Season One, Episode Eight: “Broken”
Agnes is dreaming about Garth, and in the dream, the two of them are dancing together when Becka suddenly interrupts them. The moment becomes heartbreaking when Agnes realizes that Becka is going to marry Garth. Agnes is clearly upset, showing just how strong her feelings for Garth have become and how difficult it is for her to accept that he may soon belong to someone else.
The plate-breaking engagement ceremony begins, and Agnes is expected to glue the broken plate back together before her wedding. The Aunts describe it as a symbol of resurrection, restoration, and preservation, representing the idea that a woman can be restored and made whole again through marriage. It is supposed to represent the marriage of an unbroken woman, but honestly, the whole ritual is just crazy talk. There is something deeply disturbing about Gilead turning a broken plate into something they can call beautiful or sacred.
Agnes and Garth are outside when he congratulates her on her engagement, and she congratulates him as well, even though there is clearly some sadness behind the moment. When the Green girls arrive at school, they are each carrying a bag containing a broken glass dish for their engagement ritual. The girls are then taken into a room to learn about sex—but, of course, it is Gilead’s version of sex, not the real thing. The Aunts describe the women as a “sacred vessel,” which makes the whole lesson feel incredibly strange and disturbing. During the class, Agnes notices that Hulda seems distracted and is acting differently, making Agnes wonder what is going on with her. Daisy and Shunammite are not allowed to attend because they are not considered women of age yet, but Daisy tells Shunammite that she will explain sex to her later.
Daisy goes to the bathroom and realizes that she has become a woman. Shunammite catches her washing her underwear, and Daisy begs her not to say anything. She knows that this could change everything for her if the others find out, making the moment even more frightening.
Agnes and Hulda are at recess when Hulda begins to tell Agnes about what happened during her trip to the dentist. Agnes urges her to tell the Aunts, but Hulda refuses because she doesn’t want anyone to know. Agnes becomes angry because she realizes that Dr. Grove did the same thing to her. It’s a painful moment for Agnes because she knows exactly what Hulda has been through and wants her to speak up, but Hulda is too afraid of what might happen if she does.
At lunch, Agnes has a frightening vision of Hulda jumping off the balcony. She is suddenly brought back to reality when Aunt Lydia begins speaking and announces the wedding engagements. Everyone at the table is quiet as the names are called, and Agnes is devastated when she hears that Becka might marry Garth since he is on her list now. Daisy looks shocked by the announcement as well. Shunnamite is trying to figure out why everyone seems so sad when this is supposed to be a happy occasion, and she genuinely wants to celebrate with her friends. Really Shunnamite? She doesn’t understand the tension around the table or why everyone is so quiet. Then Becka announces that she will be having the first engagement party, not a happy celebration for her since she does not want to get married in the first place.
At home, Agnes is doing a cake tasting with Commander Weston when Paula tries to put in her two cents and tells Agnes what kind of cake she should choose. Weston reminds Agnes that it is her wedding and that she should pick whatever she wants instead of letting Paula take over. When it is time to choose the flowers, Agnes picks ones that Paula doesn’t like, but Agnes is insistent that they are the flowers she wants for her wedding. For once, Agnes stands her ground and insists that she gets to make the choice.
Agnes is called to the Aunts’ office, where Hulda is waiting. Hulda has told them what happened with Dr. Grove, but Aunt Vidala talks her out of making a complaint, convincing her that she imagined what happened. Agnes sits there in shock, unable to say anything to defend her friend. She is completely caught off guard that Hulda actually spoke up and she freezes. After they leave the office, Agnes feels guilty for not speaking up and tells Hulda that she should have stood up for her.
The Green girls are in the art room when something goes missing, and Shunnamite realizes that Daisy took it and used it as a pad. After class, Shunnamite tells Daisy that she needs to tell the Aunts. Shunnamite then admits that she is the only girl who hasn’t had her period yet and that she feels humiliated. She also confides that her brother was taken on Angel’s Flight, and she feels like she can’t disappoint her mother. Daisy is surprised when Shunnamite mentions the flight that took all those children to Canada, but she quickly changes the subject and tells Shunnamite about sex. Shunnamite doesn’t believe her, gets angry, and storms out of the room.
Becka’s engagement party is underway, and everyone is there, including Penny, who looks like she hasn’t washed her hair in a while and ends up leaving the party early. Garth also has to step away to help his father, who is in a wheelchair and unable to speak, and he takes him outside to the porch. Daisy follows him and asks what happened to his father, and Garth explains that he was poisoned during the war with Boston. Daisy then tells Garth that she needs supplies now that she has started her period and asks again when she can leave. Garth tells her that they need her, but Daisy pushes back and tells him to call June. Garth has no idea who June is, leaving Daisy even more frustrated and alone.
Aunt Lydia stops Commander Weston to ask about the Pearl Girl who was taken. Weston tells her not to worry about the girl, but Lydia is clearly not satisfied with his answer. He then compliments her on the great job she is doing with the Plum girls, which only seems to irritate her more. The girl’s fate is disturbing because she could have been sent to the Colonies or, even worse, made into a Handmaid. Either way, Lydia knows that the girl’s life has been completely taken out of her hands.
Agnes and Hulda are approached by Dr. Grove, and both girls are clearly nervous around him after what has happened. Agnes goes outside and runs into Aunt Lydia, where she brings up the meeting with Aunt Vidala and tells Lydia that she believes Hulda is telling the truth. Lydia simply tells Agnes that people like him would be taken care of, but what exactly does that mean? Is she actually going to do something about Dr. Grove, or is she just trying to calm Agnes down? Then Lydia tells Agnes that once she is married, she will never have to go to the dentist again, which makes absolutely no sense. Seriously, that whole conversation with Aunt Lydia raises so many questions. If Dr. Grove is treating the men, why are the Wives suddenly not allowed or expected to see a dentist after marriage? And if Lydia knows what kind of man he is, why isn’t she doing something about it? There is definitely more going on here, and I have a feeling this may come back later.
Agnes is sitting outside when Daisy comes out and immediately senses that something is wrong. Agnes tells Daisy what Dr. Grove did. Daisy assures Agnes that it wasn’t her fault and comforts her. The two girls hug, creating a touching moment between them. Agnes still isn’t sure that she can trust Daisy, but she feels like she has to confide in someone, and for now, Daisy is the person she chooses.
This was a great episode! So much happened, and there were so many moments that made you stop and think about life in Gilead. Daisy and Agnes are both dealing with secrets and fear, while Agnes is beginning to question the things she has always been taught to accept. And Aunt Lydia continues to leave us wondering whose side she is on.
I hope everyone reading this is enjoying the show as much as I am! There is so much happening in each episode, and I love how it keeps giving us new questions to think about. I’m definitely looking forward to the next episode.
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