The Testaments episode 8 “Broken” was hard to watch on a couple of levels. But mostly because it just hits too close to home. In this episode the girls celebrate their engagements, and Huldah and Agnes grapple with the aftermath of being abused by Becka’s pedo father.
When Huldah is finally brave enough to say something to Aunt Vidala, she’s told she was mistaken. Huldah believe it’s her fault. Agnes says something to Aunt Lydia, and she also is encouraged to leave it alone.
For too many girls in this timeline, that’s the reality of what happens if they tell someone what’s happened to them. And tragically with the current Mad King and cult administration in charge of the country right now, that’s going to be the reality for a long time. Gilead is the future MAGAs want, and we’re dangerously close to it right now.
But back to The Testaments. I had some thoughts.
Thoughts About The Testaments Episode 8 “Broken”
I’ve heard some people say the episodes are slow, but as usual people who think that generally can’t grasp that so much of the action and development is quiet and behind the scenes.
It’s a mirror of how the girls must live in Gilead, always on guard, with rich inner lives, but outwardly quiet, docile, and waiting for things to happen. My reactions to this episode:
- Music on point. Love that opening. Agnes deserves that.
- Aunt Lydia…you fucking bitch.
- JUNE how can you let this happen?? COME GET YOUR GIRL she cannot marry the Commander of the EYES.
- “A properly broken woman”. OOF. Wow. That’s fucking… that’s a lot to process right there. Fuck.
- Actual science? In Gilead?
- False alarm.
- Oh shit! That’s going to mess up the plan. Or is it?
- Shocker. The pedo dentist isn’t just hurting Agnes.
- Oh Huldah, sweet girl, it’s not your fault.
- Shu would be a MAGA influencer for sure.
- Weston seems kind, but he’s the commander of the EYES so I don’t trust him.
- Use that power Agnes. Put your stepmonster in her place. Tabitha would never.
- Of course the aunts are going to cover for him.
- You’re just jealous Shu. Sit down.
- Angel Flight mention!
- Jesus Daisy, that was blunt.
- Shu doesn’t believe science. Definitely a MAGA girl.
- The new Commander McKenzie is much gentler and less creepy than the one in Handmaid’s Tale.
- Penny looks ROUGH.
- All in or all out Daisy. No half-assing it.
- I KNEW WESTON WAS SHADY.
- Fuck off, pedo.
- I low-key want those purple shoes.
- Look at you growing a pair Agnes! June would be proud.
- Lydia, rot in hell.
- Daisy’s not going to let this go… Is this June’s moment to reappear and save her daughter(s)? PLEASE YES.
Every time I have hope for Aunt Lydia I am let down. Such a complicated character but also a constant disappointment.
The Testaments Episode 9 “Marat Sade”
The Testaments episode 9 synopsis is short, but indicates things are definitely about to pop off. The synopsis reads:
“As Daisy steps into a new role, she considers what she’s willing to lose to help her friends.”
That seems to indicate she tells the aunts that she is now a green, and ready to be married off. Risky, but a great way to really get deep inside Gilead’s hierarchy, especially if she could be married off to a Mayday friendly Commander.
With just two episodes left, things are about to get intense. Even though The Testaments hasn’t officially been picked up for season 2, season 2 is already in the works because it’s extremely likely it will get a pickup.
I’m really hoping we will June again before season 1 ends. I’m still living in denial that they’re going to actually marry Agnes to Commander Weston.