The Handmaid's Tale Season 2: 7 Ups & 3 Downs From 'Seeds'
3. The Subtext In What's Not Said
The writing in The Handmaid's Tale has always been top-notch, but the latest episode took things to a new level. The Kira Snyder-penned episode is rife with subtext. Examples include June's reliance on her pleasant greetings, such as "Yes, Mrs Waterford" and "No, Mrs Waterford." This suggests that, like Aunt Lydia requested in last week's episode, June is gone and only Offred remains. While not explicitly stated, it's implied.
Moreover, the series always employs voiceover so that June can convey her true feelings. I mean, who else can she talk to if not herself? However, the voiceover was absent for the majority of the episode, once again suggesting that June is truly gone.
Additionally, the conversation between Lydia and Serena was full of subtext, specifically the way Serena bid Aunt Lydia farewell with a frosty "Blessed day." Again, while not explicitly stated, we get the impression that Serena doesn't like being put in her place.