Episodes
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...
Published 05/26/21
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 
Published 05/26/21
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...
Published 05/19/21
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...
Published 05/12/21
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...
Published 05/05/21
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.
Published 04/29/21
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...
Published 04/29/21
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...
Published 04/22/21
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'. 
Published 09/19/19
'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.  
Published 09/10/19
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...
Published 08/22/19
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...
Published 08/15/19
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...
Published 08/08/19
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...
Published 08/04/19
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. 
Published 08/01/19
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....
Published 07/25/19
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. 
Published 07/18/19
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...
Published 07/11/19
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...
Published 07/04/19
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...
Published 06/27/19
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...
Published 06/20/19
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. 
Published 06/13/19
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...
Published 06/06/19
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...
Published 06/06/19
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...
Published 06/06/19