"The Handmaid's Tale" Milk (TV Episode 2021) Poster

(TV Series)

(2021)

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9/10
Paybacks are great
allenmcd-923716 May 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Bravo Rita! It has a glorious payback to the two monsters who controlled, physically and emotionally abused you for so many years. Serena tried her best to exercise control over Rita, failed. And clueless Fred who felt he was a kind Master also failed. But Rita, in the end, gave Fred new ammunition to go after Serena.
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8/10
Not a lot happened but great acting
Pbwhy6 May 2021
The zoom in shots are back. One third of the episode is just June's face. Like I get that her acting is great but the amount of shots of just her face is a little redundant.
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7/10
Rita's redemption
ellenypes5 May 2021
Warning: Spoilers
I feel like Rita's story was very strong in this episode. She almost got manipulated by Serena, but soon finds out her hidden agenda, and when meeting with Fred he acts precisely the way Serena did and she's not fighting their battle. However why I rated this a 7 is because I find myself a bit less interested in June's storyline. I really so badly want to know how Gilead's doing right now. What about the other handmaid's and wives and how does this effect that. It seems that now they're going to stay with these new post apocalyptic warriors characters and much like the previous home, it's just for a little while and I'm not that interested in the new people. Also I missed aunt Lydia this episode. Just doesn't feel the same without her.
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10/10
Keep the flashbacks coming!!!
Critic_For_Life5 May 2021
Warning: Spoilers
I love to see the past lives of these Handmaids and enjoyed getting to know more about Janine. I fear that Serena has an agenda. But Elisabeth Moss just gets better and better. It would not surprise me however If Madeline Brewer was nominated for a supporting role- she's overdue.

Keep up the surprises, twists and turns- it is going to be an emotional ride.

I couldn't agree more with the reviews: 1. June- great acting and a lot of closeups. IYes- many zoom shots of June.

2. Ironically I wish we could see what's happening in Gilead and how are the 'parents' of the 86 children dealing with their loss? How is the Red Center dealing with this?

3. Fred gets what he deserves. Serena cares for nobody but herself - she is a sly fox and Rita finally catches on.

4. Yes- I too miss Aunt Lydia.

5. The story is very interesting this season and I don't know what to expect.

6. Love the flashbacks. Great to see Janine's life pre-Gilead. How cute is Caleb !!

7. Very little about Emily and what about her son.

So much more and yet 6 more episodes left and I wonder if there are too many stories to tell in what feels like a short season.

I will miss Beth, Alma, Brianna - wish they didn't leave so soon.
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10/10
Stunning!
Madeline Brewer (Janine) is now on my favourite list. Damn her acting is brilliant and her character is just so sweet and truly good.

I'm a bit disappointed about June's harsh attitude towards her, and I hope that change in following episode, because Janine deserves some love!
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9/10
Pivotal Episode
winstonsmith_846 May 2021
Warning: Spoilers
This (as well as the episode before it) mark the beginning and end of a harrowing new chapter in June's life. I love that she stays rebellious, yet at the same time, has to give in when it's time. And when she gets to where she thinks she wants to be, she's met with some troubling similarities to what she fought against all along.... and realizes the journey, the search, must continue... even though her friend seems to think differently. I enjoyed the flashbacks in this episode, with the abortion clinic... definitely must have been inspired by that documentary about the fake Christian abortion clinics that lie to women to keep them pregnant... being pro-life but only for while the woman is pregnant, then abandoning her after lying to her. That really captured me, showing the seeds of a repressive, horrible regime they call Gillead where their false beliefs are simply ratcheted up a notch to brutal enforcement.

Great episode, one to remember. Who ever thought of the milk thing? Brilliant. Literally never done before in any media I've consumed and pretty original... I'm sure there's some hidden meaning there... what I have not figured out quite yet.

But yeah... great acting, a real reset of all the characters, where they are. Big things happened. A huge shift in the story. Worth your time.
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10/10
Important.
katesch-4089614 May 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Crisis pregnancy centers purposely set up near women's health clinics in order to fool women. Their workers pretend to work for the actual clinic and fool women into coming into their center and try to guilt women into keeping unwanted pregnancies. I'm very happy this show decided to feature this because it's a very real issue that women go through. Shame on the liars in these reviews defending them.
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6/10
What happened to the ear trackers ??
jennfinn14 May 2021
I just remembered something - WHAT HAPPENED TO THE TRACKERS THAT ALL HANDMAIDS HAD PUT IN THEIR EARS ???? The show's creator probably doesn't even remember this very important bit of information or they're hoping the audience forgot or is too stupid to mention it.

Wouldn't the train conductor be alerted when gallons of milk drained out of the tank ?? I find it hard to believe that June could lift Janine up with only one arm. June really needs to stop underestimating Janine and treating her like a child.
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9/10
Accuracy
audie_u25 October 2021
Some scenes are definitely embellished storytelling. The flashbacks aren't.

This is an important episode giving a snippet of Janine's life. It's an unfortunate, yet accurate representation of the misinformation women have to navigate to access healthcare in our real-world present day. Janine's journey is the kind of harm and control that can spiral into a Gilead society.

The Handmaid's Tale as a whole has always been deeply and fully political and feminist. I'd go so far as to say that if someone didn't care for the messages trying to be shown in this episode they've been missing all the points for the last 4 seasons.

Milk brought back the feel of earlier seasons and it worked! A large part of the appeal that the show holds is how much it serves as a warning sign against the path we're so dangerously treading.
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7/10
Handmaids clothes dont get wet! Warning: Spoilers
Ok, June and Janine ran away from the guard through the train tracks, and at some point they find some Gilead army trains ready to leave. One of this trains is full of liquid, which is milk and they jump in hiding from the guards. At this point is just ok, but after there are some points that really bothered me. June easily finds the drain and the milk is gone after a minute. After that when the train stops and they leave, they are not even wet or sticky from the milk, it actually seems that Janine and June's clothes are actually clean, dry and warm. That was super annoying to watch actually. Another thing that bothers me is the fact they never mention the handmaid that commited suicide before June was posted to the Waterfords. Rita was there when it happened and she never speaks about it, I hope at some point they get deeper at this but I believe they wont. The episode has some high points also like Janines past and Chicagos landscape at war. Im giving it a 7 because the show is too good and this is not one of the best episodes, not memorable.
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10/10
It makes me feel sad!
ahmedmohamed-201356 May 2021
It was so emotional and sad, the cinematography was amazing tho!, I already stoped at every shoot and took a SS for it!...i really loved it.
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7/10
Painfully slow
dorsakarimi6 May 2021
Warning: Spoilers
The show has been painfully slow at times and this is another instance. I would prefer to see more happening than just zoom shots of June's face!

The storyline with Janine was very good and I started sobbing at the end when she pulled through. We were lead to believe June is the "strong" one and Janine needs protection but this time Janine unexpectedly showed her fierce side - ofc along with the abortion clinic scenes which were a brilliant representation of the mindset that was prevalent just before Gilead taking over.
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5/10
Janine shines.
betanslivka1 August 2021
Was so happy to see Janine being the strong one. It was long overdue. Madeline Brewer is just as good and actress as Elisabeth Moss (as is Alexis Bledel) and it's great to see her finally get to show it. Now if they could only stop with the closeups of Elisabeth Moss. They make it look like she is either having petit mal seizures or is in the early stages of Parkinsons. I'm hoping that they will take us back to where her acting ability went beyond making faces and talking with overdramatic phrasing. She was so much better in season 1.
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9/10
Milk is good for the bones
titch_screams4 December 2022
Okay. First off for all the people whining about June close ups. The story is from Junes perspective, hence the close ups. It's to show us, the viewer, how she's feeling and If you compare from season 1 expressions to now? We are seeing mass amounts of changes in how June feels. So if you don't like it, stop watching.

Janine however was always pretty strong. She snapped quickly, but her life had already been pretty difficult. Her acting, like all of the actors, is and continues to be impeccable.

The targeted message that Janine was weaker than June was intentional so it didn't distract from Junes story.

It is still from Junes perspective up until this episode, where we see snippets of Janines past.

The episode all in all was a nice shift in dynamic though so worth a watch.
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10/10
Outstanding
hazzaky31 May 2021
Outstanding performance Acting Music Everything One of the best episodes.
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8/10
Navigating Loyalties and Sacrifice
badeclerck9 February 2024
Warning: Spoilers
In the third episode of The Handmaid's Tale's fourth season, viewers are treated to a compelling narrative that serves as a poignant transition between two distinct worlds: the oppressive realm of Gilead and the territory controlled by rebels. Aptly described as a transitional episode, it masterfully navigates themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and the complexities of human relationships.

The tension between Janine and June reaches a boiling point as they find themselves hiding in a milk truck, hurling accusations and grievances at each other. Janine, still reeling from the loss of their friends, blames June for their predicament, while June retaliates with harsh words of her own. Their exchange is raw and unfiltered, showcasing the deep emotional wounds inflicted by their shared trauma. Despite their differences, their bond remains unbreakable, underscored by moments of vulnerability and understanding.

As the Gileadean convoy comes under attack by rebel forces, June and Janine are given a chance at freedom. Steven, a rebel leader, offers them sanctuary but requests a private moment with one of them. June, willing to sacrifice herself for Janine's safety, ultimately decides against it, reaffirming their commitment to each other's well-being. Janine's selfless act of sacrifice, fueled by her unwavering loyalty to June, is both heart-wrenching and uplifting, highlighting the enduring power of friendship in the face of adversity.

The episode also delves into the complex issue of pregnancy and abortion, as Janine grapples with her decision to terminate her pregnancy. Through her journey, viewers are confronted with the moral and ethical dilemmas surrounding reproductive rights, with Janine seeking counsel from both anti-abortion activists and compassionate medical professionals. Her eventual decision to undergo the procedure, free from coercion and judgment, reaffirms her agency and autonomy over her own body.

Meanwhile, Serena's revelation of her pregnancy to Rita sets the stage for a dramatic confrontation with Commander Waterford. Rita's refusal to be swayed by emotional manipulation and her assertion of independence serve as a powerful rebuke to Gilead's oppressive regime. Her decision to walk away from servitude, coupled with her defiance against the Waterfords, marks a significant turning point in her character arc, symbolizing her journey towards freedom and self-determination.

In conclusion, The Handmaid's Tale continues to captivate audiences with its nuanced exploration of power dynamics, resilience, and the enduring bonds of friendship. Episode 3 serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made in the pursuit of freedom and the complexities of navigating loyalty in a world defined by oppression. With its compelling storytelling and powerful character development, this episode sets the stage for an exhilarating season ahead, leaving viewers eagerly anticipating what lies in store for June and her fellow handmaids as they continue their fight for liberation.
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7/10
I'm here just to read the triggered anti abortion people
samanzs3 April 2023
As said in the title, I knew this episodes would have triggered many people.

Here in Europe 90% of people are clearly pro abortion, wich doesn't mean we like to kill babies, but we give people the choice to not have babies if an accident happens. And it's an embryo, not a baby. I'm surprised to read how many debate there are in USA about that, wich it's crazy in 2023.

Maybe Americans really prefer to live in a disthopic country like Gilead.

The rest of the episode was ok. The storyline in Canada it's quite boring and June's character is as obnoxious as always. Hopefully they will improve the plot going on.
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7/10
[7.3] Milk is good for the skin!
cjonesas29 May 2022
Episode 4: Good acting, quite nice flashbacks, great score. Just, more screen time of Janine please and less of June. Her close-ups while being artistically great in the writers and director's minds, already started a riot among the fans and I'm close to be soon joining their group!
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7/10
Milk
bobcobb30115 August 2021
Warning: Spoilers
A little too Walking Dead for my taste, but this is still a step in the right direction. The show needed something different and finally we are headed there.
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3/10
Serena
dancaroleshealy28 September 2022
Warning: Spoilers
I'm getting so sick of everyone Being so nice and accommodating to Serena when they are all fully aware of her evils. Why do they keep letting her hold and see the baby. IT ISN'T HER KID. Not by adoption or DNA. What is this concept so hard for the Canadians to understand. It is maddening. And why is Rita now her bestie and so happy that Serena is pregnant. I keep waiting for someone -ANYONE- to ask Serena how it feels to have your child taken from you and ask her how these handmaids are supposed to just forget kids they've had for 5, 6 or 7 years when she can't forget about a baby that isn't even hers.
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1/10
Boring
katildavsan6 May 2021
It's almost mid-season and literally nothing happened yet, the story does not progress, after 21 months of waiting I feel disappointed for being have to fast forward some scenes because of boredom...
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1/10
Agenda ruins everything
bajachild21 May 2021
The abortion bias was way too strong here. Even for a liberal feminist like me. Also, I keep wanting to turn off the show because of the suuuuuuuper long closeups and "subtle" acting from Moss: repeated blinking, eye twitching, quivering head, the constant "determined" stare. I was tired of that way back in season 2. It is about driving me batty now. And it is all making the show feel really slow. Unfortunate because I otherwise love the show.
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2/10
Unrealistic
marco-107-88678416 September 2021
Full off very convenient circumstances like finding a half empty milk tank with an open hatch. The tank conveniently had in inside control valve. Then they unbelievably managed to climb out of the tank.
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2/10
This is taking the wrong turn
smulders-871066 May 2021
I've been an avid fan of the handmaid's tale and the first 3 episodes of this season where awesome. This episode however seems to be the first made under COVID-19 rules which limits each scene to a maximum of 2 persons interacting or being in the same room.

Maybe I am susceptible to this because of The Walking Dead, in which they have killed the whole show with boring episode after boring episode. In favor of the handmaids tale writers: I must admit it is slightly more entertaining than TWD still.

I really hope this is not a trend for the rest of the episodes of this season. If so, in my opinion, it would have been better to postpone the show 2 years than to make inferior episodes.
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1/10
Is there a reason?
MidoriAi18 May 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Is there a reason to kill Alma and the other handmaid??

Rita should know better.. I mean, it is really stup1d to put her character to be wanting to be part of Serena's life again!! Stockholm syndrome??

As many pointed out, I'm sick and tired of June's extreme close-ups. Really tired. Her faces are cringe worthy.
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