The Handmaid’s Tale isn’t the kind of TV show that suits a binge-watch. Its heart-heavy dystopian story about a brutal theocracy that enslaves and rapes fertile women benefits from a little fresh air between episodes. On-screen torture and suffering are best delivered in small doses. It’s good news then, that after its first three episodes are released on Hulu in one batch on Wednesday April 28th, the remaining seven episodes of season four will be released weekly each Wednesday until June 16th, giving US viewers all time to digest. Please note that some of the Hulu episode synopses contain plot details and hints, so avoid reading the summaries if you want to remain unspoiled for what’s to come.
Episode 1: Pigs (April 28th 2021)
Writer: Bruce MillerDirector: Colin Watkinson‘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.’ Read our spoiler-filled review here.
Episode 2: Nightshade (April 28th 2021)
Writer Kira SnyderDirector: Colin Watkinson‘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.’ Read our spoiler-filled review here.
Episode 3: The Crossing (April 28th 2021)
Writer: Bruce MillerDirector: Elisabeth Moss‘Captured by Gilead, June faces a vengeful Aunt Lydia and ensures a torturous interrogation. Nick and Lawrence collaborate to protect June. In Toronto, Luke struggles with how to help June and Hannah.’ Read our spoiler-filled review here.
Episode 4: Milk (May 5th 2021)
Writer: Jacey HeldrichDirector: Christine Choe‘June takes a harrowing journey. Janine remembers a stressful experience in her past. In Toronto, Serena tries to manipulate Rita.’Read our spoiler-filled review here.
Episode 6: Vows (May 19th 2021)
Writer: Dorothy FortenberryDirector: Richard Shepard‘June contemplates the possibility of freedom.’Read our spoiler-filled review here.
Episode 7: Home (May 26th 2021)
Writer: Yahlin ChangDirector: Richard Shepard‘June contends with joy, pain and rage as she acclimates herself to vastly changed circumstances.’Read our spoiler-filled review here.
Episode 8: Testimony (June 2nd 2021)
Writer: Kira SnyderDirector: Elisabeth Moss‘June confronts a painful reminder of her Gilead past. Lawrence presents something helpful to Aunt Lydia.’Read our spoiler-filled review here.
Episode 9: Progress (June 9th 2021)
Writer: Eric Tuchman & Aly MonroeDirector: Elisabeth Moss‘Serena and Fred get unexpected visitors from Gilead. Aunt Lydia deals with a hunger strike at the Red Centre.’Read our spoiler-filled review here.
Episode 10: The Wilderness (June 16th 2021)
Writer: Bruce MillerDirector: Liz Garbus‘June draws on all her resources and relationships, risking everything to ensure her own kind of justice.’
