The Handmaid’s Tale Episode 308 recap: Aunt Lydia makes us feel for her, sorta

On the latest episode of The Handmaid’s Tale, Aunt Lydia got a chance to share more of her story and it gave us quite a bit to think about. Continue reading for our recap of Season 3, Episode 8.

Fans of The Handmaid’s Tale have been somewhat conflicted about Aunt Lydia (Ann Dowd) and her character-arc but “Unfit” added more to her origin story. We got to see some of the good that Lydia did before Gilead assumed control, as well as the more cold-hearted bits of her past.

Warning! Spoilers for the latest episodes of The Handmaid’s Tale follow. Read on at your own discretion.

As far as redeemable qualities go, Lydia helped out a struggling single mother and her son during their time of need. Lydia used to be a teacher and found that one of her students was being neglected so she decided to help as much as possible. Aunt Lydia even went as far as to prepare a Christmas celebration in her home for the young boy and his mother.

Everything appears to be going well until a date with a colleague goes terribly wrong, triggering a terrifying change in her. The now scorned Lydia uses her position as a teacher to report the maltreatment of a student to the authorities. Once she does, the child is removed and his mother lashes out at Lydia. Her outburst is justified but she’s quickly hauled away by security. And that’s how the real Aunt Lydia is born.

In the present day, Aunt Lydia keeps her mean streak going by sending her Handmaids to a confessional. There, June is singled out as she inadvertently caused the McKenzie’s destruction. But while all the focus is on June, she testifies that she knows “something” about a fellow Handmaid: Ofmatthews.

What June points out to the group is that Ofmatthew has regrets for her current child. Ofmatthew attempts to deny the accusations but her reactions confirm June’s claims. Aunt Lydia sees the weakness and lectures Ofmatthew on the blessing she holds, as well as the disgrace she’s brought herself in doubting the Lord’s work.

Once everything is said and done at the testimonial, the Handmaids are dismissed. The next day, everyone meets at the local market to continue fulfilling their duties. June still has to walk with Ofmatthews, though she makes it clear that it’s only out of necessity.

At the grocery store, Ofmatthews begins to struggle with the prying eyes all over her. Everyone’s focus is on the handmaid now that she’s raised concerns of possibly hurting the child so her fellow Handmaids are on the lookout. Aunt Lydia also shares an expression of concern as Ofmatthews walks through the convenience store, and then, it’s too much.

Ofmatthews freaks out and bashes another handmaid over the head with several glass jars. She continues an assault until a security guard attempts to break it up. Ofmatthews does the same to him, getting a hold of his gun in the process.

Still freaking out, Ofmatthews begins pointing the gun all over the store with a specific target in mind. She begins looking at June with the barrel pointed at her but then switches sights to Aunt Lydia. Ofmatthews is seconds away from ending the witch’s life when she herself is lit up by security guards and their machine guns.

After all the bullets stop flying, Ofmatthews is dragged away from the store, a trail of blood following her out. The confused handmaid appears to be dead but the promo for next week’s episode proves she survives, technically.

What are your thoughts on this week’s episode of The Handmaid’s Tale? Let us know in the comments section below.

The Handmaid’s Tale airs Wednesdays on Hulu. All episodes are currently streaming. For more on this Hulu Original, follow us on the Hulu Watcher Twitter Account @HuluWatcherFS or on the Hulu Watcher Facebook Page.

(Source: TV Promos)