.

You know, let's just stop.

Please.

This is all gonna be over soon.

You're gonna get to go back home, and we're gonna stay here.

And you and I will finally be free of one another.

You will never be free of me.

You will never be free of me until both of my children are safe.

That is my constant prayer for Nichole.

I trusted you.

To let her have the best life possible.

To do the right thing.

And I trusted you to stay with her.

I gave her the name of Nichole.

I did that to honor you for getting her out.

You will not let her go!

Because I love her!

This isn't love.

You can't love!

You don't know how!

Serena, you built this whole world just so that you can have someone.

But it didn't work.

You're small.

You're cruel.

And you're empty.

You will always be empty.

I should have put a ring in your mouth the day that we met.

I should have let you burn when I had the chance.

[STRING MUSIC]

Look at this.

[DRAMATIC MUSIC]

Ready?

[ELECTRICITY BUZZING FAINTLY]

[SOMBER VOCALIZING]

Lord above, we beseech you, hear our prayer.

Hear our prayer.

[WATERFORD'S VOICE ECHOES]

Children are a heritage from the Lord.

Offspring, a reward from him.

Like arrows in the hands of a warrior, are children born in one's youth.

Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them.

They will not be put to shame when they contend with their enemies.

Hear our prayer.

[QUIET, AMBIENT NOISE]