Eyes On Gilead: A Handmaid’s Tale Podcast

With the epic finale of 'The Handmaids Tale' season 4 fresh in our minds, series creator/showrunner and friend of the podcast, Bruce Miller, jumps into our Zoom room to reflect back on the key storylines this season, and to answer our many, many questions (and yours, too!). This episode is a must for all Handmaid's Tale fans, and it also includes scoops about the character arcs and story threads that had to be sidelined due to COVID. There are so many great insights, let's get stuck in. (*Contains light discussion of The Testaments). Stay in touch on Twitter at #EyesOnGilead (Find us at: @anythingbutfifi / @NatalieHambly / @HaideeIreland / @Sana_Qadar)

It's time to recap the season finale! We have just watched episode 10 of season 4 of The Handmaid's Tale, which is called 'Wilderness'. It is written by Bruce Miller, and directed by Liz Garbus: June objects to Fred’s plea bargain agreement and struggles to accept his pending freedom. She draws on all her resources and relationships, risking everything to ensure her own kind of justice. This season has been a gift to fans, and we have SO much to talk about, so forgive the luxurious running time. Let's get into it. #LetUsPrey. Tell us your own theories on Twitter at #EyesOnGilead (Find us at: @anythingbutfifi / @NatalieHambly / @HaideeIreland / @Sana_Qadar)

We have just watched episode 9 of season 4 of The Handmaid’s Tale, which is called 'Progress'. It's written by Aly Monroe and Eric Tuchman, and directed by Elisabeth Moss: June and Luke work together to save Hannah, reaching out to Lawrence and Nick for help. Serena and Fred greet unexpected visitors from Gilead. Janine tries to assist Aunt Lydia when a Handmaid-in-training goes on a hunger strike at the Red Centre. We're one episode away from the finale! Where can this go? Let's recap and speculate like there's no tomorrow. Tell us your own theories on Twitter at #EyesOnGilead (Find us at: @anythingbutfifi / @NatalieHambly / @HaideeIreland / @Sana_Qadar)

We have just watched episode 8 of season 4 of The Handmaid’s Tale, which is called 'Testimony'. It's written by Kira Snyder, and directed by Elisabeth Moss: June confronts Fred and Serena in court and challenges Emily to face a painful reminder of her Gilead past. Lawrence presents Aunt Lydia with a newly captured, familiar Handmaid. (Natalie can't contain her excitement about that last part). There is so much to unpack this week, as we explore this important episode's exploration of what 'justice' looks like for the victim-survivors of Gilead. Let's get into it. Tell us your own theories on Twitter at #EyesOnGilead (Find us at: @anythingbutfifi / @NatalieHambly / @HaideeIreland / @Sana_Qadar)

We have a special bonus episode this week, as 'Home' writer and The Handmaid's Tale executive producer Yahlin Chang, joins us for a deep dive into her episode, and we look back at her themes across the series: She wrote the first June/Hannah reunion! She wrote the murder of Winslow! And now we find out how she gets into June's head for this episode's long-awaited showdown with Serena. Yahlin has so many fascinating insights for Handmaid's fans. We had a ball, and now we want to have her on speed dial. (*Contains limited discussion of The Testaments novel) #EyesOnGilead

We have just watched episode 7 of season 4 of The Handmaid’s Tale. It is called 'Home'. It is written by Yahlin Chang, and directed by Richard Shepard: June struggles with her newfound freedom, reuniting with loved ones and confronting her nemesis, Serena. There is so much to unpack, let's get into it. And when done, listen to our bonus episode this week, with 'Home' writer and one of the show's executive producers, Yahlin Chang. #EyesOnGilead

We have just watched episode 6 of season 4 of The Handmaid’s Tale. It is called 'Vows', and it's written by Dorothy Fortenberry and directed by Richard Shepard: After a shocking reunion with a dear friend, June contemplates the possibility of freedom, and confronts the unfulfilled promises she’s made to herself and to Luke. Hoo boy, Fiona barely makes it through the synopsis without crying, and we're all feeling emotional after this very significant episode. There is so much to unpack, let's get into it. #EyesOnGilead

We have just watched episode 5 of season 4 of 'The Handmaid’s Tale'. It is called Chicago. (Written by: Nina Fiore & John Herrera / Directed by Christina Choe): June seeks out more active rebels in the Chicago war zone, while Janine tries to help her fit in with their new group of survivors. Moira goes on her first field aid mission. Join us as we unpack this complex episode, discuss the relevance of a famous painting, and speculate about what the ending means, in this, the midpoint of the season. There is so much to talk about, let's get into it.

We have just watched episode 4 of season 4 of The Handmaid's Tale, which is called 'Milk' (Written by: Jacey Heldrich / Directed by: Christina Choe): June takes a harrowing journey with Janine, trying to escape Gilead, as Janine remembers a stressful experience in her past. In Toronto, Serena tries to manipulate Rita, who seeks advice from Moira. We get a Janine flashback! And the episode's issues of consent call to mind ongoing topical discussions in Australia. There is so much to talk about, let's get into it.

We have just watched episode 3 of season 4 of The Handmaid’s Tale, which is called 'The Crossing'. It's written by Bruce Miller and directed by Elisabeth Moss (perhaps you've heard of her): Captured by Gilead, June faces a vengeful Aunt Lydia and endures a torturous interrogation. Nick and Lawrence collaborate to protect June. In Toronto, Luke struggles with how to help June and Hannah. This episode has so much to talk about, so let's get into it. Spoilers, obviously.

Welcome back to Eyes on Gilead, our weekly podcast dedicated The Handmaid’s Tale. There’s a LOT going on in this show and we think it helps to talk it out after every episode. Today, we are recapping episodes 1 and 2 of season 4 of The Handmaid’s Tale. Be sure to watch both episodes, as we will analyse them back-to-back. Spoilers, obviously. In these episodes: On the run after the end of Season 3, an injured June and the fugitive Handmaids find refuge at a farm, where the 14-year-old Wife nurses June back to health. June restores her role as the women’s leader. In Gilead, an imprisoned Lawrence tries to avoid a death sentence, and Aunt Lydia reels from the loss of 86 children on Angels’ Flight. The combative Waterfords, in custody in Toronto, learn of June’s feat. THEN June plots revenge at the local Jezebels, before she and the Handmaids plan to leave the farm for the next safe house. In Toronto, Moira deals with the fallout of June’s choices, and Serena and Fred are bound together by a miracle. With two episodes to recap, let's get into it.

The wait is almost over. The first episodes of The Handmaid's Tale season 4 will premiere in Australia on SBS and at SBS On Demand on Thursday 29 April, so you know what that means: we are coming back to talk it out after every episode. Join Fiona, Natalie, Haidee and Sana as they dive deep, recapping every episode of The Handmaid’s Tale's long-awaited fourth season. This year, they’ll be joined by special guests, as some of the stars and the creators of the show, stop by to give even more insight into everyone's favourite dystopian drama. As soon as the new episodes of The Handmaid’s Tale season 4 screen in Australia, we’ll have the recap ready for you. Join us from April 29 and until then (as always) don’t let the bastards grind you down.

Margaret Atwood has returned to the story of 'The Handmaid's Tale' with her new book, 'The Testaments', and the team from Eyes on Gilead is reuniting for a book club edition of the podcast. Join Fiona, Natalie, Haidee, Sana (and yes, Baby Greta), as they examine: How does the story wrap up? Is it a fitting fall for Gilead? Can we ever look at certain characters in the same way, as we watch future seasons of 'The Handmaid's Tale'? THIS EPISODE CONTAINS MAJOR PLOT SPOILERS FOR 'THE TESTAMENTS'.

'The Testaments', the long-awaited sequel to 'The Handmaid's Tale' is finally out, and the team from Eyes on Gilead is reuniting for a special book club edition of our podcast. Get busy reading! We'll be popping back into your podcast feed very soon.

In a supersized season finale podcast, the Eyes On Gilead team - Fiona, Natalie, Sana and Haidee – are joined by several hundred 'Handmaid’s Tale' super fans and fellow resistors (...and one Aunt Lydia) to look back over season 3: we indulge in wild speculation about what fate awaits June when we return for season 4; we scrutinise Serena's storyline; and there's a meeting of the Nick Blaine Appreciation Society. An audience Q&A keeps us all on our toes, we break some news about the future of Eyes On Gilead, and we all get a cute #babyGreta cameo to send us on our way. (Recorded live at the Factory Theatre in Marrickville on Sunday 18 August. We met on the traditional lands of the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, and pay our respects to all generations of their elders).

We have just watched episode 13 of season 3 of The Handmaid's Tale and are ready with our immediate reactions. It's the season finale, and it's called 'Mayday': With her plan in place, June reaches the point of no return on her bold strike against Gilead and must decide how far she's willing to go; Serena Joy and Commander Waterford attempt to find their way forward in their new lives. Sure it's the finale but we're not ready to say goodbye just yet. We're saving plenty for our next show, a live event in Sydney, in which we'll recap the finale some more, look back over season 3 and speculate wildly about what season 4 may hold. Want to be there but can't? Send us questions for our Q&A via Twitter, using the hashtag #EyesOnGilead. The recording of our live show will drop next week. May the Lord open!

We have just watched episode 12 of season 3 of 'The Handmaids Tale'. The penultimate episode of the season! This one is called 'Sacrifice': Gilead leadership is rocked by losses among their own. Luke and Moira adjust to new arrivals in Canada. June worries about disruptions to her plan, only to have tragedy strike the entire household. Rita makes a rare appearance and we have Amanda Brugel on the show, to talk about the Marthas network, about her odd closeness with Serena this year, and her own lifelong obsession with the book. As it's our last chance to speculate about the season, let's go big!

In a special episode of Eyes On Gilead, Handmaid's Tale showrunner Bruce Miller makes a return appearance, to answer our pressing questions about season three. What was the deal with Ofmatthew? And Winslow? And Winslow and Fred? He offers brilliant insights into what has gone into making the third season, and looks ahead to the fourth. And he also has some news about Margaret Atwood's sequel, 'The Testaments'. This is a must-listen for all fans of The Handmaid's Tale, as we rocket towards the season three finale. And for fans of Eyes On Gilead, listen for news about joining our own season finale, on Sunday 18 August.

We have just watched episode 11 of season 3 of The Handmaid's Tale, which is called 'Liars': June must rely on an unpredictable Commander Lawrence to execute her plan, but a terrifying return to a place from June’s past puts everything in jeopardy; Serena Joy and Commander Waterford take a clandestine trip. SO much is happening in this episode, as we race towards the season finale. It's a good one, so let's unpack it.

We have just watched episode 10 of The Handmaid's Tale season 3, which is called 'Bear Witness': Ready to strike back at her oppressors, June starts making arrangements for an ambitious plan, but a devious ploy on the part of Commander Waterford threatens to derail her. This is a big episode for Commander Fred Waterford, so it's fitting that this week we feature an interview with Joseph Fiennes. We get some incredible insights into what insights he brings to Fred. You won't want to miss it. With so much to unpack, let's get into it.

We have just watched episode 9 of The Handmaid's Tale season 3, which is called 'Heroic': Confined in a hospital, June’s sanity begins to fray, and an encounter with Serena Joy forces June to reassess her recent actions. We all have complicated feelings about this episode, and about the treatment of the character of Ofmatthew. There is a lot to unpack in this one, so let's get to it.

We have just watched episode 8 of season 3 of The Handmaid’s Tale, which is called 'Unfit'. In this episode: June and the rest of the Handmaids shun Ofmatthew, and both are pushed to their limit at the hands of Aunt Lydia; Aunt Lydia reflects on her life and relationships before the rise of Gilead. We got the Aunt Lydia backstory that we've been craving for almost three seasons. Was it worth waiting for? And let's talk about Ofmatthew's story arc: Natalie has theory, and wonders if we got a tiny glimpse of backstory at Loaves and Fishes. This is a big one. Let's talk it out.

We have just watched episode 7 of The Handmaid's Tale season three, which is called 'Under His Eye'. In this episode: June escalates her risky efforts to find Hannah, and her efforts have tragic consequences; Emily must face her past crimes as the ongoing international diplomatic crisis becomes more complicated; and Serena and Fred contemplate their future in Washington. This is a gruesome episode that shows how efficient Gilead has become at killing people, and boundaries are coming down in the best and worst possible ways. We recap and speculate about what comes next, and feature an interview with the episode's director and show executive producer, Mike Barker, who gives fascinating insight into making The Handmaid's Tale, as he prepares to shoot that creepy tango scene.

Episode 6 of season 3 of The Handmaid's Tale offers a grim glimpse at the future of Gilead, and we need to talk about it. In 'Household': Fred and Serena ramp up their efforts to negotiate for the return of baby Nichole; June and Nick are reunited (but it doesn't feel so good); June makes an important connection as she attempts to protect Nichole; and Aunt Lydia seems rattled by the way they do things in D.C. This week we hear from costume designer Natalie Bronfman, who explains the design behind a nasty new addition to the Handmaid costume. You won't want to miss this episode.

We have just watched episode 5 of season 3 of The Handmaid’s Tale, which is called Unknown Caller: June and Serena grapple with the revelation that Luke is caring for Nichole in Canada, leading to an incident that will have far-reaching ramifications. This episode challenges our opinions about Serena Joy, and we have very different reactions. This is a very big episode with big feelings, and especially for Yvonne Strahovski, who features in an interview about the events of this episode, and what it is like playing Serena Joy in all of her complex glory.

Join Fiona, Natalie, Sana and Haidee as they recap The Handmaid's Tale season 3, episode 4, 'God Bless the Child', in which: June negotiates a truce in the Waterfords’ fractured relationship; Janine oversteps with the Putnam family; and a still-healing Aunt Lydia offers a brutal public punishment. Also, we catch up with Emily in Canada, to see how she is coping - or not - with her trauma and reconnecting with her loved ones. There's a lot going on in this episode, so let's get into it.

It's time to recap the events of The Handmaid's Tale season 3, episode 3, 'Watch Out', which reveals more of the curious character of Commander Lawrence, and his changing attitudes towards the women of his household. Bradley Whitford features in this week's episode* to provide unique insight into what makes the architect of the colonies tick. 'Watch Out' synopsis: June navigates a meeting where she must face both Commander Waterford and Nick. Serena Joy attempts to recuperate at her mother’s home. Lawrence teaches June a hard lesson about the difficult decisions he makes as a Commander. (*Fiona summarises the questions from a pre-recorded group interview she participated in, with Whitford, in February.)

It's the premiere of The Handmaid's tale season three! We have truly been sent good weather. Join Fiona, Natalie, Sana and Haidee as they recap the first two episodes: 'Night' and 'Mary and Martha'. In these episodes: June helps Marthas with a dangerous task while navigating a relationship with her pious and untrustworthy new walking partner; Emily and Luke struggle with their altered circumstances; June navigates a meeting where she must face both Commander Waterford and Nick; Serena Joy attempts to recuperate at her mother’s home; and Lawrence teaches June a hard lesson about the difficult decisions he makes as a Commander. With two episodes to recap, let's get into it.

The blessed day is almost upon us: The premiere of The Handmaid's Tale season 3 on SBS. As we count down the days until the return of everyone's favourite dystopian drama, Fiona reveals some of the guests who will be joining us on Eyes On Gilead this season.

We're all on our best behaviour when Aunt Lydia joins us the show this week! 2017 Emmy winner and 2018 Emmy nominee Ann Dowd reflects on THAT finale, and gives us some exclusive insights into what makes Lydia tick. We're not going to say we get backstory, but we're not NOT going to say that, either. It's our final Eyes on Gilead for a little while, so we look back at our favourite moments of this season of The Handmaid's Tale, and speculate about what to expect when it returns next year.

We have just watched episode 13, which is unlucky for some but mostly for us, because it’s the finale of The Handmaid's Tale! Oh, and it's also not that great for Serena... The death of Eden sheds new light on her character and causes the women of Gilead to consider the legacy they’re leaving for the next generation of Gilead girls. Emily learns more about her new Commander - and Aunt Lydia gets much more than she bargained for when she pays a house call. The Marthas of Gilead have their moment - and we're not crying, you’re crying - and in the final moments of the season, June faces a difficult decision. There's so much to unpack, and we've got a full panel for the occasion.

In a special Eyes on Gilead podcast, Fiona, Haidee, and Natalie interview the showrunner of The Handmaid's Tale, Bruce Miller. He offers some great insights into the thinking that goes into making the show and the challenges they face in making it. Miller is a warm, gracious guest and it is a thrill to present this special conversation.

We have just watched episode 12, which is called "Postpartum". June becomes Offred once more, and negotiates access to Holly. Nick (yes, he's back!) is rocked by Gilead’s brutal response to a crime. Emily is assigned to a mysterious new house. We meet a new character, and we say goodbye to another one in very dramatic circumstances, and yes, those circumstances bring with them another Gilead ritual. We also have some very big news about an upcoming guest on our show.

We have just watched episode 11, which is called Holly. As Serena and Fred deal with the fallout of their actions towards ‘Offred’ and we get a glimpse at the cracks in their facade, June faces a series of grueling challenges, alone, as she recalls her experiences as a mother. The episode culminates in an incredible scene and please just give Elisabeth Moss her Emmy right now.

We have just watched episode 10, which is called The Last Ceremony and you can probably take to have multiple meanings. A false alarm in the baby stakes humiliates Serena, and causes her to punish June and stage a revenge ceremony as a means to bring on the birth. The Commander - belatedly - tries to make amends with 'Offred'. Eden, the sneaky devil, pours her heart out to Nick but gets pushed further away. June is faced with an unexpected reunion. And we end on a cliffhanger, again! We are also joined by Daina Reid, who directs the next episodes and gives us some insights into what makes Aunt Lydia tick.

We have just watched episode 9, 'Smart Power’, and there is so much to unpack. The Waterfords embark on a diplomatic trip abroad. Serena is tempted by the prospect of a life outside Gilead. Luke and Moira grapple with survivor’s guilt. June, nearing her due date, seeks protection for her baby. Nick makes a gesture of love that reignites the fight in our girl June. Talk it out with Fiona, Sana and Natalie.

We have just watched episode 8, which is called “Women’s Work’. This week we with see the pros and cons of the women of Gilead banding together, for a little rule breaking. That has negative consequences for Serena and June when the Commander arrives home recuperated and wants his office back. But it has a positive effect elsewhere in the episode when the women of Gilead, from all social classes, decide the ends justify the means when the life of a baby is at stake.

We discuss episode 7 of The Handmaid's Tale, 'After', which takes place in the immediate aftermath of the violent uprising by a fed-up Handmaid. We make sense of the power struggle, welcome back old friends, and weigh up what a surprise arrangement between June and Serena might mean for June's long-term prospects.

We discuss episode six of The Handmaid's Tale 'First Blood' and the events that lead up to the spectacular finale. It's an episode that has our panellists incredibly conflicted by how she feels about Serena, a woman who has gone through hardship with a genuine humanity, but also the show's villain. Eyes On Gilead is here to help you process how you're feeling... especially after the closing moments of this episode.

We discuss episode 5 of The Handmaid's Tale 'Seeds' and the disturbing baby shower behaviour that took place in this week's installment. The lack of empathy surrounding Offred, her spirits broken after significant setbacks, reverberates deeply as she looks to find her inner June once more. A creepy wedding only further complicates matters.

We discuss episode 4 of The Handmaid’s Tale and reflect on Aunt Lydia’s skills shaming runaway June into becoming dutiful Offred once more. We contemplate the bizarre rituals of Gilead designed to break down and subjugate women, and desperately search for some light in this grim development for our heroine.

On this episode of the Eyes on Gilead podcast, we discuss episode 3 of The Handmaid’s Tale, its theme of maternal guilt, and contemplate the ways the show is impacting the way we read the news. This week we’re also joined by a special guest, Handmaid’s Tale costume designer Ane Crabtree, who explains her iconic designs, and how it feels to see them used as symbols of protest in the real world.

Join Fiona, Sana, and Natalie for Eyes On Gilead - every week they process all of their feels and thoughts on the latest episode of The Handmaid's Tale.

Join Fiona, Sana, and Natalie every week with the new Handmaid's Tale podcast 'Eyes on Gilead' where each week they unload all of the feelings they are left with at the end of every episode.