AVERAGE

This adaptation of Margaret Atwood’s dystopian tale of a future where the United States has been replaced by a theocracy called Giliad, where women are seen as servants to men and rape has been institutionalized as a sacred ritual, was lauded in its first season, but as the story was developed into a six-season TV series results were decidedly uneven.

The portrait of Gilead and its political conflicts (including with a free Canada) were always compelling; in the era of Trump, many saw the series as a warning sign. But it was also at times unnecessarily protracted and repetitive, with Elisabeth Moss’s handmaid cum freedom fighter trying our patience.

A standout among the cast was Ann Dowd as a stern and loyal ”Aunt”, a guardian of the regime.

2017-2025:U.S. 66 episodes. Color. Created by Bruce Miller. Novel: Margaret Atwood. Cast: Elisabeth Moss (June Osborne), Yvonne Strahovski (Serena Joy Waterford), Joseph Fiennes (Fred Waterford, 17-21), Bradley Whitford (18-25), O.T. Fagbenle, Madeline Brewer, Ann Dowd, Max Minghella, Samira Wiley, Amanda Brugel, Ever Carradine, Sam Jaeger (18-25), Alexis Bledel (17-21). 

Trivia: The novel was previously turned into a movie, The Handmaid’s Tale (1990), and an opera.

Emmys: Outstanding Drama Series, Directing, Writing, Actress (Moss), Supporting Actress (Dowd), Guest Actress (Bledel) 16-17, (Wiley) 17-18, (Cherry Jones) 18-19; Guest Actor (Bradley Whitford) 18-19. Golden Globes: Best Drama Series, Actress (Moss) 18.