Top 10 Most Heartbreaking Episodes of The Handmaid’s Tale

This article contains references to sexual assault.

The Emotional Impact of The Handmaid’s Tale: Exploring Its Saddest Episodes

The Handmaid’s Tale, adapted from Margaret Atwood’s groundbreaking novel, presents a stark and chilling view of a dystopian society known as Gilead. The narrative follows June Osborne, now referred to as OfFred, as she navigates the harrowing world of forced servitude, where her sole purpose is to bear children for the ruling class. The series refuses to shy away from the grim realities of this oppressive regime, delivering haunting portrayals of cruelty and despair throughout its seasons.

Each episode serves as a poignant reminder of the struggles faced by its characters, often leaving viewers heartbroken and disturbed. The series not only dramatizes the loss of beloved characters but also interweaves moments of brutal torture and sacrifice, enhancing the emotional weight of the narrative. With flashbacks illustrating the origins of this nightmarish reality—especially resonant in today’s socio-political climate—audiences witness the raw resilience and determination of characters striving to survive against all odds.

10. S2.E2 “Unwomen”

The Horrors of the Colonies

This gripping episode centers on ***Emily*** (played by Alexis Bledel) and her forced labor in the toxic wastelands referred to as the Colonies. Following her defiant rebellion, viewers are finally privy to her fate in this emotionally charged installment, which also introduces a new subplot featuring Marisa Tomei as another woman’s personal tragedy following her banishment for perceived sins.

The flashbacks reveal Emily’s painful farewell to her family, made even more poignant by Bledel’s powerful portrayal of sorrow as she watches them leave. Meanwhile, **June** hides from the Waterford household, exploring an abandoned office filled with unnerving remnants of a life lost, amplifying the episode’s overall desolation.

9. S2.E12 “Postpartum”

Eden’s Death Scene

As the season progresses, tensions heighten, particularly for June, who grapples with her separation from her newborn child. ***Serena*** (Yvonne Strahovski), though rationalizing her new role as a mother, inadvertently amplifies June’s suffering as she restricts her access to the child born from the fractious love between June and Nick.

The heartbreaking trial of ***Eden*** (Sydney Sweeney) illustrates the tragic consequences of Gilead’s rigid moral code. Her misguided adherence to the oppressive system starkly contrasts her desperate wish to fulfill her purpose as a mother, culminating in a hauntingly beautiful yet agonizing death scene that resonates deeply with viewers.

8. S3.E9 “Heroic”

A Handmaid on the Edge

This episode chronicles June’s descent into emotional turmoil as she confronts the cost of existence in Gilead. Watching ***OfMatthew*** (Ashleigh LeThrop) undergo a series of intrusive procedures as a living incubator plummets June into madness, burdened by guilt and despair over her circumstances.

The palpable tension captures the chilling reality of the human condition in places where autonomy is crushed. It serves as a grave allegory that connects viewers to various ongoing global issues, amplifying the disturbing relatability of the series.

7. S5.E7 “No Man’s Land”

June vs. Serena

This compelling episode forces July and Serena into a fraught collaboration in a life-threatening scenario as Serena prepares to bear her child. A riveting standoff occurs in their getaway vehicle, where the underlying animosity ignites against the backdrop of life-or-death stakes.

The emotional climax unfolds as June must momentarily suppress her resentment to aid the woman who once controlled her life. The complexity of their conflicting emotions weaves an intricate tapestry of tension that culminates during the birth—a deeply ironic turn of events given the history shared between the two characters.

6. S2.E10 “The Last Ceremony”

The Sorrowful Reunion

The intense emotions within this episode are palpable, marked by episodes of trauma and brutality. The unsettling beginning, where Emily is subjected to a “ceremony,”sets a harrowing tone for the unfolding narrative. Most notably, June’s most distressing moment arises as ****Fred**** (Joseph Fiennes) and Serena enact a horrifying manipulation to *induce* her labor through sexual assault.

Before the crushing heartache of the episode’s conclusion comes a rare treat—a fleeting moment where June is allowed to reunite with her daughter ***Hannah*** (Jordana Blake). The juxtaposition of this emotional reunion against the backdrop of Gilead’s cruelty is a powerful reminder of the heartbreak permeating June’s life.

5. S1.E6 “A Woman’s Place”

Quiet Glimmers of Hope

The emotional weight of this episode is underscored by the longing and grief borne from forbidden love as June and Nick’s secret affair escalates. Their fleeting moments together are laden with fear of the potential loss, amplified by June’s encounters later in the episode with unexpected visitors, including a delegation from Mexico, who remain oblivious to the true horrors of Gilead.

4. S3.E6 “Household”

Washington in Ruins

The somber atmosphere of this episode derides from the juxtaposition between the façade of the Winslow household and the stark reality faced by handmaids. The arcane rituals surrounding family life reveal the immense suffering perpetuated by systemic oppression.

The veiled faces of handmaids, coupled with the disheartening imagery of post-war Washington D.C., serve as a poignant reminder of the destruction wrought upon society. The rancor conveyed amid confrontations between June and Serena further depicts the futility of their attempts at solidarity.

3. S4.E9 “Progress”

The Personal Pains

This particular episode underscores the emotional weight carried by the characters amidst their harrowing lives in Gilead. The quiet, intimate moments often reveal their humanity in stark contrast to the horror surrounding them. The tragedy of fleeting connections is painfully felt as June meets with Nick, punctuated by dreams of a life beyond the reach of Gilead.

2. S4.E3 “The Crossing”

The Handmaids Try to Run

In this heart-wrenching episode, June’s journey through oppression and brutality becomes increasingly unbearable as she confronts the consequences of her decisions. The sight of her daughter trapped behind bars weighs heavily on her, articulating the deep emotional scars borne by mothers within Gilead.

Elisabeth Moss delivers a masterclass performance resonating with devastating authenticity as the episode transitions to critical, tension-filled moments. As handmaids attempt to flee, viewers are inundated with a spectrum of emotions, culminating in a tragic end that evokes hearts to yearn for freedom.

1. S1.E3 “Late”

Cruel from Start to Finish

Esteemed as one of the most crushing episodes from the onset of the series, “Late”showcases ***Emily’s*** plight as a haunting emblem of the despair in Gilead. Her heart-wrenching fate emerges as a narrative centerpiece, sharply contrasting June’s hope and resilience.

The raw intensity of moment shared when Emily faces the consequences of “gender treachery”is gut-wrenching, and Bledel’s evocative performance encapsulates the emotional weight that permeates this tale. This episode encapsulates the bitter truth of Gilead’s systemic cruelty, making it a defining moment in the series’ history.

IMDB’s Highest Rated Episodes of The Handmaid’s Tale
Episode Number	Title	IMDB Score
S3.E13	Mayday	9.3
S3.E11	Liars	9.2
S1.E10	Night	9.0
S2.E10	The Last Ceremony	9.0
S2.E9	Smart Power	8.9