The Handmaid's Tale (2017) s02e13 Episode Script

The Word

1 [OFFRED.]
Previously on The Handmaid's Tale Just send what we need to the house.
Might it be more efficient if Offred were to pump for the baby at home? You brought her straight home! It's more convenient to have Offred here.
For you? For Nichole! [AUNT LYDIA.]
You're lucky they agreed.
Four couples have refused.
I'm wondering why such an important, brilliant man would take in such a shitty Handmaid.
We value privacy in this house.
Do you understand? God has called me to a higher purpose.
You don't believe that.
[COMMANDER FRED.]
Guardian Isaac never showed up for his shift this morning.
- Have you seen Eden around? - I haven't seen her today.
I think we may have a situation.
[JUDGE.]
The accused have been found guilty of infidelity.
Renounce your sins and plead for His mercy! For I will contend with he who contends with you, and I will save your children.
[WIND BLOWS.]
[OFFRED.]
This is all she leaves behind.
There won't be a marker anywhere.
Heretics don't get to rest in peace.
Here, they use them as animal feed.
Aunt Lydia told us that at The Red Center.
Waste not, want not.
All we leave behind is the uniform.
Wife.
Handmaid.
Martha.
Mother.
Daughter.
Girlfriend.
Queen.
Bitch.
Criminal.
Sinner.
Heretic.
Prisoner.
Do you think she sewed this herself? [RITA.]
Probably.
My mother could sew.
You know, really sew.
I couldn't figure out how to hem Hannah's pants.
She was a child.
I didn't have a kind word for her.
That's not true.
I treated her like shit.
I slept with her husband.
I should've tried to help her.
[CLOSES BOX.]
[DOOR UNLATCHES.]
Mrs.
Waterford? Come in.
Nichole and I were just talking about lilies.
Did she have a lot to say? Yeah.
Quite a lot.
Can I help you with something? I found this in Eden's things.
Serena, look.
She wrote notes all over it.
It seems like Eden was hiding a multitude of sins.
What sins? What? What sins was she hiding? What Serena? She wasn't strong enough.
She was 15 years old! Yes, she was 15 years old.
She should have been smarter.
She was trying to understand God! For fuck's sake, Serena, she was trying to read the fucking Bible! Don't use that language in front of my daughter! Do you understand me? How are you going to keep her safe? - [NICHOLE CRIES.]
- How are you going to keep her safe? What are you going to do? Are you gonna lock her up here like an orchid? [NICHOLE CRIES.]
My daughter will be raised properly.
[SIGHS.]
She will understand the word of God and she will obey His word.
[LOUDLY.]
She cannot read His word! [LOUDLY.]
Get out! [BREATHING HEAVILY.]
[NICHOLE COOS.]
[GURGLING.]
[MR.
SPENCER.]
Guardian Blaine, sir, I just want to tell you how sorry I am.
We tried to put her on the path to God.
I wish I could fix what my Eden did.
I pray I could, somehow.
By His mercy, all will be forgiven.
Bless you.
Commander Waterford, Mrs.
Waterford.
You were so kind to welcome Eden into your godly home.
A grave mistake as it turns out.
To be repaid with sin and deception.
Yes, sir.
I am ashamed.
Yes.
[SERENA.]
Eden spoke a lot about your farm and how much she missed it.
She missed her family.
[MR.
SPENCER.]
She was the light of my life.
Excuse me.
She had a kind heart.
You have another daughter? He has truly blessed us.
Praised be.
[COMMANDER FRED.]
Make certain she learns from her sister's transgressions.
In tragedy lies opportunity.
[MR.
SPENCER.]
Yes, sir.
She was home when Eden arrived with that boy.
We called the authorities immediately.
You turned her in? [COMMANDER FRED.]
That kind of faith is rare, indeed.
It reflects well upon your family.
[MR.
SPENCER.]
God bless you, Commander.
May God give you strength during this time of mourning.
- [MR.
SPENCER.]
Thank you.
- [COMMANDER FRED.]
Go in grace.
What are you gonna do when they come for your daughter? [DOOR SLAMS.]
Mind your tongue.
[EXCLAIMS, GASPS.]
[BREATHING HEAVILY.]
[GRUNTS.]
[CHUCKLES.]
The mouth of a woman is a deep pit, he that falls therein will suffer.
You are the misery of all man.
[BREATHING HEAVILY.]
All of you.
[DOOR OPENS.]
[DOOR CLOSES.]
How's it feel? Oh, it's fine.
I think I broke my hand, though.
Praised be.
[CHUCKLES.]
- [FOOTSTEPS APPROACHING.]
- [NICHOLE CRIES.]
Her royal highness is awake.
Okay.
Your girlfriend is a badass.
It's okay.
Hey.
It's okay.
-[SIGHS.]
-It's okay.
[NICHOLE CRIES.]
[NICHOLE FUSSES.]
[RITA HUMS "ROCK-A-BYE BABY" QUIETLY.]
[FOOTSTEPS APPROACHING.]
[NICHOLE COOS.]
Hi, sweetheart.
Here we go.
[NICHOLE COOS.]
[SOFTLY.]
Right, just hold the back of her head.
She's still a little wobbly.
Here you go.
That's right.
Just like that.
There you go.
You've got it.
Perfect.
[NICK WHISPERS.]
Hey, sweetie.
Hey, baby.
Look what we made.
Holly, this is your daddy.
[COOING.]
[BOTH CHUCKLE.]
[SNIFFLES.]
I love you.
Hey, come here.
You're really sweet.
[INDISTINCT VOICE OVER RADIO.]
Do you think they're together in heaven? They should be together here.
Why do you only see the bad stuff? Am I complaining all the time? No, I am not.
They drowned her in a swimming pool.
She died for love.
I found a book.
It was hidden in her things.
It's a Bible.
Wow.
Brave.
Yeah, she was.
I have my first Ceremony tonight at the new house.
Oh, I hate the first one.
It's so awkward.
May God bless His endeavor and bring forth His miracle.
You'll get through it.
Sure.
Just imagine your Commander falling into a wood chipper or something.
Oh, no.
Don't think that! That's awful! Oh, my God! [INDISTINCT VOICE OVER RADIO.]
I keep dreaming about Oliver.
It's his birthday soon? Next week.
Seven years old.
Well, we should celebrate.
We can bake a cake.
Or tequila? Oh, tequila! I miss you most of all.
I'm glad I got to come back here.
I'm glad I got to see you again, June.
- [QUIET CONVERSATIONS.]
- [BABY FUSSING.]
[BABY FUSSING.]
- [NICHOLE FUSSING.]
- Shh.
Angela is looking so much brighter.
Has she gained more weight? - Almost nine ounces.
- Oh.
She's my little rock star.
Praised be.
- [NICHOLE FUSSING.]
- And Nichole.
That sweet face.
[NICHOLE CONTINUES FUSSING.]
I pray things have settled down at your house.
They are settling.
Thank God.
It's tragic, of course.
But we have so much to look forward to with our beautiful girls.
Yes, we do.
Do you worry about that? About what? Their future.
[QUIET CONVERSATION.]
I put my faith in Gilead.
Praised be.
I suppose all mothers worry.
Of course we do.
We want to give our children the best life they can have.
A life with purpose.
That is the dream, of course.
For all the children of Gilead.
Boys and girls.
Yes.
Do you think the other women share our concerns? Grace has said a word, now and then.
Leah has opinions.
No surprise there.
I would be interested in hearing them.
I would as well.
[QUIET CONVERSATION.]
[BELL DINGING.]
[BELL CONTINUES DINGING.]
- [DOG BARKS.]
- [BELL DINGS.]
["ITCHYCOO PARK" BY THE SMALL FACES PLAYS FAINTLY.]
To Itchycoo Park, That's where I've been What did you do there? I got high What did you feel there? Well I cried But why the tears there? I'll tell you why It's all too beautiful It's all too beautiful It's all too beautiful It's all too beautiful I feel inclined to blow my mind Get hung up feed the ducks with a bun They all come out to groove about Be nice and have fun in the sun I'll tell you what I'll do (WHAT WILL YOU DO?) I'd like to go there now with you You can miss out school (WON'T THAT BE COOL) Why go to learn the words of fools? What will we do there? We'll get high What will we touch there? We'll touch the sky But why the tears then? I'll tell you why It's all too beautiful It's all too beautiful It's all too beautiful It's all too beautiful Beautiful I feel inclined to blow my mind Get hung up feed the ducks with a bun They all come out to groove about Be nice and have fun in the sun It's all too beautiful It's all too beautiful It's all too beautiful Ha! It's all too beautiful - [DOOR OPENS.]
- It's all too beautiful It's all too beautiful It's all too beautiful It's all too beautiful Cora, could I get some orange juice, please? It's all too beautiful It's all too beautiful [YELLS.]
Cora! Did she go out or something? I haven't seen her, sir.
Professor.
See, this is the problem.
How am I supposed to motivate employees if I can't leverage salaries? Herzberg, right? What are you doing? We have The Ceremony tonight.
No.
Get up.
I'm not gonna do that with you.
Come on, get up.
Go to your room! [FOOTSTEPS RECEDING.]
[MEN SPEAKING QUIETLY.]
[DOOR CLOSES.]
You forget your lunch today, Waterford? [ALL CHUCKLING.]
Blessed day.
Gentlemen, thank you for allowing me to speak.
How can we help you? Our Covenant allows those in good standing to come forward with amendments to be considered by the Council.
We would like to propose such an amendment.
We? [DOOR OPENS.]
[MEN MURMUR.]
[DOOR CLOSES.]
As faithful servants, it is our duty to ensure that the children of Gilead live by the laws of scripture.
The Holy Scripture is a miracle.
It is a gift given by Him to all of humanity.
We believe that our sons and daughters should be taught to read it.
[MEN MURMUR.]
That is a radical proposal, Mrs.
Waterford.
Offered with the deepest respect.
And the love that I have for my daughter.
And for all the daughters in Gilead.
Thank you.
We will certainly discuss the issue seriously.
[GASP.]
Serena.
[WOMEN MURMUR.]
"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, - and the Word was God.
" - [FOOTSTEPS RECEDING.]
[DOOR OPENS.]
"In Him was life, and life was the light of men.
And the light shineth in the darkness.
" [ALL MURMUR.]
[NAOMI.]
You shouldn't have done that.
"Be bold and mighty forces will come to your aid.
" [GRACE.]
The Galatians? No.
Goethe.
A German heretic.
William Basil King, actually.
A Canadian minister.
[DOOR OPENS.]
[FOOTSTEPS APPROACHING.]
Ladies, bless you for coming in today.
We appreciate your interest in our work.
You have given us a lot to consider.
So, what is it that you're going to do? Thank you again.
What did the others say? Warren seemed open to the idea.
I did this for Nichole.
I did it to set an example for our daughter.
[DOOR OPENS.]
And so you have.
Fred! No! Fred! Stop it! Fred, please! Fred, stop! Stop it, Fred! [SERENA SCREAMING.]
Fred! Please! Please! [DOOR CLOSES.]
[FOOTSTEPS APPROACHING.]
Blessed be the fruit.
Last night was your first Ceremony.
Commander Lawrence said it went splendidly.
Isn't that encouraging, Ofjoseph? Emily! [AUNT LYDIA EXHALES.]
I hope you appreciate the opportunity you've been given in this house.
God is truly merciful.
He offers redemption, even to the most perverse and degenerate among his flock.
[AUNT LYDIA EXHALES.]
It's like I cut out your tongue.
[FOOTSTEPS RECEDE.]
- [GRUNTS.]
- [EXCLAIMS.]
[EXCLAIMS.]
[GROANING.]
[GROANING.]
[GRUNTS, BREATH TREMBLING.]
[EXCLAIMS.]
[GROANS.]
[GROANING.]
[FOOTSTEPS APPROACHING.]
[MOANS.]
Commander! Commander! What? Call an ambulance! Dear Lord.
What have you done? [MOANS.]
You stay in there! - [DOOR CLOSES.]
- [GASPING.]
- [DOOR LOCKS.]
- [BREATHING HEAVILY.]
[LAUGHS.]
[GASPING.]
[CRYING.]
[SNIFFLING.]
[WHEEZING.]
[DOOR OPENS.]
[FOOTSTEPS APPROACHING.]
[DOOR CLOSES.]
Where is Nichole? She's sleeping.
Rita just put her down.
Offred, take this upstairs for me, please.
Here.
Mrs.
Waterford? We had a difficult day.
But all will be well, from here on.
You should lie down.
I'll get you some tea.
What happened? Serena? [BREATHING HEAVILY.]
[CRYING.]
I tried.
[CHINA BEING MOVED.]
Rita.
[YELLING.]
Rita! Offred, can you Can you help me here? Where does she keep the tea? Thank you.
Where is Rita? I don't know.
[SIGHS.]
God, send me an obedient woman.
You let them do that to Serena.
We all have our roles to play.
Serena needed to be reminded of hers.
An obedient Handmaid might be able to stay in this house.
How does that sound? It's not allowed.
Well, rules can be bent for a high-ranking Commander.
You could stay here with your baby.
We could try again.
For a boy, this time.
It could be fun.
Go fuck yourself, Fred.
I might even be able to arrange more visits with Hannah.
As long as you behave properly.
Think about it.
[DOOR UNLOCKS.]
[DOOR CREAKING.]
So.
What are we gonna do with you? - Honey, please.
- [ELEANOR.]
Wait! Go.
Honey, please.
Please, go upstairs! You don't need to be a part of this! [ELEANOR.]
I didn't get to say goodbye! It was nice knowing you! Back to bed, my love! [GARAGE DOOR OPENING.]
Exciting day.
You must be so proud of yourself.
You like music? Who doesn't like music? ["WALKING ON BROKEN GLASS" BY ANNIE LENNOX PLAYS.]
Broken glass Walking on Walking on broken glass [WHIMPERS.]
You were the sweetest thing That I ever knew But I don't care for sugar, honey If I can't have you Since you've abandoned me My whole life has crashed Won't you pick the pieces up 'Cause it feels just like [BREATHING HEAVILY.]
I'm walking on broken glass Walking on walking on broken glass Can you turn this off? Ooh-hoo yeah Walking on walking on [TURNS OFF MUSIC.]
So.
Not a music fan.
[NICHOLE SPUTTERS.]
Good girl.
Good girl.
Who's a good girl? Okay, come here.
[NICHOLE COOS.]
Hi, sweetie.
[NICHOLE BURPS.]
Oh, there we go.
Okay, good.
Okay, give me a good one.
Okay? [NICHOLE BURPS.]
[DOG BARKING.]
[SIREN BLARES.]
[INDISTINCT MALE VOICES SHOUTING.]
[INDISTINCT VOICE OVER RADIO.]
[FOOTSTEPS APPROACHING.]
[DOOR OPENS.]
Rita.
What is it? Come! We can get you out! You and the baby! But you have to go right now! Go! Get your shoes! What? Who's "we"? Friends.
Marthas.
Go! Go! [NICHOLE CRYING.]
It's okay, baby.
It's okay.
[MUSIC BOX PLAYING.]
[SIREN BLARING.]
[INDISTINCT MALE VOICES SHOUTING.]
Sir, I need you to clear your vehicle out.
Clear your vehicle! [SIREN BLARES.]
[INDISTINCT VOICE OVER RADIO.]
[DOG BARKING.]
Move on out.
Move on out.
[VEHICLE HORN BLARES.]
[INDISTINCT VOICE OVER RADIO.]
[DOG BARKING.]
Hi, baby.
Hi, sweet girl.
Go past the greenhouse all the way to the corner of the yard.
They will find you.
God bless you, sweet girl.
[DOG BARKS.]
God protect you.
- [DOG BARKS.]
- [SIREN BLARES.]
Thank you.
[NICHOLE COOS.]
Go! [DOG BARKS.]
[BREATHING HEAVILY.]
[INDISTINCT CHATTER.]
[FIREFIGHTER.]
Everyone away from the house.
[DOG BARKING.]
[INDISTINCT VOICE OVER RADIO.]
[NICHOLE COOS.]
Shh.
[INDISTINCT VOICE OVER RADIO.]
[FIREFIGHTER 1.]
Yeah, we've gotta hit the top.
- Hit the top.
Swing that ladder.
- [INDISTINCT VOICE OVER RADIO.]
[FIREFIGHTER 2.]
We need two more engines on the west side, please.
Two more engines, west side.
[DOG BARKING.]
[NICHOLE COOS.]
[BREATHING HEAVILY.]
[INDISTINCT VOICE OVER RADIO.]
[FIREFIGHTER.]
Back that up here! - [DOGS BARK.]
- [INDISTINCT VOICE OVER RADIO.]
[FIREFIGHTER.]
Clear the sector! - [DOGS BARK.]
- [SIREN BLARES.]
[FIREFIGHTER.]
Clear those vehicles, please! [DOGS BARK.]
[NICHOLE FUSSING.]
Shh.
[INDISTINCT CHATTER.]
[FIREFIGHTER 1.]
Yeah, this one's done.
[FIREFIGHTER 2.]
Over here.
[DOG BARKING.]
[PIANO MUSIC PLAYING.]
[SIREN BLARES.]
[SIRENS BLARE.]
[INDISTINCT VOICE OVER RADIO.]
[SIRENS BLARE.]
Nick? Nick! Rita, what's going on? [DOGS BARK.]
I don't know, sir.
[FIREFIGHTER.]
Over there! [DOG BARKS.]
[FIREFIGHTER 1.]
We've got another one over here, guys! [FIREFIGHTER 2.]
Over here! Offred! Offred! [FOOTSTEPS APPROACHING.]
Nick.
Get downstairs, pull together a search team.
You should stay inside, sir.
My child is missing! It's too dangerous out there.
We'll stay here.
[SIREN BLARING.]
[MARTHA 1 WHISPERS.]
Offred.
[DOG BARKS.]
[SERENA.]
What are you doing? [NICHOLE COOS.]
Serena.
No, no.
Give me my baby.
Serena, listen! Listen to me! Give me my child.
Listen to me, okay? Please.
No.
I can get her out.
- I can get her out of here.
- No.
No.
She cannot grow up here.
- [SOBS.]
No.
- She cannot grow up in this place.
- Listen to me.
- [SOBS.]
You know she can't.
- [INDISTINCT MALE VOICE.]
- [DOG BARKS.]
[NICHOLE COOS.]
I know that you love her so much.
I do.
I've seen it.
Yeah.
- You can do it.
- I can't.
Yes, you can.
[GUARDIAN.]
Back up.
Please.
[INDISTINCT MALE VOICE.]
[SOBS.]
I know how much you love her.
[NICHOLE COOS.]
Let me have her.
So I can say goodbye.
Okay.
Aw, shh, shh.
[SNIFFLES.]
[SIREN BLARES.]
May the Lord bless you, and keep you.
May His face shine on you, and may He be gracious unto you, and may He lift up his countenance upon you.
My sweet My sweet Nichole.
[SOBS.]
[DOG BARKS.]
And may He grant you peace.
[INDISTINCT VOICE OVER RADIO.]
[SIGHS.]
[NICHOLE COOS.]
[DOG BARKS.]
[FIREFIGHTER.]
All clear on the west side, sir! [SERENA SNIFFLING.]
[NICHOLE COOS.]
[DOG BARKING.]
[FIREFIGHTER 1.]
That's coming down.
That's coming down.
Watch out! [FIREFIGHTER 2.]
You've got another 50 feet.
There's a blaze going here too, guys! [SERENA SOBS.]
Blessings on you, Serena.
[SIREN APPROACHING.]
[INDISTINCT MALE VOICES.]
- [DOG BARKING.]
- [SIRENS BLARE.]
[MARTHA 1.]
Come on! [FIREFIGHTER.]
Yeah, over here, guys! [MARTHA 1.]
Come on! Come! [FIREFIGHTER.]
Back it up! Let's go! So, what now? [DOG BARKING.]
June, give me the baby.
[FIREFIGHTER.]
There's another one! [NICHOLE COOS.]
Thank you.
June, good luck.
This way.
This way.
Through there.
Now wait here.
Hi.
[NICHOLE COOS.]
- You okay? - Got her.
[DOG BARKS.]
[FIREFIGHTER.]
Move that out.
[INDISTINCT VOICE OVER RADIO.]
[FIREFIGHTER.]
Move aside! There! Okay.
Wait! [TRUCK HORN BLARES.]
[NICHOLE CRIES.]
Go! [SIRENS BLARE.]
[MARTHA 6.]
June! Don't worry.
It's not far.
That way.
[FIREFIGHTER 1.]
Come over here.
[FIREFIGHTER 2.]
Wow, wow.
Right there.
Good.
[PANTING.]
[MARTHA 6.]
Come on.
[NICHOLE COOS.]
[SIRENS BLARE.]
[OFFRED.]
Okay.
[MARTHA 6.]
It's not much further.
[SIREN BLARING.]
[SIRENS BLARE.]
[HELICOPTERS APPROACHING.]
- [NICHOLE COOS.]
- Shh.
Wait here.
Thank you.
Godspeed.
[TRAIN HORN BLARES.]
[NICHOLE CRIES.]
Shh.
It's all right.
Shh.
It's okay.
It's okay.
[NICHOLE CRIES.]
It's okay, baby.
Shh.
[NICHOLE COOS.]
Let me be your mirror Reflect who you are And if you don't know I'll be the wind The rain and the sunset The light on your door To show that you're home When you think the night Has seen your mind And inside you're twisted And unkind [BOTH LAUGH.]
Let me stand I'll show you That you're blind Please put down your hands 'Cause I see you [BOTH LAUGHING.]
[NICHOLE COUGHS.]
Holly.
This is your sister Hannah.
Isn't she pretty? [NICHOLE COOS.]
Maybe you'll meet her one day.
[NICHOLE COOS.]
You're gonna meet her one day.
[VEHICLE APPROACHING.]
[NICHOLE COOS.]
[KISSES.]
[SIREN BLARING.]
[BREATHING HEAVILY.]
Godspeed.
Emily? What is happening? I'm getting myself in deep shit.
You're getting out.
Out? You're getting out of Gilead.
They're all yours.
Have a nice life! 'Kay.
Come on.
[LAWRENCE.]
Don't get caught! Keep away from drugs! [EMILY.]
June! June! Come on! Hurry up! Hurry! [NICHOLE COOS.]
Call her Nichole.
Tell her I love her.
June! No! June! June! [SOMBER MUSIC PLAYS.]
[DARK MUSIC PLAYS.]
["BURNING DOWN THE HOUSE" BY TALKING HEADS PLAYS.]

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