Holy **** this was powerful! This adaptation had alot going for it even before it's release from the big name cast to the exceptional source material. But with the stark prospect of a Trump presidency which would've meant a tightening on many rights sich as those of lgbtqia folkx (specifically trans) and on women. The right has been especially vocal in it's religious leanings or it's opinions on reproductive rights and this is placed centerfold. A horrifyingly possible "what if church was state" dystopia that rather than reaching for sci-fi or extra-terrestial threats our own zealous opposes us. Offred who is given a name in this adaptation is relentlessly compelling. Her asides are just as stunning as the scenes Elizabeth Moss dominates. Extremly nuanced political drama in the sense it's says alot with it's realities to how we behave in ours,the flashbacks giving difficult epiphanies to all the things we take for granted as freedoms or even how powerlessness can become an easier choice. Unflinching writing that honestly improves on the source material. You are constantly uncomfortable, anxious and scared. You ask yourself the credibility of this only to realize the roots of these nightmares exist around **** ache of June's separation or the other handmaids exploitation. It's disingenuous to say rarely is a show this visceral when television is as great as it is but to not acknowledge how monumental this reason is in comparison cannot go unsaid. A master of tension,emotion and storytelling you can tell not a single piece of this vision hasn't been laboured over,from the crystalline cinematography to the award worthy music choices&scoring.irrespevtive of the rest of the show trajectory after this it's sure to say it started with a bang, landmark television

A disturbing dystopian tale that cuts close to the bone. Atmospheric, complex and brilliantly constructed this is an excellent adaption of Atwood's classic novel. One of the best shows of 2017.