03x08 - Unfit

[bunniefuu]

Previously on The Handmaid's Tale

Today we purify that most grievous of sins the endangerment of a child.

I try to think of the good I can do.

If I can help just one person, that's enough.

- You're with child?

- Yes.

May He make me truly worthy.

- Again.

- Yes.

Mrs. Mackenzie asked you to stop!

I just came from my fourth hanging this week.

Her school.

In Brookline.

Go to the gate.

Guardian Parker, he's there today.

Would you like to go for a walk?

I I really shouldn't.

I'll make sure nothing happens to you.

Promise.

Hannah!

Show me the children!

I can't have you like this - Eleanor?

- You left me.

I'm so sorry.

She won't stop asking about the children!

- Why is she talking - She's confused!

Is Mrs.

Lawrence okay?

Do not presume to speak to me about my wife!

What happened?

The Mackenzies are gone.

- Gone where?

- I don't know.

Not even my Commander knows.

I saw you at Loaves and Fishes talking to that Martha.

I saved you.

Do you have any idea what you did?

You f*cking bitch!

Do you know what you did?

Do you?

The Handmaid's Tale 3x08 Unfit Breathe.

Hold.

Hold.

- Exhale.

- Exhale.

Exhale.

Breathe.

Deeper breaths, Ofandy.

You're doing beautifully.

Exhale.

Frances was Hannah's Martha.

In the time before, Frances was a sales manager for a theatrical supply company.

Hold, hold.

Frances tutored kids after school.

Frances was saving up for a trip to the Galapagos.

Frances loved my daughter.

Frances is dead.

And Hannah is gone.

- Blessed day.

- Don't talk to her.

Because of her.

Breathe.

Hold, hold, hold.

Exhale, exhale, exhale.

Breathe, breathe, breathe.

Hold, hold, hold.

Exhale, exhale, exhale.

Breathe, breathe, breathe.

Hold, hold, hold.

Exhale, exhale, exhale.

Breathe, breathe, breathe.

Hold, hold, hold.

Exhale, exhale, exhale.

Breathe, breathe, breathe.

Hold, hold, hold.

You're being so mean.

She got someone ex*cuted.

She doesn't feel sorry about it.

She should have kept her f*cking mouth shut.

She was just doing what Aunt Lydia told her to.

Oh, I know.

Exhale.

Breathe, breathe, breathe.

Hold, hold, hold.

Exhale, exhale, exhale.

Ofandy's contractions have stopped.

Until we can be of use, let us give her some peace and quiet.

Ofmatthew, shame on you.

Butterfingers.

Out you go, girls, back on the Birthmobile.

Tell your friends to cool it.

I'm sorry, Aunt Lydia.

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

You want to take my tongue out?

Burn my arm?

Better hope they don't need me on TV again for Nichole.

Get on the bus, dear.

I don't think we'll take you all home just yet.

That Martha was salvaged for plotting a heinous crime, the theft of a child.

Who led her to conceive of such an evil act?

She did.

And whose fault is it that the Martha d*ed?

Her fault.

It's my fault, Aunt Lydia.

Testifying is where you unburden yourself of sin, is that right?

Yes, Aunt Lydia.

Perhaps you think of yourself as empty of sin.

Mmm-mmm.

No one is without sin, Aunt Lydia.

That's exactly right.

Yeah.

In your selfishness, there is someone else you've forgotten you've wronged.

Someone you've hurt deeply.

That little girl Agnes, of course.

That Martha loved and cared for her.

Think of that little girl, without that warmth in her life.

Whose fault is that?

My fault.

Mmm.

Agnes's family was forced to relocate.

She was ripped from her home, her friends, her school.

Everything she knew.

Her world is emptier and colder now than it ever was.

Whose fault is that?

It's my fault.

Mmm.

It is a wicked, selfish fool who chooses another wicked, selfish fool as her example.

Especially when there are the godly, obedient, and joyful among you.

Yes, Ofjoseph.

I have something else to testify.

What is that?

Ofmatthew doesn't want her baby.

Oh, sh*t.

Is this true, Ofmatthew?

No, Aunt Lydia.

Testify.

I only felt that way for a second.

Just a second.

Ofjoseph.

Go on.

Go on.

Well, it was just a second.

It just feels different.

This one, I think it's a girl, and the others were boys, so I just, I got scared.

Scared of what her life would be.

Only God knows that.

She thinks she knows better than God.

That's a sin.

Sinner.

And to refuse God's blessings of a child is among the gravest of sins.

Sinner.

No, no, but I don't reject her.

I want I want her!

I swear I do!

I love her!

I love her!

Sinner.

No, no!

No!

No, no!

I want her!

I swear I want her!

I love her!

I love her!

Ofmatthew.

Don't be a crybaby.

Crybaby.

There's my good girl.

Oh!

You feel better now, don't you?

- Yes, Aunt Lydia.

- Hmm.

Am I alive?

No.

Was I a movie star?

Mmm Not exactly.

I'd say no.

Are we studying me right now in school?

Yes.

Good question!

Was I smart?

Yes.

You're still here.

Keep thinking of questions 'cause I know you're gonna get a bright idea.

I left her another message.

I hope she's all right.

Mr.

Thorne, I'm sorry, it's 6:15.

I think it's too cold to wait outside.

I'm gonna take him home.

Are you sure?

Sure.

It's no problem.

"Don't forget to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained the angels.

" Hebrews 13.

Yes!

I've always liked that chapter.

Mmm.

Are you hungry, honey?

A little.

- A bag of potato chips.

- Huh.

That's what she packed for his lunch.

Please leave a message.

Noelle.

It's Lydia Clements again.

I'm gonna take Ryan home with me.

Give me a buzz when you get this, and I'll text you the address.

I hope you like chili.

The same chili you made for in-service day?

Yes.

Oh!

You're in for a treat.

Miss Clements' chili is famous.

Sorry.

I am so sorry!

- Hey, buddy.

- Mom!

Hey.

We were starting to worry.

I got held up at work.

And I got here as fast as I could.

I'm so sorry.

He's hungry.

Um, we can stop at a drive-through.

On the way home, buddy, okay?

We had McDonald's last night.

We can talk about it in the car, okay?

- I want chili!

- That's my fault.

I put chili in his head.

So why don't you both join me for dinner?

Oh, no, we couldn't.

I Thank you.

Nonsense.

I've made enough for an army.

Growing boys need more than burgers, don't you think?

Yeah.

Sure.

Thank you.

Ah.

Wonderful!

Please say "thank you".

Yeah?

- Thank you.

- Good boy.

- Good night, Principal Jim.

- Good night, Ryan.

- Thank you.

- I'll see you in a minute.

- Enjoy the chili.

- I'll see you.

Thank you.

Come here, buddy.

Hey!

I'll see you later.

Have a good night.

Yeah.

You too.

Good job.

Thank you.

They just look at you and make assumptions, you know?

- Mmm.

- Like, I'm dressing for tips, assh*le.

I don't actually like you.

I'm sorry.

I, um I try not to swear around Ryan.

I've never heard him use language like that.

Anyway, it's just like, just because I bring you a drink doesn't mean that you have a right to grab my rear, right?

Right!

What did you do?

I dumped that Long Island Iced Tea right in his lap.

It's actually why I was late.

I kind of got chewed out by my manager after my shift.

Maybe you should get a different job.

One where you're not around so many Assholes?

I was going to say "men".

Oh.

Right.

Mmm.

Do you have a boyfriend?

Or girlfriend?

Whatever.

I was married.

Uh, he was a mistake.

Ms.

Clements.

Am I Thomas Edison?

You are.

Well done.

We were playing Twenty Questions.

He is so special.

You're very blessed.

I know.

He deserves more.

Better.

I don't know.

But all he has is me.

So You could be better.

Hmm.

Bless you for sharing what you knew about Ofmatthew.

No telling where that might have gone.

You're welcome, Aunt Lydia.

Back so soon?

It wasn't time.

Oh.

Commander Lawrence, sir.

I need to know if you've learned anything about Hannah or the Mackenzies - and where they - No.

Don't ask me again.

I don't know where she is.

And I don't know anybody who does.

Go to your room.

Who can remember pain, once it's over?

All that remains of it is a shadow.

Not in the mind even, in the flesh.

Pain marks you, but too deep to see.

Out of sight, out of mind.

You're awake.

What is it?

They said to get dressed.

Birthmobile's waiting downstairs.

Breathe.

That's it.

Breathe through it, Ofandy.

How did that rhyme go?

The one we'd jump rope to?

Tinker, tailor, soldier, sailor, rich man, poor man, beggar man, thief.

A game to tell what our children would grow up to be.

Push.

The list is a lot shorter now.

Especially if it's a girl.

Martha, Jezebel, Handmaid, Wife.

Push.

All right.

How are we doing?

I see the head!

We see the head!

Breathe.

- Push.

Push.

- Push.

- Breathe!

- Push.

Oh, here she is!

You did it, love.

- Good girl!

- She's beautiful!

There we are.

No.

No.

No!

It can't be!

No!

No!

It's my daughter!

Come!

Come, come!

She's sleeping!

No, no.

You shouldn't be seeing this.

Come along.

Get some air.

Go to your sister.

I didn't know what it was that I felt, there with Ofandy and her baby.

But I do now.

Relief.

So.

A boy or a girl?

Mrs.

Lawrence will want to know.

Dead.

Oh.

Well.

She she doesn't have to know that when you tell her.

Maybe you could spend some time with her tomorrow.

Playing cards or something.

You're you're good with her.

You're good for her.

Anyway.

You act like you care about your wife.

I mean, I I know you don't give a sh*t about the rest of us.

But you do realize that this world that you built here, is destroying her.

And that, with one phone call, you could have her out.

But you're keeping her hostage.

You're not protecting her.

You're k*lling her.

I'll bet that felt good.

The Carvers.

I know it's been a trying day, ladies, but God sees our labors.

The Carvers are quick to anger.

They need someone quiet.

Calm.

Sonya.

Ah.

They don't want a Handmaid of color.

Vivian?

Oh.

Very good.

Sonya would be good for the Holbecks.

Where'd I put them?

They're right here.

Oh.

Thank you.

There is the question of Ofandy.

Once she's ready to return to service, of course.

The Allstons won't have her back.

They already told me.

And word will have gotten around about her failure today.

Poor thing.

I know.

Such a good girl.

Unlike some.

Why our Lord above would withhold His blessings from a girl like that and give two healthy babies to someone like Ofjoseph.

I have tried with that one, so help me.

Sometimes there's just a bad apple.

Hmph.

Amen.

Amen.

One more.

Oh, no, Lydia.

It's too many.

- Here, honey.

- Is it an iPad?

Honey.

It's what we had before iPads.

I know, how did we ever survive?

Buddy!

Give her a hug.

What do you say?

Thank you, Aunt Lydia.

- Uh-huh.

And?

- You're welcome, dear.

And we've got something for you, too.

Oh.

You shouldn't have done that.

Please.

Aww.

Thank you.

You're welcome.

Oh!

One of the reasons I like working with children is that I don't have to bother with this nonsense.

Well, it'll get you out there.

You can't be alone.

I'm not alone.

I know.

I just mean, um it doesn't seem like there's been someone special for you in a while, and you deserve that.

Because you have so much love to give.

Oh!

You should save your money.

Employee discount.

And I picked out every color special for you.

Oh.

Can I?

Oh, all right.

Okay.

Now, I love this foundation.

Mmm.

'Cause you don't need a lot to get really good coverage.

Okay.

How is Jason?

That dirtbag?

Kicked him to the curb.

Good.

Okay.

Blush.

Mmm-hmm.

Just goes on the apples of your cheeks.

Okay.

I met someone, though.

He's in IT.

Oh!

There's a lot of good jobs in that field.

Does he like kids?

He's got two of his own, so yeah.

And he says he's gonna leave his wife.

I know I'm not as far along as we would like, but I'm trying.

That's what counts, dear.

Mmm-hmm.

Okay.

The eyes.

- Okay.

- Mmm-hmm.

This color is great for a daytime look, and this one for a night out.

A night out?

Yeah.

Come on.

We gotta get you out there, Lydia.

Hmm.

If I'm going to try harder, so are you.

Okay.

Okay.

Hi.

May I check your coat?

Oh yes, thank you.

Thank you.

Oh.

Oh!

Hi.

Hi.

- How are you?

- Good.

Oh, my goodness.

I was about to leave.

I thought I was maybe in the wrong place.

- Well, I'm glad you're here.

- Me too.

- You look lovely.

- Thank you so much.

I see.

This just seemed festive.

Sure, sure.

Last New Year's, I made mac and cheese had a bottle of sparkling cider.

Oh, my.

Fell asleep by 10:00.

So, this is a big improvement.

I should say.

Oh, my.

- Oh, no, thank you.

- Lydia.

Special occasion.

Excuse me.

Thank you very much.

Thanks.

Thank you.

Hard to believe teaching's your second career.

- Oh - You're a natural.

Well, family law was good practice.

I mean, the system now is better because it's all been privatized, but then it was very frustrating.

'Cause you couldn't help as many children as you wanted to.

You know?

I've never seen anyone so devoted.

I've always admired you.

I'm fond of you, too.

- Oh, my.

- Wow.

It's a feast.

It looks great.

Thank you.

- Oh, my goodness.

- Shall we say grace?

Lord, we thank you for your many blessings.

For this food, good fellowship, and the year ahead.

Amen.

Amen.

And cheers.

Cheers.

Baby, when I met you There was peace unknown I set out to get you With a fine-tooth comb I was soft inside There was somethin' going on I forgot this is a duet.

I might need some help.

Do something to me That I can't explain I need help.

Oh, you over there!

Come over here!

- Me?

No!

- Yeah, you!

- No, I can't!

- Miss!

Please?

Please!

Please!

Come on!

Come on.

Would you help me, please?

Please!

Please!

No way!

No, Jim.

I don't sing!

Come on.

It's a duet!

It's a duet.

Please, help me out.

Come on, Lydia!

Come on!

Lydia Clements, everyone!

Okay, here we go.

Ah-ah Makin' love with each other Ah-ah Islands in the stream That is what we are No one in between How can we be wrong?

Sail away with me To another world And we rely on each other Ah-ah From one lover to another Ah-ah Huh?

Not bad, huh?

Not bad.

Nine, eight, seven, six, five, four, three, two, one!

Happy New Year.

Happy New Year, Jim.

Should auld acquaintance Be forgot And never brought to mind?

Should auld acquaintance Be forgot And auld lang syne?

For auld lang syne, my dear Lovely!

I didn't put one up this year.

My son couldn't make it home and uh my wife passed almost three years ago, so it's been a quiet Christmas.

Well, if I had known, I would have invited you.

The more the merrier.

Next Christmas, then.

Next Christmas.

Oh.

Forgive me.

Don't apologize.

I don't know what I was thinking.

I've had a great time.

Really.

It's just too soon for me.

I understand.

I understand.

Lydia.

I'd love to see you again.

Yes.

I'll see you at school.

Good night.

She's unable to maintain a steady job.

She sends the child to school without breakfast, let alone lunch.

I've often seen him unwashed, wearing dirty clothes.

Do they go to church?

I've tried.

She carries on with men.

I know of three in the last few months.

One of whom was married.

Is there really enough here to trigger an emergency removal?

The child is vulnerable to a corrupting influence.

We are required by law to report moral weakness, Mr. Thorne.

In my judgment, Miss Clements' assessment of this case is accurate, and the correct steps have been taken.

Okay.

If you just could sign at the bottom, please.

Mmm-hmm.

Here?

Yes.

Don't worry about Ryan.

He's in a proper foster home now, - I can assure you.

- Hmm.

And there's a long list of wonderful couples who are desperate to adopt.

I'm sure.

So many people with so much love to give.

Thank you.

Get off me!

Where is she?

Ma'am!

Ma'am!

How could you do this to us?

I had to, to protect Ryan.

From what?

He's fine!

He needs me!

- He needs his mother!

- Ma'am, you're entitled to appeal our determination at your hearing - in six weeks.

- Six weeks!

Why?

This is your fault, Noelle.

You must know that.

You're ruining his life.

You're a f*cking coldhearted bitch!

- Ma'am!

Ma'am.

- That's never She doesn't I forgive you.

No!

This isn't right Calm down!

This is her fault!

This is You are ruining his life, you f*cking bitch!

It's her!

- Take a breath!

- She did this!

We never had issues with Ofjoseph before the Waterfords.

A problem household, to say the least.

And she was there for all that business - with Emily.

- Mmm.

And Lillie.

Trouble with two walking partners.

Now three.

And Ofmatthew is pregnant.

The Calhouns' baby must be protected.

Not every household and Handmaid is a good fit.

Environment cannot be underestimated as an influence.

Sometimes it's the apple, and sometimes it's the barrel.

I hurt her.

And I enjoyed it.

The Wives and Aunts, too, grieving over Ofandy's dead child.

And Lawrence.

They all deserve to suffer.

It's an acquired taste, seeing others in pain.

Like that smoky scotch Luke got as a gift once.

I grew to like that.

Blessed be the fruit.

May the Lord open.

Attention all Marthas and Handmaids.

Due to the weather, it is advised to stay on the main roadways.

Walk with God.

I finally know how Ofglen felt.

What made her put on that b*mb vest.

Hey, hey.

Hey, are you okay?

Yesterday was tough.

I'm fine.

Ofjoseph.

A word, if you please.

Of course, Aunt Lydia.

And I know how Emily felt, right before she stuck a Kn*fe in Lydia's back.

Attention Handmaids.

Please stay with your partner at all times.

I was thinking about you last night.

How I have failed you.

I prayed on it.

Yes, Aunt Lydia?

All I want is for my girls to be protected and safe as they fulfill their sacred duty.

I think it's about time we got you out of that house.

What?

It's become quite clear that the Lawrence household is dangerously unorthodox.

First Emily, then all your recent troubles.

It's my understanding that Commander Lawrence requested me personally.

There are Commanders more powerful than Lawrence, dear.

In the end, it's about the fitness of the family.

It's okay.

Eleanor is ill, as you know.

And Commander Lawrence Well, is that really a home for a child?

Ofmatthew.

Oh!

Ofmatthew!

Stop it!

Stop it!

Ofmatthew!

Stop it!

Stop it!

Oh!

Everybody out!

Everybody out!

No!

No!

Get down!

Get down!

Get down!

Please!

Please!

Oh.

Natalie!

Oh!

Oh, God!

Oh!

Oh, no!

Oh, no!