The Worst Episodes of The Handmaid's Tale

Confined in a hospital, June’s sanity begins to fray. An encounter with Serena Joy forces June to reassess her recent actions.

Director: Daina Reid

Writer: Lynn Renee Maxcy

June confronts the consequences of killing Fred. A scared Serena makes an unexpected decision.

Director: Elisabeth Moss

Writer: N/A

June fights her need for violent revenge as Serena settles into her new role in Toronto. Rattled by Janine, Aunt Lydia makes a surprising suggestion to Lawrence.

Director: N/A

Writer: N/A

June and Luke embark on a dangerous quest. Serena gets to know her new hosts.

Director: Eva Vives

Writer: N/A

June escalates her risky efforts to find Hannah. Emily must face her past crimes as the ongoing international diplomatic crisis becomes more complicated.

Director: Mike Barker

Writer: Nina Fiore, John Herrera

June and Moira join a rebel outpost. As a pregnant widow, Serena tries to restore her status. Aunt Lydia questions her strict methods of dealing with Handmaids.

Director: N/A

Writer: N/A

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.

Director: Richard Shepard

Writer: Dorothy Fortenberry

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.

Director: Mike Barker

Writer: Kira Snyder

June and Luke prepare for a rescue mission. Serena tries new tactics with her oppressive hosts. Lawrence makes a surprising proposal to elevate his status.

Director: Bradley Whitford

Writer: N/A

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.

Director: Mike Barker

Writer: Kira Snyder

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.

Director: Christina Choe

Writer: Jacey Heldrich

On the run, June and the fugitive Handmaids seek refuge. In Gilead, Aunt Lydia reels from the loss of 86 children on Angels’ Flight. The combative Waterfords, in custody in Toronto, learn of June’s feat.

Director: Colin Watkinson

Writer: Bruce Miller

Remembering her family’s treacherous escape attempt, a shocking revelation from life before Gilead provides a new perspective on Offred’s life.

Director: Floria Sigismondi

Writer: Margaret Atwood

Offred reflects on her relationship with her mother as she navigates her way through Gilead. In Little America, Moira tries to cope with the trauma she endured.

Director: Kari Skogland

Writer: N/A

A baby shower provokes a troubling shift in Offred’s relationship with Serena Joy. Offred reckons with the choice she made that led her to become a Handmaid.

Director: Kari Skogland

Writer: N/A

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.

Director: Amma Asante

Writer: Eric Tuchman

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.

Director: Colin Watkinson

Writer: Kira Snyder

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.

Director: Christina Choe

Writer: John Herrera, Nina Flore

The Commander surprises Offred with a secret adventure in Gilead. Nick’s troubled past leads to his recruitment by the Sons of Jacob.

Director: Kate Dennis

Writer: Margaret Atwood

Offred spirals as a Gilead ceremony disrupts her relationship with Nick. Janine tries to adjust to life in the Colonies, jeopardizing her friendship with Emily.

Director: Mike Barker

Writer: N/A

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.

Director: Amma Asante

Writer: Yahlin Chang

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 Center.

Director: Elisabeth Moss

Writer: Eric Tuchman

June considers a tempting but risky offer from a surprise visitor. Serena hits rock bottom and searches for allies.

Director: N/A

Writer: N/A

Offred and her fellow Handmaids assist with the delivery of Janine’s baby, prompting Offred to recall her own daughter’s birth. Offred draws closer to Ofglen while dreading a secret meeting with the Commander.

Director: Reed Morano

Writer: Margaret Atwood

Punished by Serena Joy, Offred begins to unravel and reflects on her time with Moira at the Red Center. A complication during the Ceremony threatens Offred’s survival with the Commander and Serena Joy.

Director: Mike Barker

Writer: Margaret Atwood