03x04 - God Bless the Child

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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03x04 - God Bless the Child

Post by bunniefuu »

The Handmaid's Tale - 03x04 - God Bless the Child





NARRATOR: Previously on The Handmaid's Tale...

Are you okay?

- Ow!
- [CATTLE PROD BUZZES]

I would never have put you in a new posting.

After what you pulled at the Mackenzies', you should be on the wall!

[DRAMATIC MUSIC]

- ICE AGENT: Who's the American?
- I am.

ICE AGENT: The boy and his mother can go, but I'm afraid you'll need a Canadian visa.

LUKE: When's she gonna let 'em know that she's here?

- Em?
- Hi.

Is Serena okay?

After what you put us through, I'm not sure.

You want me to go back to Fred.

You know there's no place in this world for you without Fred.

SERENA: I need you to know what it was like between us.

PAMELA: A spoiled little girl.

You gave that baby away.

And it wasn't even yours.

She isn't mine.

Only a mother could do what you did.

If you can just think about all the other mothers who have had their children taken away from them.

You have to try harder.

I'm not that person anymore.

Maybe we're stronger than we think we are.

[MUSIC STOPS ABRUPTLY]

[BELL TOLLING]

[EMOTIONAL STRING MUSIC]

JUNE: We come together in peace.

To celebrate the babies born in our district.

[INDISTINCT RADIO CHATTER]

We dedicate ourselves

and our children to God.

It takes a village.

And machine g*ns.

[MARTHAS LAUGHING]

Who among them can be persuaded?

Who can be turned...

ignited...

to burn this sh*t place to the ground?

[BELL CONTINUES TOLLING]

Girls, God's Eyes are upon you.

Best behavior.

Hell on wheels.

- HANDMAID : Under His eye.
- HANDMAID : Under His eye.

AUNT: No talking, please.

Next.

AUNT LYDIA: Girls, our most blessed Handmaids have given us God's children.

- They have earned the best view.
- [OFHOWARD LAUGHING]

Ofhoward, stop that nonsense.

I'm sorry, Aunt Lydia.

Praise be.

What a glorious day for our precious Angela.

I saved a spot for you up front.

[OFHOWARD LAUGHS]

AUNT : Eyes front.

- AUNT : Next in line.
- [BELL TOLLING]

Ofjoseph.

Ofmatthew.

Seats of honor also.

Thank you, Aunt Lydia.

Thank you.

AUNT LYDIA: Carry on!

AUNT : Straight line, girls.

HANDMAID: Under His eye.

[DARK PIANO MUSIC]

You had a baby?

Three.

I'm so blessed to serve Him.

[BABY HANNAH FUSSING]

Huh? What're you looking at, huh?

Who's my pretty girl, huh?

Hannah banana.

[DOOR CLOSES]

- HOLLY: There she is!
- Hi!

MOIRA: Look at that dress!

- [HOLLY LAUGHS]
- You are rocking that dress, baby girl.

Oh, hello, sweetheart.

My little darling angel.

Yes, you are.

What?

- He missed his train.
- JUNE: Ugh.

- What?
- f*cking Jerry.

You know, he is the worst possible choice for godfather.

- Should we just do it without him?
- Mmm-hmm.

Oh, just cancel. It's a sign.

- Wh...
- Sweetheart, Hannah does not need to be sanctified by a bunch of holier-than-thou child molesters.

Okay, a little louder, Mother.

HOLLY: Do you think that your father would care?

He spent a hell of a lot more time at Fenway than he ever did at Mass.

You cannot let religion control your choices.

That's what they all want.

Mom! Shh!

They are not too thrilled that I'm the fairy godmother.

JUNE: Shh.

- Hey!
- JUNE: Oh.

Oh, boy. [CLEARS THROAT]

Oh.

- LUKE: We got one?
- Mmm-hmm.

- That is another sign.
- LUKE: All right.

Okay. You know what? You guys don't have to be here.

LUKE: No, no. Listen, listen. We're here.

We're doing this.

You got it, Chief.

MOIRA: Let's baptize this stinky little sinner.

- LUKE: I'll take care of her.
- Thank you.

I'll change you.

- Oh, I f*cking love you.
- [BABY HANNAH GURGLING]

LUKE: [WHISPERS] I love you.

Hey, hey, we're gonna get changed!

[BOTH CHUCKLE]

Go sit down.

[EXHALES]

[ORGAN MUSIC]

[PEOPLE MURMURING]

JUNE: I ought to feel hatred for this man.

I know I ought to feel it,

but it isn't what I do feel.

What I feel is more complicated than that.

I don't know what to call it.

It isn't love.

[DOOR OPENS]

[PEOPLE MURMURING]

LOGAN: Brothers and sisters, welcome.

We gather on this sacred day to thank the Lord for His greatest gifts.

Come, come, those He has blessed.

Come up and join us.

[BABY CRIES]

[GIGGLING]

[BABY CONTINUES CRYING]

He's cute.

They are all beautiful miracles.

LOGAN: Blessed fathers and mothers, by coming before God and His people, do you declare your desire to dedicate yourself and your child to the Lord?

- PARENTS: We do.
- [BABY COOING]

[COOING ECHOES]

PRIEST: June and Luke, do you accept the responsibility to raise your daughter, Hannah, in the practice of faith and to keep God's commandments by loving God and your neighbors?

BOTH: We do.

PRIEST: And are you ready to help the parents of this child in their duties as Christian parents?

I do.

[STUTTERING] Oh, I mean yes.

- I'm ready.
- [CHUCKLING]

LOGAN: And do you vow to pray for and encourage these parents to raise their children in the fear of the Lord?

CONGREGATION: We do.

LOGAN: And do you promise to encourage these children to receive His guidance and instruction?

CONGREGATION: We do.

[ORGAN MUSIC]

[WATER LAPPING]

PRIEST: I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

[GURGLING]

MOIRA: [SOFTLY] There you go.

- [SOFLY] You did it!
- MOIRA: She did good.

So good.

MOIRA: I mean, she is my goddaughter, so...

JUNE: Yes.

[ORGAN MUSIC ECHOES]

LOGAN: Today, we are grateful to God for these beautiful children.

[BABY CRIES]

But we must never forget the innocent child that was stolen from us.

[OMINOUS MUSIC]

A Daughter of Gilead, taken by evil.

By an unrepentant sinner.

[PEOPLE MURMURING]

Let us hold that blessed child in our prayers.

And may the Lord protect her and keep her safe.

Amen.

- Amen.
- CONGREGATION: Amen.

[PA SYSTEM BEEPS]

PA ANNOUNCER: Attention customers on Line Two,

we are currently experiencing longer than normal delays

between St. George and Broadview Station.

[INDISTINCT CHATTER]

[PHONE RINGS IN DISTANCE]

[CAR HORN BLARES]

[AMPLIFIED STREET NOISE]

[TEARFUL PIANO MUSIC]

I'm so sorry. I couldn't find a space.

It's okay.

[PIANO MUSIC CONTINUES, TURNS DARK]

[DARK MUSIC FADES OUT]

[EXHALES]

You have something to say?

Just wondering how you were feeling, Aunt Lydia.

Long day.

Wouldn't want you to overdo it.

You best be concerned with yourself today.

The Commander and Mrs. Putnam have been exceedingly generous to invite you all to the reception.

I can't wait to see her.

Ofhoward,

I expect you to be what?

A good girl.

Make me proud.

[VAN RATTLES]

[INDISTINCT RADIO CHATTER]

[CHUCKLES]

I can manage, thank you.

[AUNT LYDIA GROANS]

[RELAXING HARP MUSIC]

NAOMI: I'm so glad you're here.

I hope that you're hungry.

WIFE: Oh, praise be.

Blessed day.

[DOOR CLOSES]

Blessed day.

Please, come in.

Such an honor for these girls to be here, Mrs. Putnam.

Praise be to Him and those who serve Him.

AUNT LYDIA: [CHUCKLES] Praise be.

HANDMAIDS: Praise be.

I'll never forget what you did for Angela.

She wouldn't be here if you hadn't been on that bridge that day.

Blessings on you and your family, Mrs. Putnam.

Bless you.

Bless you, too.

Please make yourselves comfortable.

Ah.

NAOMI: Oh.

In there.

AUNT LYDIA: Oh! [CHUCKLES]

Of course.

Thank you.

Handmaids shouldn't be here.

It's not how it works.

Lighten up. Go eat something.

[INDISTINCT CHATTER]

[MEN LAUGHING]

SERENA: Have I missed anything?

OFJOSEPH: Just the usual.

Jell-O sh*ts. Charades.

Little karaoke.

I didn't see you at the Dedication.

I'd hate to be a distraction.

They might surprise you, you know.

They respect you.

They looked to you once before... to lead them.

Half of them walked out on me.

Half of them didn't.

[SERENA CLEARS THROAT]

Do you regret it?

Not leaving here?

Not without Hannah.

At least there's still hope if I'm here.

I may get to see her again.

I can't say the same for Nichole.

[INDISTINCT CHATTER CONTINUES]

Serena.

Fred.

I'm... glad you decided to come.

For Naomi.

Yes, well...

She'll be happy you're here.

Ofjoseph. Blessed day.

Blessed day, Commander Waterford.

Shall we?

NAOMI: Serena.

Thank you so much for coming.

SERENA: I wouldn't miss it.

[CHILDREN CHATTERING PLAYFULLY OUTSIDE]

[SOFT, EMOTIONAL PIANO MUSIC]

Sure you're not hungry?

I made pasta salad.

- Maybe later.
- SYLVIA: Do you want?

Oh, and I got that...

that weird tea you like for breakfast.

The one that tastes like dirt.

Syl, I could get breakfast at the hotel.

I don't want to make things awkward for you.

It is awkward.

But who cares?

[CHUCKLES]

What time does he, uh... get dropped off?

SYLVIA: Soon.

You know, he begged to stay home from school today, but I figured you might need a minute to catch your breath.

But I prepped Ms. Currie, she knows you're coming.

Ms. Currie?

SYLVIA: Sorry. His... His teacher.

He has a little crush on her.

Does Oliver...

SYLVIA: What?

Remember?

[SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC]

[EMILY SNIFFS]

[EMOTIONAL PIANO MUSIC]

[EMILY CRYING]

That's you.

Fighting to get back home.

[SNIFFS]

[FOOTSTEPS APPROACHING]

OLIVER: Mom?

SYLVIA: Oh, hey, buddy.

Here. Come here.

Come here.

It's okay, honey.

You can say hi.

Hi.

Hi.

OLIVER: I'm not supposed to hug you till you're ready.

[CHUCKLES]

Well, how about we don't hug until we're both ready?

That be okay?

OLIVER: Yeah.

I'm so happy to see you.

I missed you so much.

How was school?

OLIVER: Good. We had Science today.

We're doing fossils.

Wanna see?

Wait. You have fossils in there?

I drew some.

Okay.

Let me see.

Show me.

[SOFTLY] He's so big.

I know.

[INDISTINCT CHATTER]

[SOFT HARP MUSIC PLAYING]

[GROANS]

[SIGHS]

[TEACUP RATTLING AGAINST SAUCER]

I figured you'd like it plain.

Oh!

Aren't you a dear.

They also have some of those... those little macaroons. I can get you some.

Too sweet. [CHUCKLES]

Thank you.

Mmm.

[CHUCKLES]

OFHOWARD: Aunt Lydia?

Um...

I'm really sorry about what happened to you.

I prayed... I prayed so hard when I found out, for you to get better.

We all did.

Well, [CHUCKLES]

I'm sure.

OFHOWARD: No.

Really.

I know what the girls think of me.

And they blame me for Emily.

[CLICKS TONGUE]

I should never have saved her from The Colonies.

I'm... I'm glad you saved me.

Me, too.

[AUNT LYDIA CHUCKLES]

So messed up.

That's Janine.

At least spike it.

OFMATTHEW: Aunt Lydia's doing her job.

She's doing her best.

Her best?

Did she burn you, Breeder?

You can't blame Aunt Lydia for that.

We're all trying to make it through this without making any trouble.

Hello, girls.

Am I interrupting?

OFJOSEPH: No, sir.

Have you girls tried the buffet?

The deviled eggs are delicious.

Go on.

Before you miss out.

You know we can't eat from the buffet.

I'll handle the complaints.

I'm... concerned about Serena.

She's been... having a difficult time.

That's understandable.

It's been challenging for both of us.

So many changes.

But it's time to get on with things.

Together.

Is that what you want?

Of course. She's my wife.

Is that what your wife wants?

[DARK PIANO MUSIC]

[SIGHS]

Hard to know.

She hasn't been very... forthcoming.

You know how she can be. So...

OFJOSEPH: Stubborn.

Yeah.

But she can't keep hiding at her mother's.

[WATERFORD SIGHS]

I don't think she's... satisfied... planting flowers and knitting sweaters.

Not sure she ever was.

Sir.

So, do you think you could be open to... change?

Could you maybe give her a real voice?

[WATERFORD SCOFFS]

Behind the scenes...

of course.

Well, if that would...fix things.

It's worth discussing.

WATERFORD: Yeah.

But she hasn't said more than two words to me.

I should get back to the...buffet.

Hmm.

WATERFORD: Check on those deviled eggs.

[FOOTSTEPS RECEDING]

[LIGHTER CLICKS]

[EXHALES]

[LIGHTER CLOSES]

[EXHALES]

[DISTANT LAUGHING]

Wow.

[EXHALES]

What is it?

The Commander wants to reconcile.

He wants to make things right but he doesn't know how to do it so...

I made a suggestion.

[TENSE MUSIC]

More freedom.

In your marriage.

[TAPS CIGARETTE]

To do what?

As Mrs. Waterford, you have influence.

Access.

Power.

Up to a point.

So move the point.

Like we did before.

He is lost without you,

Serena.

Wear the dress.

Pull the strings.

[EXHALES]

[LIGHTER CLICKS]

OLIVER: You have to sign this.

SYLVIA: Hmm?

Another field trip?

Are you guys ever in school?

OLIVER: Yes.

[WHISPERS] Hey.

Okay, bud.

Bed.

I need water.

SYLVIA: You've already had.

OLIVER: I'm still thirsty.

SYLVIA: Yeah, but if you drink water now, you're gonna be up to pee in an hour.

OLIVER: Mom!

What?

She knows you pee.

Everybody pees.

- You want dinosaurs?
- OLIVER: Yeah!

SYLVIA: Okay. Get in.

All right. Scoot. [SIGHS]

All right, where did we leave off?

Spinosaurus.

OLIVER: Wait.

Will you read it to me?

- [SWEET PIANO MUSIC]
- [SOFT GASP]


Um...

Sure? [CHUCKLES]

Spinosaurus. Cool.

"Spinosaurus was the largest of all meat-eating dinosaurs.

It may have grown to -feet long.

New discoveries suggest another of Spinosaurus's special qualities.

With its powerful arms...

Spinosaurus may have moved about on all fours.

[BREATHES SHAKILY]

With its smooth teeth..."

[CRYING]

Want me to?

"With its smooth teeth and long narrow jaws, Spinosaurus was better suited to catching fish, than hunting land animals.

[CONTINUES CRYING]

Spinosaurus lived in a swampy forest..."

[INDISTINCT CHATTER]

[SOFT HARP MUSIC]

GRACE: Serena.

How are you?

LEAH: Blessed day.

SERENA: Grace.

Blessed evening.

[ANGELA GURGLING]

Look who's awake.

WIVES: Oh!

LEAH: Hello, sweet face.

GRACE: What a darling.

Oh! [LAUGHS]

She's so curious about everything.

[COMMANDER PUTNAM CHUCKLES]

[WOMEN COOING]

Smart girls are trouble.

Yeah. Tell me about it.

[COMMANDER PUTNAM SCOFFS]

[ANGELA GURGLING]

[GURGLING ECHOES]

NAOMI: Serena.

[ANGELA COUGHING]

Take her.

[ANGELA FUSSING]

Oh, she's such a treasure.

[CONTINUES FUSSING] NAOMI: Shh.

WATERFORD: Praise be.

ALL: Praise be.

SERENA: I'm very happy for you.

- WATERFORD: Praise be.
- [WHISPERS] Really?

[WHISPERS LOUDLY] Janine.

No!

[GURGLING ECHOING]

[BITTERSWEET MUSIC]

Hi.

You're so beautiful.

[CANE TAPPING]

Hi.

- Can I hold her?
- [ANGELA FUSSING]

I think that's enough.

NAOMI: Wait.

The Lord is... gracious and righteous.

Our God is full of compassion.

OFHOWARD: Hi.

- Hi.
- [ANGELA FUSSING]

[ANGELA CRYING]

It's okay.

[SHUSHING]

Sweet angel.

[SHUSHING]

[CRYING CONTINUES]

[SHUSHING]

[CRYING CONTINUES]

Thank you.

[CRYING STOPS]

NAOMI: You're welcome.

Commander and...

Mrs. Putnam...

Angela is so lucky to have you as her parents.

By God's grace.

ALL: By God's grace.

OFHOWARD: Yes.

By God's grace, she could have a little brother.

What?

OFHOWARD: Or sister.

AUNT LYDIA: Ofhoward!

OFHOWARD: Ofwarren.

I wanna be your Handmaid again.

OFJOSEPH: Okay. Come on.

- No. But, but, why?
- It's time to go.

OFHOWARD: I just wanna do God's work. I wanna do it.

Isn't that what you taught me?

Isn't that what you all want?

Mind your tongue!

I just... I wanna be here.

I can make them a good one again!

I can...

I just wanna be with my daughter.

- [AUNT LYDIA GRUNTS]
- [OFHOWARD GROANING]

- Aunt Lydia...
- No!

- [GASPING]
- [ANGELA CRYING]

OFHOWARD: I just wanna give them a baby.

- Don't! Janine!
- [AUNT LYDIA YELLS]

- OFJOSEPH: Oh, my God. Stop her!
- [OFHOWARD GROANING]

AUNT LYDIA: Stupid girl!

- Stop her! No! Stop it!
- AUNT LYDIA: Stupid! Stupid!

Aunt Lydia!

Stop it! Stop!

No! No!

- [ANGELA CRYING]
- [OFHOWARD SOBBING]

PUTNAM: Get her out of here.

[ANGELA WAILS]

[INDISTINCT RADIO CHATTER]

[TENSE MUSIC]

[ANGELA CRIES]

What?

[ANGELA WAILS]

[STAMMERS]

My deepest apologies.

[CRYING CONTINUES]

[INHALES DEEPLY]

I...

I...

Mmm.

Right.

[CANE THUDS]

[SOBBING]

Aren't you cold?

[DOGS BARK IN DISTANCE]

SYLVIA: Yeah.

But I like it.

You doing okay?

Do you need anything?

No, I'm good, thanks.

I think I'll... head to the hotel.

Check in.

Okay.

I'll stay for a little while.

Thank you for coming.

Go in grace.

WIFE: Go in grace.

- Is she okay?
- [DOOR CLOSES]

She's been through worse.

PUTNAM: Blessed be. Thank you.

- That's what you get.
- [DOOR OPENS]

PUTNAM: Thank you.

May the Lord bless you.

OFMATTHEW: Under His eye.

Thank you for coming.

- Go in grace.
- Go in grace.

Go in grace.

PUTNAM: I want to talk to you.

That's not the way the party should have ended.

Poor Naomi.

Poor Naomi?

It's terrible, of course, for both of them.

And that is exactly why the system was designed,to prevent this kind of thing from happening.

I'm sorry, Mrs. Waterford, they're probably waiting for me.

A young girl of Hannah's age, the daughter of a Commander, would most likely attend a school...for domestic arts.

[HOPEFUL MUSIC]

The one in her district is in Brookline, by the reservoir.

The girls play outside after lunch.

Perhaps you'll find a way to see her.

Thank you, S...

[CHURCH BELL TOLLING]

- Quick change.
- LUKE: Uh-huh.

Too bad she can't wear that dress again, huh?

- I know.
- There you go.

What are we gonna do with it?

- LUKE: Huh?
- Good girl. Where'd they go?

Oh, they're outside, debating restaurant options.

Your mother is insisting on vegan.

Jesus. She's not even a f*cking vegan.

[SNICKERING]

What is it?

Oh, man, I'm so glad we did this.

You know, we're so lucky to have her, you know, the way that things are now-a-days?

And she's happy, and she's healthy.

And it's just like, why not?

JUNE: Mmm-hmm.

Just in case.

Like buying insurance, yeah.

But, seriously, I think...

I think today was important to say...

"Thank you" to God.

You know?

Yeah.

Me, too.

LUKE: Yeah.

I love you.

I love you.

[JUNE CHUCKLES]

And we are going to choose where we eat.

Hell, yeah.

You know why? Because today is our day.

- Yeah.
- Okay?

LUKE: [STUTTERING] But you're telling your mom, though.

Oh, yeah. I'm telling her. You're not telling her.

LUKE: Yeah, uh-huh. [CHUCKLES]

[CLOCK CHIMING]

[INDISTINCT RADIO CHATTER]

[DOOR CLOSES]

EYE: I need to speak with Commander Waterford.

PUTNAM: Is there a problem?

EYE: Can you take me to him, sir?

[HAUNTING MUSIC]

[INDISTINCT RADIO CHATTER]

[DOOR CLOSES]

[INDISTINCT CHANTING VOICES ON VIDEO]

CROWD: Chi-town, we're with you!

WATERFORD: When was this posted?

EYE: Within hours.

Wait.

[VIDEO STOPS]

That your Handmaid, sir?

WATERFORD: Former Handmaid.

Come.

[OMINOUS MUSIC]

Excuse me, sir.

We need to confirm who he is.

[RECORDING PLAYING]

CROWD: Chi-town, we're with you!

We stand with Chicago!

Chi-town, we're with you!

[CHEERING]

We stand with Chicago!

Chi-town, we're with you!

[RHYTHMIC CLAPPING]

We stand with Chicago!

WOMAN: Hi, baby! Baby's first protest!

WOMAN: She's so sweet. What's her name?

- NICHOLE.
- WOMAN: Oh!

CROWD: Chi-town, we're with you!

EYE: You know that man?

CROWD: We stand with Chicago!

Chi-town, we're with you!

Yes.

CROWD: We stand with Chicago!

EYE: His name?

You're a protester, aren't you, huh?

Yeah.

EYE: Is it Lucas Bankole?

CROWD: Chi-town, we're with you!

We stand with Chicago!

Chi-town, we're with you!

We stand with Chicago!

Yes.

CROWD: Chi-town, we're with you!

[INAUDIBLE]

LUKE: She's like her mom.

Lots of attitude.

[VIDEO STOPS]

Let me see that again.

- [PLAYS VIDEO]
- [GASPS]

CROWD: We stand with Chicago!

[EXCLAIMS]

Chi-town, we're with you!

She's gotten so big.

CROWD: We stand with Chicago!

Chi-town, we're with you!

[RHYTHMIC CLAPPING]

We stand with Chicago!

Chi-town, we're with you!

We stand with Chicago!

Chi-town, we're with you!

We stand with Chicago!

[LAUGHING TEARFULLY]

[BABY NICHOLE FUSSING]

Yeah, um...

We're not her parents.

We're like godparents.

MAN: Right. Well...

Her mother is my wife.

And my best friend.

And... she'd really want us to do this.

Where is the mother?

She's in Gilead.

This little one should be absolved of their sins.

["DOWN TO THE RIVER TO PRAY" BY ALISON KRAUSS]

♪ As I went down in the river to pray ♪

I baptize you in the name of the Father...

♪ And who shall wear the starry crown ♪

PRIEST: and of the Son...

♪ Good Lord, show me the way ♪

PRIEST: and the Holy Spirit.

♪ O sisters, let's go down ♪

PRIEST: Amen. Amen.

♪ Come on down O sisters ♪

- ♪ Let's go down ♪
- MOIRA: You did it.

LUKE: Thank you.

♪ Down in the river to pray ♪

- MOIRA: You did it.
- ♪ As I went down... ♪

- Go in peace.
- ♪ ... in the river to pray ♪

[SONG CONTINUES]
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